Several of us (Mark Wagar, Myron and Kathy Martinson, Carol and me) have just returned from a trip to Minneapolis today to visit Frank and family in the Abbott Northwestern hospital.  We learned this morning that Frank (by nodding his head yes) and the family had decided to remove the feeding tube.  The medical staff believed that the food was probably causing problems with Frank's lungs.  The doctor also asked Frank this afternoon if he would like the oxygen mask removed, letting him know that was keeping him alive.  Frank nodded yes.  (Frank has been unable to talk or open his eyes since arriving in Minneapolis)

We left after meetings this morning, arriving at the hospital around 4:00 p.m.  At the time Carolyn, Jerry, and a few other saints were there.  We were so blessed by the Lord that Frank was still responding and aware of who was there.  One by one we were able to talk with Frank and he nodded his head to all of our questions of him.  We had brought hymnbooks and sang several songs.  Those from Meadow Ridge Bible Chapel will not be surprised at our first two selections:  "The Family of God" and "Amazing Grace."  Frank has called those two hymns out more than any others over the years!  I don't know at this time of the night if I can remember all the hymns, but others included "Where the Roses Never Fade," "My Savior First of All" and "It Is Well with My Soul."  He even mouthed the chorus once for one of the hymns...I believe it was "My Savior First of All."  Myron, Mark and I each shared a few verses of scripture with him and some thoughts.  I'm sorry that I can't recall Mark's passage, but mine was from II Corinthians 5:6-8 ("...prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord...") and Myron shared from John 10.

At that time David, Jesse and Danny arrived and were all able to talk to Frank.  Carolyn asked if John and Jim had been notified about Frank recently.  David had been keeping both of them informed by phone.  We suggested that he call both and let them talk on the phone to Frank.  It was precious that first John, and then Jim were able to do that.  Frank responded by nodding his head that he knew who both were.  We sang a couple more hymns so that the grandchildren could join us. 

Non family members then left the room for a time so that the immedate family could spend time alone with Frank.  We then joined everyone (but Jerry, who stayed with Frank) for a quick meal in the hospital cafeteria.  We went back to say what will probably be our final earthly goodbyes to Frank.  During all of this time there were many tears shed...tears of sorrow that we will soon be parted, but also tears of joy realizing that Frank will soon be better off than we.  Of course we openly talked to Frank of his soon arrival in glory where he would see his Savior.

Carolyn was doing remarkably well.  She knows what is about to occur with Frank, and yet the Lord has given her strength, courage and peace.

We went on our way with tears, and yet rejoicing.  Please pray for the family, including Kevin and Elaine who are still in Bolivia.  They are being kept informed of Frank's condition.