My Testimony About the Thing!
posted by Wayne Sneed — August 7th, 2009
On Tuesday July 28, 2009 I was home alone drinking a cup of “GoLytely” (ever a misnamed human drug if there was one) when my new lesson of faith began. Without warning, my lower abdomen went into a cramp so severe I could hardly breathe. On my knees and on the bathroom floor I clutched my abdomen and cried out.
After some time, my wife Angela and daughter Audrey returned and found me in the bathroom. They helped me move through our home to my bed and I lay down hoping the pain and cramp would subside. It did not. In fact, the GoLytely continued to do its work and I found myself for the next hour and a half difficultly moving between my bed and my toilette. Eventually, my body weak and exhausted found sleep, though the pain never fully went away.
After a restless night, at 5:00 am on Wednesday July 29th as I prepared for my date with the colonoscopy scope, my lower abdomen again went into a cramp and I found myself in worse pain than I experienced the previous night. My poor daughter and wife were horribly awoken to my moaning and crying out on the floor of the bathroom again. By 6:15 all of us were at the emergency room of Baptist Memorial Hospital. My daughter fearfully waited in the car while my wife went in to get help. As I struggled to stay on my feet at the door of the hospital entrance, some kind soul come from out of nowhere offered a wheel chair. He was not an employee, and I regret not thanking him then for as soon as he carried me in the hospital he left.
The next roughly 8 hours were spent in an ER room mostly laying on the gurney waiting between short doctor visits and various X-rays and blood tests. The news came eventually that I had “free floating air” in my gut. I didn’t need to be told that meant I ruptured something, and was leaking from my intestines into my abdomen. I recognized the danger.
They admitted me to the hospital and put in a room to wait for the surgeon. Boy was I relieved when Dr Rad Andrews came through the door with all the confidence and boldness of having just left the throne of Grace. He told me I was in great danger and his other case was being moved back so he could go immediately into surgery on me.
I don’t know how one can have both fear and confidence at the same time, but I did. Fear for my life; fear for my family; confidence in my Sovereign; and even confidence in Rad. Soon I was looking up at bright lights and hearing many voices and fading into the night of unconsciousness.
I am told the surgery lasted only about 3 hours, though I gratefully remember none of it. They removed 8 inches from my colon, removed my appendix, and removed a hernia I was not aware existed. I am also told that around 11:30pm that night, after spending some time in recovery, I arrived back in my room where a small crowd of people awaited me including my wonderful wife and close friends. Though again I have no memory of this.
One of the earliest memories I have is sometime very early the next morning, my brother Bill from South Carolina walked into my hospital room. When he received the news about my condition, he left his home and drove into the night to be with me. He was a godsend.
I was somehow still under the impression that I could handle this thing alone. In my broken thinking I said, “I have my 7 month pregnant wife and my 6 year old daughter by my side, we can navigate through this problem. You didn’t need to come.” I now am very aware of the ridiculousness of this conclusion, but please allow me grace since severe pain had been my constant companion for almost two days.
For the remainder of Thursday morning July 30th through Monday August 3rd around 1:00pm Bill was to be my new constant companion. Angela and Audrey spent as much time as they could with me, but the realities of life demanded that they could not help much nor spend more than a few hours at a time in my room. Bill was faithful and by my side for my every request.
He saw the agony and the laughter. He heard me doing my best to put a smile on when people called or came to visit. He was kind enough to answer the phone when I just could not find the strength or healthy attitude to respond to a ringing phone. He heard me moan in the night, and was a servant enough to massage enflamed back muscles from lying in a hospital bed for days on end. He heard my feeble attempts at sharing Jesus with nurses and staff and guests. He heard the prayers each of my visitors offered for me. He helped me get out of bed to try and walk, and helped me back in bed when I was exhausted. He went for ice chips when I could not stand the dryness any longer, and endured with me the hourly sleep interruptions in the night so the nurses could do their jobs and monitor my vital signs. He was there for me. He was what I needed in my hour of complete brokenness. He is my brother, and a man to be admired.
On Monday morning we were both hoping that Dr. Rad would come by early and give me the green light to go home to continue my recovery. Angela, Bill and I all felt like I had progressed to the place I could eat more solid food again, could move about on my own, and could manage the pain from the 7 inch 32 stitch incision on my belly. But his surgery schedule did not allow that. So sadly, I looked at Bill and told him that for his own sake, he should begin to make his way home to his family. He agreed that he wasn’t as needed as much now, and should begin the long drive home as early as possible.
After lunch, Angela and I walked slowly down to the front of the hospital and I bid him a difficult farewell. I tried to communicate to him how much I loved and appreciated him for taking care of me when I could not, and my family could not. He seemed to understand. As he turned and headed for his car I said a prayer for him and Angela and I walked back towards my room.
Angela didn’t go all the way back to my room, but returned to her job to get what work done she could while we waited for Dr. Rad’s visit. It didn’t take long.
