Two Grace Brethren pastors are on the mend following unexpected hospitalizations within the last few weeks. Ron Boehm, church-planter coach with VisionOhio, collapsed when an abdominal aneurism burst. Rich Schneiders, pastor of Friendship Community Church in Fort Myers, Fla., suffered complications from an outpatient surgery last week and has been in the hospital since. Both are recovering well and have posted updates on Facebook. These are included below with their permission. Please continue to pray for them.
From Ron Boehm (posted November 20, 2014)
Just four weeks ago today: “We got a man down!” was Cindy’s cry as she ran toward the Emergency Room at the Twinsburg Urgent Care Unit just four weeks ago today. My body laid crinkled on the floor near the front entrance of the facility with a bleeding head wound from hitting the hard tile.
The news of a “man down” got a response. Medical personnel came to my side and assumed heart attack. They broke open the ‘crash kit’ that hung on the wall, thinking I might have had a heart attack. They put me on a board to tranport me to a room for examination and soon realized that my problem was a ruptured abdominal aneurism. A helicopter was quickly summoned and on its way to pick me up. “Man down” had sprung the medical community into rescue mode for my life.
When Chery got the word about me, she called a friend and requested prayer. Prayer began to grow as the word spread, “man down.” Within a few short hours, hundreds were praying from places near and far––prayers by present and past friends, and even strangers––whole congregations took up my need, even those that never met me. Children, young leaders, peers, family, and senior saints pled for me and my family. “Man down” raised a chorus of prayer from believers that must have lit up the switch board of heaven!
The “man down” has not yet fully recovered, but he is making positive improvement each day. I am VERY THANKFUL for all who responded to the word of a “man down” and took my needs to the throne of God. Thank YOU for your prayers, and thank GOD for His attending grace and mercy.
Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.
Is. 12:2
From Rich’s wife, Linda, sent the evening of November 19, 2014.
Rich seems to be on the mends. Today he was moved from ICU to the Progressive care unit. He is feeling much better, but still not where he needs to be. He was able to sit up in the chair for 5 hours today. They are slowly re-introducing things like broth and jello so he doesn’t go backward again. We are grateful for your prayers and support. God continues to be amazing.