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A Note From Pastor Keith
 June 8, 211
Dr. Wilson stated that the MRI did not show signs of ligament damage. This is good news! I now have a knee brace due to the instability (weakness) and start therapy (pool/land) next week. The next doctor’s appointment is in four weeks. The hope is that between now and then I will see significant improvement. Jake is doing well and is scheduled to have a screw removed from his ankle next Wednesday at Rutherford Medical Center. Thanks for remembering our family in your prayers.
MAY 12, 2011
Yesterday’s doctor’s visit was encouraging. The x-rays indicated that healing was taking place in the grafting area of my left femur. I think Dr. Wilson’s exact words were "spot weld." I’ll take it for now. I asked why I'm still not able to walk if everything is healing and progressing properly (among a number of other questions). He now thinks the ligaments inside/outside my knee are the issue. This may be the reason why I have no stability in the left leg. He has ordered an MRI that will help determine the next steps in the process. It is encouraging that the femur appears to be healing. The emphasis is now shifting to the knee and the ligaments. It looks like it will still be a little while before I am able to walk without assistance. That’s okay. One step, one test, one day at a time. I’m very grateful to be doing as well as I am. No complaints!!
Thank you for your prayers for our family. They have sustained us through a memorable year. May 17, 2011 is the one-year-anniversary of the accident. Last year at this time, Bethel and I were planning on being out of the loop for two weeks (our 25th Wedding Anniversary). Instead, I came home from the hospital on our anniversary. I told Bethel this was the best present I could give her (ha)! The Bible says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9) and “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). With that in mind, we plan to be out of the loop for a couple of weeks starting May 20, 2011.
Please join me in praying for Brandon Wood who will be preaching on May 22nd and for David Horton, President of Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute, who will be preaching on May 29th. David said if the church was “brave enough” to have him a second time, he was willing to come preach on May 29th. This will be Memorial Day weekend. America has enjoyed the unmerited favor of God and much of this is due to the brave and courageous men and women who have given their lives in service to this country. I hope that we will all pause to give thanks and to remember the price that was paid for our freedom in Christ and our freedom as American citizens.
Joyfully in Christ,
Keith and Bethel Stephenson
Update April 11, 2011
Spring is my favorite time of the year. What a joy to live in a part of the world where the seasons of the year are so distinct and each season brings with it its own beauty. Have you taken a walk around outside to smell all the new fragrances, to drink in the breath-taking colors, to listen and join with creation in lifting praise and thanksgiving to our Creator? Spring reminds us of new life even after a cold, harsh winter. A fresh start!! That’s the message of Spring! Jesus reminds us through creation that we do not have to worry about what we will eat or drink or wear. Spring teaches us that as God cares for creation so He will more than care for our needs (Matthew 6:28-34). God also gives us a “fresh start” as we sincerely turn our thoughts and attention towards Him through the risen Lord Jesus Christ! I hope all of us will take time during this Spring and Easter season to appreciate the lessons of creation and to enjoy the glory of God all around us.
Here’s a quick update from Hosanna Ridge Rehab Facility (ha, just kidding). I go this week to determine whether the wound is healing properly. Otherwise, I continue to heal from the last surgery. I am mainly on crutches and trying to move to a cane when possible. I am also in the process of reducing pain medication. Thanks for your many prayers of intercession.
Jake is also staying with us for a few weeks. You may have heard that he had a 12 foot fall off a roof and broke his left ankle and leg. He had surgery on Friday at Rutherford Hospital performed by Dr. Michael Roberts and is doing well. He will be out of work for a number of months. Thanks for also remembering him in your prayers.
The main prayer request is for Bethel since she is the chief rehab specialist on site!! She is a trooper and has done everything within her power to make these days as easy and convenient for us as possible. Thanks also for the many offers to help where needed. We may have to take you up on some of these offers.
We are also praying for you, our church family. Thanks to all who have stepped forward and taken responsibility in the Lord’s work. Thank you for encouraging and praying for Brandon and Emily as they lead the way for the staff and church. I talked to Brandon about preaching through Easter and hopefully I will be ready to return by then. So that’s the plan we have placed before the Lord. I well remember the words of wisdom from Proverbs: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). We will trust the Lord to lead and guide us according to the steps He has prepared!
Joyfully in Christ!
Keith and Bethel
Update: April 1, 2011
The follow-up Wednesday went well. Dr. Wilson was pleased with the progress. There is no way to determine if the bone graft has taken at this point, but the x-rays look promising. It takes around 12 weeks to determine if the body has accepted the graft. Also, the rod/nail seems to be in good order. I can place weight on my left foot as I can tolerate. It will be some weeks before I am able to return to the cane. Hopefully, not too long! I am still out of work until I can place more weight on my leg and function without the medication. The next follow-up visit is in six weeks. It is hard to believe, but that will put the time-table around the one year anniversary of the accident (May 17, 2010). Thank you for your continued prayers.