Bill’s wheels had hardly left the parking garage when Dr. Rad came into my room with his usual, “I just met with God and have news for you!” personality. I was glad to see him for many reasons. He agreed I should go home, which was great news. Dr. Rad and I lingered and talked for longer than his schedule should have allowed. Before he went back to his responsibilities, we talked about God’s love and grace, we laughed together about our penchant for thinking we are in control of our lives and destinies, we talked about my condition and my future, and we prayed together.
After he left my room, as quick as my broken body would allow I packed my things and changed into street clothes and waited. For the first time in 6 days I felt alone in the quietness of my hospital room. My brother has just left and was barely on the road to his home in South Carolina. My wife was at work and not close by, and my daughter was enjoying time with her friends. I found myself alone with Jehovah Nissi, my Healer.
So I spoke out into the quiet and in audible voice said, “You know that I love you Lord, and as much as I would like come and see you face to face, thank you for allowing me to go home to my family again.” A great wave of emotion came over me, though I did not cry. I felt love for Him. I felt devotion to Him.
I have now been told that in a few weeks I will be better than before with no restrictions on my movement. No colostomy bag for the rest of my life. No diet restrictions. No travel restrictions. No change in lifestyle required. I can continue in the ministry I’ve been entrusted with at Orphanos.
I have some spiritual lessons learned because of the thing, and in applying them and pursuing Him I’ll invest what time remains for me and this celestial sphere. I desperately do not wish this thing upon me again. But I am glad for the doing of it this time. For the next few weeks I plan to take it easy at home and rest as much as demands on me will allow. Most of the things at Orphanos will wait, and those that won’t I can accomplish with minimal time in the office. Thank you everyone for your prayers, your calls, your visits, the cards, the flowers and the encouragement. I am truly blessed by you.
This is my testimony. And in it I stand firm.
To the praise of Him who dwells in unapproachable light, who sits at the right hand of the Father and judges in righteousness, He who put on human flesh and at immeasurable cost redeemed us with His own blood, who is present in every moment of our lives in ways that we cannot ever comprehend with our frail human spirit; be all honor and praise and glory in the limitless expanse of existence.
24 Comments Add your comment
Becky Stillions — Aug 07
Oh Wayne, I did not know any of this until I saw your blog testimony. I'm SO thankful that God brought you through all of this and even in the midst of all of this, you had some "probably much needed" time with your brother. You probably need rest as well.
Take care, my dear friend, and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or Angela. Praying for you!
Quita — Aug 07
Praise God for His wisdom and healing. What a wonderful testimony to the faithfulness of your brother, Bill. God richly blesses us with our families. They are so important. We are continuing to pray for healing and for strength for Angela and peace for Audrey. We love you all.
Perry Rea — Aug 07
Wayne,
We are so glad to hear that you are recovering well. We praise God for his provision for you. I hope that you can use your recovery time to get closer to Him and understand His purpose behind this. Of course a "gentle" reminder that we are not in control is always good, especially for us driven men who tend to forget.
Jeff Bantz — Aug 07
Wayne and Angela -- Sandy and I are both relieved to hear the Lord's gracious hand in getting you the help you needed at just the right time. We will continue to pray for your ongoing healing.
Steve Boyd — Aug 07
Very encouraging update Wayne. We're praying for you and look forward to seeing you soon. 2Cor. 1:4.
Greg Ferguson — Aug 07
Thank you for sharing this testimony with us. We are truly blessed to have our blood brothers and our spiritual brothers there for us. We shall never know this side of heaven all the heavenly appointments that were arranged for you that night. But this thing I do know, God's grace flows over us like a waterfall! Now be a good boy and do what the doctor,Angela, and your good common sense tells tou to do. I love you brother and will continue to keep yall in my prayers..
Robin Smith — Aug 07
Wayne,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers. So glad it is all behind you. Good to know you will be better than ever:) Could not have had a better doctor. Rad is the BEST!!
Baby Sneed will be here before you know it. Know you, Angela and Audrey are excited.
Take care and stay well!!!
love in Christ,
Robin
Donna " Perkins Reataurant" — Aug 07
You guys are in my thoughts and prayers ,
Love In Christ
Donna
Kim Jordan — Aug 07
Hey Wayne,
Since I am hearing this after the fact, I am both burdened for all you and your family have been through, as well as grateful for the Lord's provision and care for you. Also, full of joy for His sending of some special love to you through Billy. How beautiful!!! Will pray for complete healing. Much love to you. Kim
Melody Weintraub — Aug 07
Wayne, Thank you for the testimony of how much it meant to you to have your brother with you. May you continue to heal and may your testimony with those in that place be fruitful.
