Jul/095
My time with Kevin this morning-from Pastor Brian Howard
Having just returned from vacation last night I went to the hospital this morning and spent an hour or so with Kevin and then some time with the family. As I walked into the ICU Kevin was laying on his back, wide awake, and able to talk. He put up his hand to shake my hand. I told him that I was sorry that I was not on the ride last Friday but that we had been out of town. Around his bed were his buddies Brent and Chris, Gregg Gentry, Kevin’s dad, Kevin’s uncle, Pastor Sam, Tiffany and myself. We talked about the accident, about whether or not he was in pain, and we talked about how hungry he is. (He kept asking for cheesecake) Kevin went back and forth between cracking jokes and making comments about the seriousness of his situation. He remembers all of it and that seemed painful. Though it was sobering to see him layed up and injured, it was encouraging to be able to have a normal conversation with him and to see him so alert. While I was there he ate for the first time (Vanilla Pudding) Before I left we prayed together and with those gathered around his bed.
A few things struck me:
- God was not absent from the hospital nor was he absent when the crash happened.
- Kevin is surrounded with friends, family, and a church that loves him.
- Kevin’s wife Tiffany is a rock and he is blessed to have her.
- The Gentrys are a God honoring and trusting constant presence and encouragement.
- The recovery time is just beginning
- After a couple of weeks when the newness of this difficult situation wears off, we are still going to need to surround Kevin.
- Kevin is a warrior who will take his passion for endurance sports into his recovery.
As we were driving home, Pastor Sam, who was with me, mentioned how the way that Tiffany and the Gentrys are handling this situation clearly shows that the gospel is evident in their lives. This is so hard but God is not absent. I will continue to join in prayer with all of you for Kevin.
Pastor Brian Howard
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About this Blog
On the morning of Friday, July 3, while cycling in the SCV with friends, Kevin was struck by a fast-moving vehicle. He was airlifted by helicopter for attention to his multiple injuries, including damage to his spine. This blog is for Kevin's family, friends, and colleagues, who are all praying for him and rallying to his side during this time of trial. Please watch this site for upcoming information on how you can help Kevin recover.
3:51 PM on July 6th, 2009
Amen, Brian, God is here and He is not silent.
Lamentations 3:22 The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
23They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
4:25 PM on July 6th, 2009
Hi Kevin!!! We miss you and promise to keep your cube as messy as you left it. This place isn’t the same without you. We have toyed around with the idea of having “Oatmeal Fridays” in you honor until you return but I don’t think we share your love of the oat. It sounds like you are in good hands and we are grateful. Stay strong & we’ll be seeing you soon.
5:46 PM on July 6th, 2009
My husband and I with our 3 kids attended Copperhill for a year–2007–while my husband finished Seminary. Kevin and Tiffany look very familiar to us, though we did not know them.
What we have read on this blog is what we love about Copperhill–it’s a family of caring people who reach out to one another, and love beyond comfort zones.
We are praying along with you for Kevin’s complete recovery, peace that passes all understanding, increased faith (what we always gain through trials when we are willing), and salvation for those who see the mighty work of our Great God.
Praying, praying, praying,
Dan and Carlee Russell
6:36 PM on July 6th, 2009
Brian wrote: “After a couple of weeks when the newness of this difficult situation wears off, we are still going to need to surround Kevin.”
Exactly. Not a sprint. A marathon. We’ll be with our brother Kevin at the finish line.
8:44 PM on July 6th, 2009
Just to let you know my sister was with me when Darci called me with the news on Friday and we have been praying ever since. I am encouraged by what I have heard so far. I pray God’s peace and rest in the midst of this storm. Blessings!