Prayers for a Miracle!
Author: Pastor Mitch Williams
March 04, 2021
It was a sunny Friday afternoon nearly two weeks ago when Slava
Gospodchikov went for a jog. But soon into his run he started feeling
significant chest pains. Rather than ignore the pain, he wisely grabbed
his cell phone and dialed 911. Soon the paramedics arrived and quickly
whisked him off to the hospital.
Within the
hour, the ER team determined that Slava had suffered an aortic
dissection (when the large blood vessel branching off the heart tears).
Emergency surgery was immediately performed and was successful in
repairing the aortic dissection.
However,
within hours after the surgery, Slava suffered two major strokes. By
Monday morning, Slava remained unresponsive and was on life support. The
medical team informed Lorry, his wife, that he was in critical
condition and to possibly prepare for the worst.
As
a result, your church called for an emergency prayer meeting for Slava
(and Jessica Davis who also happened to be in the ICU). Approximately 50
people joined the prayer conference call, boldly asking the Lord to
spare the lives of Slava and Jessica. Grounded in the promises of
healing found in God’s Word, many prayers were offered in faith, and
with some tears.
Within the next hour, the
neurologist called Lorry and said, “We are seeing some positive signs.”
He then added, “We now believe Slava’s life had likely been spared.” God
is so good! And a few days later, Jessica was released from the
hospital and returned home.
Praise the Lord for how our God responds to the prayers of His people! The Bible says:
The prayer of the righteous person (or group of people) is powerful in what it can achieve.
(James 5:16). Amen!
Today,
Slava breathes on his own, but is unable to speak or walk yet, since
paralysis has affected both sides of his body. He does communicate by
nodding his head and can lift one arm. Earlier this week, Lorry sat
beside her husband and looked into his tender eyes and said, “I want you
to know that there are so many people praying for you!” Lorry says
Slava became misty eyed.
Friends, Slava very
much needs our continued, fervent prayers. Prayers for a successful
rehab that may last for some time. And prayers for Lorry and their three
sons, Dimitri, Maksim, and Anton, as they press forward one day at a
time. Beyond your prayers, we ask that you write an encouraging card or
email to Lorry. And if you are able, schedule to have a meal delivered
to Lorry’s family.
For those of you who may not
know Slava, he is a civil engineer who works in the Contra Costa County
Planning Department. He was born in Russia and has volunteered many
hours for the Boy Scouts of America. As part of Dimitri and Maksim’s
Eagle Scout projects, he helped build a handicap ramp, garden boxes, and
a gazebo in the picnic area of our Community Service Center.
We
are the body of Christ, and when any of our members suffer, we are
called to pray, support, and honor them. Thanks for being that kind of
church for the Gospodchikov family, and may the Great Physician continue
to bring His healing to Slava and Jessica!
“So
then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and
especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
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