Spring Creek Ministries

I was able to go visit Steve at the hospital a couple of days ago. He was in good spirits but waiting for tests results to see if he could have surgery on his foot.

From Sheila about Steve:

“Steve’s foot surgery was a success! The doctor said he cleaned out the infection and removed the heel. Antibiotic infused cement heel placed and a protective cage on the site. He will be able to wear a regular shoe eventually. He did well with anesthesia and the doctor said his heart is strong! Thank you for the prayers!”

Let’s keep the prayers going up!

Lonnie

Keith had supported Spring Creek Ministries long before he ever imagined he might need their help himself.

Then came a day that changed everything.

When Keith needed to go to the emergency room, Lonnie was the person there to take him. What followed was a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and the beginning of a journey Keith and his family never expected to face.

The ministry Keith had once helped support was suddenly showing up for him.

That's what Spring Creek Ministries is built to do—be there when someone's life changes in an instant, and make sure they don't have to navigate what comes next alone.

We'll be sharing Keith's video on Monday (Oct 5) here on facebook and on youtube at: https://youtu.be/3ipJVF08d8g

Help us continue being there when the next call comes:

https://springcreekministries.org/donate-to-crisis-support/

This is spot on and I want to thank Hal Elrod for sharing it!

“It’s a quiet evening at home, and my thoughts have turned to my fellow caregivers.

This week I’ve learned of two more people dealing with a recent dementia diagnosis. I find myself increasingly ready and willing to talk with others walking into this world—especially those trying to absorb the initial emotional impact of a diagnosis.

I’ve learned that I don’t need to have all the answers. Being a good listener and responding honestly to whatever questions are asked is often the most helpful thing I can do.

It reminds me again of something I’ve come to deeply value: **the ministry of presence.**

The months following Bonnie’s initial diagnosis are still a bit of a blur. In some ways, they seem like a lifetime ago. There aren’t many conversations I remember. I don’t recall much of the advice people gave us or many of the details surrounding those early days.

You know what I remember?

**The people.**

The simple acts of kindness. Those who called. Those who checked in. Those who simply showed up.

There were some who were conspicuously absent and never really came around. But I remember the ones who did. Some of those friends are still walking alongside us today.

And I’m thankful.

As a rule, I try not to offer much advice in these confessions. As I’ve shared before, my primary motivation for writing has been to give my grief a voice and allow myself to process some of what this journey has brought into our lives. Social media simply brought those thoughts and feelings into the light where others could see them. I’m grateful they seem to have been a blessing to some.

But this confession is a little different.

This one comes with a suggestion—and maybe even a call to action.

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Be sure and let me know how I can help.”

“You have my number. Call if you need me.”

We’ve all said things like these. Usually with wonderful motives and the very best of intentions.

But sometimes the best and most needed thing isn’t another offer.

**It’s action.**

Show up at a friend’s door with a cup of coffee and a couple of doughnuts.

Send a favorite meal through DoorDash.

Make the phone call just to check in.

Drop off some fresh flowers. They’re almost always a welcome sight.

And perhaps do something that costs a little more of yourself.

Offer to sit with a friend’s loved one so the caregiver can pick up the dry cleaning, run an errand, get a haircut—or simply catch their breath for an hour.

Don’t always wait for someone who is overwhelmed to figure out what they need and then ask you for it.

**Sometimes, just show up.**

And for those of us who are caregivers, there’s another side to this.

Even while carrying our own burdens, we can still look around and ask who might need us to show up for them. Our circumstances may limit what we can do, but they don’t have to eliminate our ability to bless someone else.

Perhaps I’m being a little forward with this confession. But know that I’m looking in the mirror as I write it.

In fact, I’m already thinking about a couple of things I’m going to do for people I personally know.

Not just something I’m going to offer.

Something I’m going to **do**.

That’s the ministry of presence.

Thank you to those who keep showing up. Thank you for being a blessing to others.

It’s one of the ways we make sure none of us has to walk these difficult roads alone.”

We haven’t had an update on Brian Morris in quite some time. He has been dealing with major liver problems for several months or longer.
He and Missy are at the Liver Institute in San Antonio. Here’s what he shared:

“Ok, first round of scans are done and apparently I have had a full and busy life according to the results. There is a lot going on with my liver and a lot of damaged cells and tissue, but how much the doctors will have to determine. At that point we can discuss my options. I’m really hoping that there is a road to recovery. Also found some more kidney stones. At least one is going to have to retrieved with a surgery. A lot of fluid is building up in my abdomen. They also found what might be old injuries, bruising wounds. Everything in my gut is swollen up or swelling up, which is probably the reason I have been in so much pain.”

Let’s be praying for answers and a viable treatment plan for Brian!

Lonnie

From Shiela,

Well as of Wednesday they’ve taken 35 pds of fluid off Steve. His breathing is a lot better . It was a busy day for him, running all kinds of test, they came in and inserted a needle about 8 inches long into his left lung and drew 2.2 pds of fluid off. I can’t even imagine how hard that was to even to try and breathe. They will repeat the procedure on the right lung Thrusday. He’s getting tired. Now, on to Thursday, they told Steve there is no kidney function at all and he would be on dialysis the rest of his life, there is still concern about the foot. The infection has gone into the bone, how much we don’t know yet. Steve will be headed back to San Angelo to Encompass for Rehab. We’ll start his every other day dialysis. He’s got a long road ahead of him. We’re both afraid to leave this hospital in Austin, from maintenance to surgeons, we couldn’t ask for better. Thank each and every one for the love and support you have given us. Most of all I’d like to give the Lord all the glory for leading us in the right direction, laying his hands and guiding the physician during our stay. Thank you Lord for watching over Steve . Love to each one of our friends and families. We’re going home.