Chris and Lynne Strange Your missionary connection in the Philippines 
Just last week our doctor announced as he unwrapped the bandages; “We are taking this arm board off today and we want to start moving those fingers again.” Chris’ excited expression revealed a hint of anticipation mingled with the prospect of wiggling a few fingers. Nothing much happened. However, the doctor was happy with what he saw and gave us the name of the physical therapist in town.
Four days of physical therapy (PT) resulted with Chris having significant movement in the healthy fingers and wrist. Everything had frozen from the inactivity and swelling. Now he can do the “OK” sign with his thumb and index finger and touch the thumb with the ring finger with a bit of outside force. It might be next week that the pinkie responds. The middle finger was the most damaged and is the stiffest. If Chris holds the finger at each joint, there is some movement. This produces two notable reactions: grimace on Chris’ face and elation on the therapist’s face.
His therapist begins each session using infrared light to penetrate heat to the tissues of his hand and draw blood to the site. Next, she uses a machine to send electrical impulses to force muscular movement without exerting any strain on the repaired tendons. Lastly, she and Chris perform exercises designed to increase movement of the fingers without damaging the new repair.
The nerve damage has caused some concern. This is not unusual for that type of injury and the manipulation of tissue for the repair, but strange sensations and lack of feeling revealed that time will tell to what extent that damage will reverse. The surgeon wanted Chris awake for the surgery so the best scenario for a pain free surgery was a nerve block in the wrist during the operation. Some of the pain is the result from the nerve block at his wrist. We have some pictures to share but they are not available in time for this update. Sorry.
If you remember us this week, please:
- pray for the outreaches as the Bible is taught every week around the jungle
- pray that God’s Word will penetrate the hearts of the Banwaon and affect their lives daily
- pray for the continuing translation and revisions that bring the Word to the Banwaon
- pray also for our brothers and sisters and neighbors as they prepare for their rice harvest next month
- pray for our families (we have just missed Jaiden’s fifth birthday party) that we all draw strength from Him during the lonely times
- pray for healing in Chris’ hand and for encouraging results from therapy
- pray that we grow closer to Him and give our all for His glory in our service here
