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Well...this morning is something that I will never forget even though I am wishing I could. All the important people have been notified so I feel like I can send out a public update. I'll just warn you now that my description might get graphic but i don't have time to think/rethink every word right now. Immediately after breakfast Phil suffered a seizure in the restaurant of the hotel. He could not move or speak and was shaking violently. His body was very stiff and it took all of us to get him on the floor with a towel under his head. A few seconds later he stopped breathing and turned completely blue. We tried to clear his airway but his jaw was clenched so tight that we couldn't see into his mouth and he must have bit his tongue, lip, or cheek because blood was coming out of his mouth. After what seemed like a hundred years, Laurel was able to get two breaths in him because we had started CPR. The hotel staff called for an ambulance but it took a while to get there. All 5 of us were in a heap on the floor trying to keep Phil from getting up. He still wasn't responsive but he kept straining to get his arms underneath him. By the time the ambulance got there he was a little more relaxed. it took a bunch of us to get him in a wheelchair and down to the ambulance. the ambulance was totally worthless with no equipment but mitch was able to ride with him to the hospital. debbie, laurel, and i grabbed our money, passports, and Phil's insurance info and drove with binoy to the hospital. Phil started coming around in the ambulance and by the time we got to the hospital, he was talking and a little embarrassed. I'm at an internet place across from the hotel now because we came back to get some food for Phil and Mitch. The doctors told us that only 1 person is allowed to stay with him so the rest of us are going to visit a few disciples and continue what Phil wants us to do: missions. We can't really make any decisions until we hear from the doctors so we're still planning to go to cochin tomorrow since that's where the nearest international airport is anyway. We'll figure everything else out when we know more. Just pray, don't worry. Over breakfast we were having a conversation about our lessons for tonight and Phil was going to talk about how our citizenship does not belong to any country or even this world. I'm glad his life is his witness and this morning only continues to testify that phil loves the kingdom of god. we'll keep you posted. pray for us, it feels like every ounce of strength has been ripped from us and yet we still see the needs here for love and encouragement.
I love you all, wish I could kiss my wife and boys,
Ben
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Laurie Wilson
non-member comment
About Phil
Hi this is Tomm and Laurie. We have been meaning to write. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are inspired by your hard work and love for the people. Tell Phil what an inspiration he is for all of us. I know all of you are probably going through alot right now , but we wanted to encourage you with a few thoughts. Last night at midweek, we began a summer long study of the book of James. As many of you know James begins by saying "Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James says trials of many kinds. What you are going through certainly would fall under this topic. James also tells us that our view should be that of joy, not joyful about what happened to Phil but joy that God is teaching us things through this trial. Trials are how God shapes our character and causes us to depend on him. People facing trials in a Godly way are an inspiration to those who observe this. All of you are an inspiration to us in Detroit. In James 1:12 we are told that there is blessing and reward from God as we persevere. We will be thinking and praying for all of you. Look forward to being reunited very soon. Love Tomm and Laurie