Joyfully in Christ,
Keith and Bethel
Update: March 28, 2011
I hear great things about the church and all the exciting activities that are taking place. I also hear that I better hurry back to the pulpit or I’m going to be out of a job because Brandon Wood is doing such a great job. I want to continue to encourage you to step up to the plate wherever needed and help out in the life of the church. It takes everyone working together to accomplish the work of God’s Kingdom. Thank you for your self-less heart and your dedicated service to the Lord through serving together at Second Baptist Church. Remember those encouraging words that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that also apply to us today. “58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV).
My surgical recovery seems to be going well. I have had a normal amount of pain, but have also had pain medication to help minimize the pain. I am using my walker at night and first thing in the morning, but mainly my crutches to aid in walking. I am able to put as much weight on my left leg as I can tolerate which is not much at this point. However, I am putting more and more weight on it every day. The pain that I was experiencing in the knee area due to the loose nail in my leg before the surgery has all but been eliminated. Dr. Scott Wilson feels good about the surgery and says everything went according to plan. Bethel and I will be traveling down this week for our first follow-up visit since the surgery. We hope that not only is the rod/nail in the right position, but that the bone grafting done a few weeks earlier is healing properly.
Bethel and I feel extremely blessed to have a church family and community that have shown such a genuine outpouring of loving support over the past 10 months. Hopefully, we are nearing the end and the healing is taking place in an appropriate fashion. Thank you so much for your prayers. One final word of encouragement is to remember the citizens of Japan. They continue to face so many major issues in Northern Japan. Pray for our missionary personnel on the ground in that area that God will work through them to help meet the basic physical needs and their spiritual needs (Only 1 out of every 200 people is considered Christian). We will send out a new update after our follow-up visit on Wednesday in Winston Salem.
Joyfully in Christ,
Keith and Bethel
Update: March 9, 2011
Bethel and I traveled back to Winston Salem on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 for my follow-up with Dr. Wilson after the bone grafting surgery. There is one stubborn section that has not healed. They determined that there is no infection in the area, good blood flow and no reason why it should not begin to heal after the bone grafting. This is the major hope at this point. Our continued prayer request is that the bone grafting will be sufficient to allow healing to take place in the left femur.
The next step is one that we had hoped to avoid. However, it seems necessary at this point according to Dr. Wilson’s assessment that the rod/nail be replaced in my left femur. This involves taking out the one originally put in on May 17, 2010 and replacing it with a larger rod/nail. Screws will be put in place at the hip and knee. This is a major surgery and will require a minimum two days stay. I was upset to hear this news, but encouraged that it does not mean I will be down and out of commission for an extended period of time. I will be out of the regular routine for a couple of months, but should be back walking sooner than later. This surgery is scheduled for Thursday, March 17, 2011. We will not know the time until they contact us the day before. Thus, here’s the second prayer request. Pray that the surgery will be a success and the pain will be manageable.
I have talked with Brandon Wood and he feels that if everyone jumps in and helps with the Sunday School, PowerHouse and Wednesday evening activities that he will be able to handle the pastoral responsibilities. I have every confidence in him, but also realize he is only one person. Please step up and let him know that you are available to assist him where needed. The deacons have also been doing an outstanding job at following up with those in need in our congregation and I appreciate the extra support during the recovery process and as Brandon leads in my absence.
Bethel and I covet your prayers and are grateful for your patience, kindness and support during these last ten months. We hope we really are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel or another way of saying it, “We hope we are almost out of the woods.” Thank you for being the church family that you have been and continue to be. We are indebted to you for all your prayers, cards, calls, food and visits. Everyone has been so good to us, but remember, there are so many other families in need in our congregation. I know that you will continue to show them the same love and support.
Joyfully in Christ,
Keith and Bethel
Update March 2, 2011
It is astonishing that nine months have already elapsed in such a short period of time (yeah, that one takes some consideration). I have come through the surgery (bone grafting) with few complications. Everything has gone as planned. I was a little surprised by the amount of swelling, but that too seems to be decreasing. I have an unusual amount of discomfort in my knee at certain times. This may be due to the swelling/trauma of the surgery or it could be that the nail/rod in my leg is rotating/moving. Time will tell. I have spent my days since the surgery with my leg propped up and occasionally walking around on the crutches. I am not putting any weight on my leg – doctor’s orders. Bethel and I return to the doctor on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 for a follow-up/remove stitches. Bethel is taking good care of me and I have enjoyed the visits/cards/calls/food from family and friends. We especially appreciate the time you invest in praying from God’s will during this recovery period. Have a great week and I’ll keep you up-to-date.
Joyfully in Christ,
Keith and Bethel
Update: February 10, 2011
I had an appointment at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital yesterday for x-rays and to determine the next step. The hope was that the femur would be showing significant healing, but alas, it looks like it is going to need more divine and human intervention. Therefore, I’m scheduled for a “bone grafting” surgery on Thursday, February 24, 2011. This procedure involves cleaning up the broken area, looking to see if there is proper blood flow and interjecting different man-made materials into the broken area. Dr. Wilson will also pull some material from my hip via a needle to inject in the break. Please pray that 1) the doctor will be able to determine why the bone is not healing if that is possible/necessary and 2) the graft will take so healing will occur. I will be down for a few days after the surgery and remain on a walker/crutches for the following six weeks. The doctor indicated that the procedure will take about an hour (+/-). Thanks so much for your prayers.
