A Long Overdue Update
Friends,
First off, my sincere apologies that it’s been so long since the last update! If any of you have visited any of my other blogs/sites, you know it’s not just this one that has suffered in the busyness of the last month!
Another reason for the slow updates is the simple fact that, now that Juan Carlos is home, things are changing less rapidly than before. In those first weeks, the situation was changing on a daily basis – medical conditions, hospital rooms, staying places for the boys… everything moved rapidly there for a while, and the future was very uncertain. As much as it was to report, you can imagine how stressful this was on the family.
Needless to say, they are glad to be HOME (they made the move, as expected, on May 16). In fact, in a recent visit with them, that’s the thing that Juan Carlos seemed to stress most often – he is so glad to be home. It’s quiet, peaceful, and not nearly as hectic as the hospital, his home for more than two months. He was calm and at ease, and seems to be adjusting to the changes as well as any of us could expect.
So here, in a very long update, is some recent information about what’s going on with the Gascons. I am keeping somewhat regular contact these days, but my summer schedule means I will be out of pocket a bit. If any of you visit with
First, you saw the photo above, with Juan Carlos and Connie at home (that’s my daughter Abigail with them). Juan Carlos is still using a “loaner” wheelchair, but now has a bed and lift at home, among other things, that make it easier to meet his needs.
To the left and below are two photos of the new ramp that made it possible for Juan to even return home. MANY THANKS to those who worked to make this ramp and other changes at the house, including (but not limited to): Mike Clay, Bob Smith, Jack Roberts and Kenbridge Construction, Luther Reynolds.
While some of the doors have been widened to allow access with the wheelchair, some challenges still remain. The biggest is probably the bathroom, which needs to be extended so that they can use it to care for Juan Carlos – at the moment, his chair is not even able to fit in the bathroom.
These changes and supplies have been made possible by many of you, who have donated generously to the Gascon Fun in the last six weeks. To date, the Gascon Fund has received more than $33,000 – and more checks are coming each day. Praise God for his provision! And thanks to so many of you who continue to give.
Besides hopefully purchasing a new wheelchair, a portion of these funds may also be used to purchase a van that can carry Juan Carlos and his wheelchair. More information on this will be available soon.
I know it’s late notice if you aren’t in our association, but a special reception and old-fashioned “pounding” will be held this Sunday, June 22, from 3:00-5:00 pm. The reception will be held at (and sponsored by) Jonesboro Baptist Church, which has provided faithful support to the Gascons since they arrived nearly 10 years ago. A list of suggested items to bring can be obtained by contacting your church office (if you’re an SBA church), or at the Association office itself (434-696-2252). You can find a map to the church by clicking this link.
As far as prayers go, please do not give up! Here are some needs to pray about:
- First, offer continual thanks to God. He has done so much already! Among many things, he’s spared Juan Carlos’ life, given him mobility, saved Jonathan from all but a few scratches, moved people to pray and give on the family’s behalf, and provided more physical needs (big and small) than any of us can count.
- Give thanks that God has given this family remarkable strength to persevere in the midst of this crisis, and pray that he would give them even more strength.
- Pray for Anastasis Church and for the Southside Association, as we look to the future of ministry to Hispanics in our area. Juan Carlos hopes and plans to return to his ministry, but right now, no one knows what shape that ministry will take.
- Pray for the Gascons, and those working closely with them, as they try (with little or no map) to navigate the turbulent waters of social services, disability, and insurance.
As always, thanks to God, and to all of you again for all you have done. If you have any updates or questions, please let me know by email (jon AT kenbridgebaptist DOT org) or by phone (434-676-2455 at the church).
Blessings,
Jon