John Langston III — Aug 07
Dear Wayne, Praise the LORD for His mercy. I pray that you will be stronger than ever for our great God and Saviour. One thing is for certain, God is sovereign and He does what He pleases and what is righteous. How wonderful to serve the true and perfect God as we remember Deut 4:39, There is no other! Love you, my brother. John
ruth landers — Aug 07
Wayne, your mom e-mailed a prayer request and I have been praying for you.
It sounds like the Bill that I used to know. Glad to hear from him again. I'll send David and Susan your blog.
I hope you know how much your family needs you. So you responsibly take care of yourself.
Thank you for openly giving praise to God. He really provides the best in our need.
Love, Ruth
nadine — Aug 08
Wayne,
You know we have been praying for you!! I would have come to take care of you in a heart beat if I had thought you needed me. I was thrilled to hear that Bill had come, and I know you will be forever grateful. I always say that whenever you go in to the hospital for surgery - you should always BYON (bring your own nurse), but what could be better than having your brother there? Nothing!! I'm so happy to get to read your own report of the events that happened, and thankful for the outcome. We will continue to pray for your complete healing, and anxious to hear about Baby Sneed. Take it easy and let yourself rest. You'll need the energy when baby comes!!
We love you all.
Nadine (& the rest of the gang)
John Touliatos — Aug 08
Awesome testimony, brother.
JT — Aug 08
Wayne:
Thanks for sharing this faith building testimony with us. We will be glad to see you and rejoice with you in God's goodness when we get home. Glad to hear you are on the mend and can continue with the work of Orphanos full steam ahead. Still, take care of yourself and let us know how we can take care of you. Let us know what we can do for you and your family.
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you (and yours)." 2 Cor 13:14
Lucy Palma — Aug 08
Wayne,
Thank you for sharing about the testimony of love and God´s care, He gave "angels" to show you His love. You need to rest to continue the route in Jesus work. Receive all our love also to Angela, Audrey and baby Sneed. We keep you in our prayers and wait to see you soon, be blessed! Lucy
Gordy — Aug 08
Dude! You don't mess around, do you? Sorry to hear all this, but glad that you're prognosis for recovery is good. Tough way to learn some good lessons. The Lord is indeed good, and I'll be praying that good fruit will come from what sounds like a very painful experience! The Lord doesn't allow things we can't handle with His help, and since you love hime, and are clearly called according to his purpose, good things will come of this.
Give me a jingle here in Peru before you get too busy again!
Gordy
Molly Adams — Aug 11
So sorry that I was not in town to hold you hand during this recent most unpleasant medical crisis, "boss!"
John and I were in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, with our almost twelve-year-old grandson, Ben. Ben will at some point in the hopefully not too distant future be moving to Denver, CO, where his father is already working as an aircraft mechanic for Frontier Airlines.
GET WELL!! You had a GREAT surgeon, as you already know! He has previously done four of my surgeries!
May God protect you!
Love,
Molly
Sergio Souza, family and church — Aug 11
Hi Wayne....we are very pleased to hear you are well and resting at home. Great testimony on how to face "things" we do not expect or like. We praise God for your wife, daughter and brother...how wonderful to have a family near by when things go "huh???", no?
We hope and pray for a speedy recovery and return to a normal life.
God bless you all.
Dr. Jim Lindgren — Aug 15
Wayne,
Glad to hear the surgery was successful - that's worth a big whew-hoo!
If I would have known you were having to chug a lug the oxymoronic Go-Lytely.
I would have sent you some of my favorite joke books to read while anticipating pending evacuations. I am seriously quite glad you are on the mend and look forward to teaming up to harrass the devil and Brian Heerwagen and some event in the hopefully not too distant future.
Blessings,
Dr. Jim Lindgren
Window of HOPE
Boyd Webb — Aug 24
WOW! What a testimony in trying and painful times...
May God bless you and your family Wayne!
Boyd, Nancy, Brandon and Cameron Webb
Marian Edelen — Aug 24
Dear Wayne,
Well, friend, it looks like you again did everything with a flourish and a prayer. My goodness! What an incredible experience! I praise and thank God, our great healer, for your good care, the helping hands of your brother, the prayers and greetings of all that love you and all else that you were gifted with during this past difficult physical trial. May you soon be up and moving around and may God also encourage you to read the directions before another procedure with a little bit more understanding. Ha!
I love you brother. You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Your sister in Christ,
Marian
Angie Amstutz — Aug 24
Wow Wayne! Crazy stuff. But oh the mercy of God to be so present and to send your brother to be HIS arms and hands. He's so faithful. So glad you are on the mend and that your future looks bright. God's Kingdom on earth is better because YOU serve and love the ones here so well. Keep it up! Love you!
Kevin M. — Aug 24
We had heard that you had surgery--and a 7 inch scar--but now we know "the rest of the story." Glad you are still with us... God is merciful. Come see us in Sao Jose dos Campos. The Lord continue to strengthen you and use you in the days to come... for His glory!
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