Joyfully in Christ,
Keith and Bethel
January 14, 2010 Update
Dr. Wilson, the orthopedic doctor at Wake Forest University Hospital, was encouraged by the x-rays yesterday. He feels that the break in the left leg is beginning to heal. I would say he is “cautiously optimistic.” I will go back in one month to see what progress has been made to that point. If all is well, then we will stay the course. If it is not healing properly or in a timely fashion then we will move on to bone graphing. Bethel and I are in high hopes that a great amount of healing will occur over these next weeks. We are doing great and realize it is a slow process. Thank you for your intercession on our behalf.
Update: December 17, 2010
Good news! Dr. Wilson removed the bandages and stitches this past Wednesday. After reviewing the x-rays, he said that it looks like the bones are now in a position to begin healing. “Hip, Hip, Hurraaaaaaaay!!!!” This is good news. We go back in four weeks to find out if in fact the bone is healing, but the doctor was encouraged that the procedure had accomplished what he hoped. We wait prayerfully and rejoice that God has brought us this far. Thank you for making the journey with us.
Joyfully in Christ,
Keith and Bethel
Update: December 7, 2010
Last Friday, December 3, Dr. Wilson removed two screws from the lower part of the left femur. The surgery went well and Bethel and I were on our way home by 10:30 a.m. One thing I was not anticipating was the level of pain associated with walking after these screws were removed. Right now, I’m walking with a cane, but unless the pain eases up, I will return to a walker and wheel-chair as needed. Sitting or lying down does not hurt. The pain comes from bearing weigh on the leg. I don’t think this will last very long, but right now, it is limiting my mobility. We return to the doctor next week to get stitches removed and to determine the initial impact of the surgery. The doctor will do x-rays in six weeks to determine whether this has stimulated the healing process in that one stubborn spot. Thanks, as always, for your prayers and encouragement.
Joyfully in Christ,
Keith and Bethel
Update – November 18, 2010
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve updated you on my progress so, here’s the latest. Bethel and I made the pilgrimage to Winston Salem to Wake Forest University Hospital on Thursday, November 18, 2010, six months and one day after the accident. First stop: x-rays. Next stop: orthopedic doctor, Scott Wilson. He reviewed the x-rays with us and said that the upper section of my left femur is still not healing properly. The next step is to undergo a minor outpatient surgical procedure on December 3, 2010 to remove two screws from the rod just above the knee. The theory is that this will reduce the gap and stimulate healing. It will be a bust week as I have a number of doctor appointments during that week.
The doctor still has me on light duty for work, 50% weight bearing on the leg and physical therapy two times a week. I’m kind of in a “holding pattern” until the bone heals. The good news is that all the other bones appear to have healed well and I do not experience chronic pain for which I am grateful. The doctor’s hope is that when the gap/break heals in the femur that I will not have any significant pain in the leg. As always, thanks for your prayers and encouragement.
Keith and Bethel
October 5, 2010 Update
Stay the course with the addition of a bone stimulator. This was the word from the orthopedic doctor. His name, by the way, is Dr. Scott Wilson. Bethel and I have been very impressed with his bed-side manner and professionalism. He reviewed the CAT scan images and indicated that the bone did show signs of improving … slowly. He has me down for a six-week follow-up to determine where we go after that point. If the bone is healing then we will continue with the stimulator and therapy. If not, there are other options, maybe not as pleasant as the bone stimulator, but options. I am grateful that the femur does show signs of healing. The stimulator is supposed to increase healing time by 38%. This is encouraging. We’ll stay the course for now knowing that God is in control. What a comforting thought!!
Update: September 13, 2010
Bethel and I traveled to an appointment last week with the spine doctor. He indicated that the MRI showed a herniated disc (budging disc). He gave two options at this point. First, do therapy and practice good posture. Later, I may be able to take some anti-inflammatory medication after the bone in my leg is healed and this will help with the inflammation in my neck (hopefully/prayerfully). The second option is surgery to remove the disc and fuse everything back together. This is a last resort and one that I am going to try to run from with all speed. I’m not opposed to surgery just the pain (ha). No really, I hope to beat it with prayer, therapy and good posture. So, if you see me slumping, straighten me out. The good news is that I evidently have extra space in my spinal column and that is a plus. This gives the spinal cord more room to move. I’m not sure I’ve gotten all the terminology correct, but maybe this helps in letting you be aware of my progress. The “shockwaves” are annoying/aggravating, but not unbearable.
Again, the hip is good aside from some pain/soreness where the screws were inserted.
My left leg is continuing to heal and will just take time. I am going to therapy three days a week and it is proving beneficial. I have transitioned to a cane for the most part. If I am in a situation that requires a lot of walking I will use the wheelchair. I look forward to being able to walk without any external assistance. Thank you for continuing to remember us in your prayers. I meet people every day that are amazed that I am alive, breathing, walking, talking and causing trouble (just kidding about the trouble part). Their expressions are a testimony to God’s goodness. I hear the word miracle quit often. I totally agree!! “20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Joyfully in Christ,
Pastor Keith and Bethel
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