Another Prayer

Monday evening we got news that our Amish friend Jonathon was in need of prayer. We didn't know all the details right away; but we started praying fervently. We knew that Jonathon's wife had been in labor for 26 hours and had given birth to a baby boy who died promptly at birth or was stillborn. The ambulance was called and the baby was rushed to Lansing. The next baby boy was a bit of a surprise, as she was not aware that she was carrying twins. This baby boy was born and rushed to Grand Rapids Hospital. The mother herself was rushed to Greenville's Hospital for blood transfusion. They already knew that one baby was gone; and were pretty sure the second baby was not going to make it.
Another friend of ours headed to the hospital as soon as he heard the news. He was taking the father, Jonathon over too GR to sign papers and give them permission to let the baby go. Tuesday morning the mother was released from the hospital.
This Wednesday morning the baby is still alive in the Grand Rapids Hospital. His heart is beating on it's own. His lungs are doing a pretty good job breathing partially on their own. The biggest concern is the lack of oxygen the baby experienced. The brain function looks to be non-existent. The 72 hour marker the doctors have set for decision making will come this afternoon. The need for prayer here in this situation is high priority. The doctors have told them that this child will very likely have cerebral palsy and it is likely to have severe issues mentally.
Since we are not sure what the custom for the Amish our hands are tied. If it were anyone else we would certainly be carrying in food and offering here and there. We are aware that the first boy is being released to the family and that it will be buried on their property and will be the first in the cemetery of the family plot. We also know that it is a private affair and that only close family will be invited. So as we can do "nothing" we do "something" as we lift them to the Father.
We understand that these people believe that there is a God; but that they cannot ever reach the level where they could be holy enough or worthy enough to speak or pray to God. I am praying that through this God will reveal Himself to Jonathon and his whole family inn a way that they have no choice but to know that God wants to have a "friendship," a relationship with them. Without the peace of God and the hope He gives, what do we have?