Dear Partners in Ministry,
On June 20th at 10:51A. M. Elijah Ray Applegate was rushed into the world of open air and bright lights. He was a formidable entrant. Weighing in at a whopping 2 pounds and 6 ounces, Elijah did not have much chance to be considered as a heavy-weight contender, but he was a fighter. Leaving momma's womb he cried loudly showing he did not need to be put on oxygen. The nurses and doctors stated, "He thinks he is older than 29 weeks."
Prayers have been lifted to God all over the world on Kristy and Elijah's behalf. Kristy and I want to say a special thank you for the immediate concern and special, fervent prayers made. On Monday the 19th Kristy passed out and was taken to St. Luke's hospital in the North of Kansas City. After a couple of hours being observed closely, Kristy was taken by ambulance to the St. Luke's hospital downtown. Between the blood pressure shooting up to a stroke level and then the magnesium dropping the blood pressure to shock level, nervousness abounded. After getting the blood pressure under control, realization set in that the baby was coming soon. By Monday afternoon we were told that the baby would need to be taken within the next few days. We asked if Thursday, June 22 would be a possibility since that was Tony's birthday. Emotionally we were shaken and not prepared, but a peace came quickly, we believe, as a result of your prayers.
Elijah wanted his own birthday and started showing signs of fetal distress early Tuesday morning. Doctors came in, and we all agreed that he needed to be delivered immediately. It has been 3 days since the C-section, and Elijah is still so tiny but doing well. Kristy is scheduled to be released from the hospital this Saturday. The daily journeys to St. Luke's will be taxing, but I will be very happy to have Kristy back home. Please continue to pray for Elijah as he battles to grow properly and for Kristy as she handles the emotions of not having Elijah with her constantly.
Please forgive us for not giving more updates. Things have escalated so quickly that getting hooked up to internet has not taken first priority. I want to say again a special thank you to all who have sent cards, flowers, come to visit in the hospital and most importantly prayed. During this time we were once again reminded of the verses God gave us as we were hurriedly leaving Uganda.Psalm 18:30, 32 "As for God, his way is perfect.it is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."
In His Service,
Tony & Kristy Applegate
tony@theapplegates.net /
kris@theapplegates.net
www.theapplegates.net
| STATESIDE MISSION ADDRESS: | STATESIDE PERSONAL ADDRESS: |
| BIMI | 3790 County Road 6340 |
| Tony & Kristy Applegate, #1295 | West Plains, MO 65775 |
| P. O. Box 9215 | 417.257.7791 |
| Chattanooga, TN 37412 | 816.863.2892 |
| 423.344.5050 |