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John Leonard Update

Dear Brethren,

I just returned from a visit with John and Bev. John is recovering from recent surgery where they reset his jaw. One of the gunshot wounds injured his jaw and broke some teeth. His teeth are wired shut for the moment as he recovers from this surgery. The greatest concern for now is a serious staff infection that he is fighting. This is indeed a most difficult condition and one that requires diligent prayer for healing to occur. Concerning his paralysis, the doctors are not very hopeful. Although doctors and medicines are wonderful, that is not where we put our hope. We are reminded in Psalm 147:10,11, "He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy."

One other note, it is absolutely precious to observe Bev caring for her husband in such a loving and tender way. Continue to uphold her in prayer as this has been very draining on her. In fact, one way to help relieve some of the extra energy it takes for her to great visitors - we recommend that you consider using the free greeting card service offered by Methodist hospital. Simply go to the link www.iowahealth.org and on the Patient and Visitors link there is an option for "Send a Patient Greeting". It is a wonderful way to send a word of encouragement that is hand delivered daily right to John's room. Thanks so much for your prayers, love and concern for this family.

God is answering prayer.
Pastors Pat and Kevin

Leonard update

John Leonard arrived in Methodist hospital at 11:30 am. He is in critical condition. Bev and family have met with the doctors and they have decided that they will need to further stabilize him for the next day or two at least, before attempting any surgery. Of immediate concern is his ability to breathe. Being in his condition for nearly a week has made this very difficult for him. Pray for the doctors as they assess his condition and prescribe the necessary means to help him. A couple of items of praise to God. First, that he even made it here safely - it was a difficult trip and the staff on the airplane were outstanding in their efforts to keep him stable. Bev has seen him and he seems to recognize who it is that is talking to him. The best doctors available who would otherwise not be here on a Saturday, were all here. Bev has great family support here as well. Personally, I want to thank all of you, our church family, for your overwhelming response to this situation. Believe me, the family has been touched. FYI, WHO TV interviewed me as John was coming into the hospital. There may be a story at 6 or 10 tonight on channel 13. Keep praying! Pastors Pat and KevinJames 5:17

John Leonard

This update is to let you know that John Leonard is in fact arriving in Des Moines this morning (Saturday July 9). Pray for his transition to Methodist Medical Center and for the team of doctors that will be assessing his condition. We do not know yet when he will have surgery - but we will let you know as soon as we do. Thanks so much for your prayers and for the many who volunteered to help with meals or housing.Pastors Thomas and Nemmers

Update on Missionary John Leonard

Another Letter from our Pastor:

Dear Brethren,

Just a short update on the John Leonard situation. As you know by now, John was shot Sunday night, apparently by 2 or 3 assailants. He was rushed by car to a public hospital in Maceio. Eventually they were able to get him to a much better hospital in the same city. He suffered 3 gun shot wounds, the most critical being one that apparently entered his mouth and lodged in his 4th vertebra. A cat scan yesterday revealed the bullet will not be easy to extract. Furthermore, the damage done is indeed serious. John is currently paralyzed and from what we know it will be a true act of God for this to be reversed. This of course is what we are asking, if He is willing, our God to do.

Bev, along with Trudy Paulson, will be leaving for Brazil at 4:30 this afternoon. Be in prayer for them as they make their way to John's side. Praise the Lord that Trudy can be with Bev. Bev is very encouraged that she is able to come along. The children (except for Josh who is there) will remain in the states for now. Suffice it to say we are staying as close to this as we possibly can and as a church will remain ready to help in any way we can.

There are many questions that are being asked, some of which we know the answers, others we simply have to trust God who knows all things. As to the perpetrators of this crime, I am told that they were not recognized and sadly, a very low percentage of those who commit such acts in Brazil are ever caught. Troubling as that may seem, we must not forget that our God is just, and He will deal with those involved as He deems fit. As to why they would have done such a thing, the only explanation I can think of is the Gospel. Jesus said, "A time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God." John 16:2. This area of Brazil is strongly Roman Catholic. If you will recall John himself told us that they even worship former priests in their respective communities. When we were there a year and a half ago and opened up this new work a great number from the town filled the church. Many souls were saved during that time. I cannot help but think that the opposition was already scheming. The apostle Paul told us that "all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." and our brother John is a direct recipient of such. What will happen after this we simply don't know. It's way too early to try and speculate what will happen in the near future. For now, we pray.

Thank you for your prayers and overflowing support for John and his dear family.
Serving Him-to the end,
Pastor Nemmers

Brazil Missionary John Leonard Hurt

This is an email from one of our pastors at Saylorville Baptist Church. John is a misisonary from Brazil but not the area we are going to. He was recenently back in the US but had to go home for a short trip to take care of his son that was still in Brazil. Here is the email:

Members of SBC,

There are two very serious prayer needs that we need to take before the Lord in prayer at this time. The first one involves our missionary to Brazil, John Leonard. He had returned to Brazil to help his son Joshua who had fallen and broken his hip. Last night, John was preaching in his church in Brazil. After the service, an apparent pre-meditated gunman shot him 3 times. He was shot in the face, arm and neck. He is in a free clinic situation right now and needs to be moved to a hospital where he can receive Intensive Care. He has no feeling in his arms and legs. Apparently a bullet is lodged in his spinal cord around the neck area. He also needs surgery but the doctors do not want to move him. This is a very difficult situation - he and the family need ferverent and diligent prayer. Bev is currently with family in the Kansas City area and is trying to get tickets to be by John's side. A missionary friend, Don Anderson is with John at this time. John is conscious but in much pain. Pastor Nemmers and myself have been in constant contact with the Fincham's (Bev's family) and will send information out as we can. Also keep in mind that we are getting information 2nd and 3rd hand. Already some information was wrong that we received initially. What is listed above is current to the best of our knowledge by 10:00 am today (the 4th)

In my devotions this morning I was reading in Acts 12 - the story of Peter's imprisonment. Verse 5 states "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." We all know the story, how God intervened on Peter's behalf - a direct answer to prayer. Please be faithful to pray for these great needs. Thank you.

Pastor Kevin