Monday, April 16, 2012

Miracles

Britten continues to improve. He probably wore himself out talking today. He is now out of ICU. We have written a lot about miracles in the month since the accident. We are so grateful to all of those who have left such positive comments, as well as all who we know were praying, we have felt the power and support everyday. There are some of our brothers and sisters who don't believe that miracles happen today. We are all entitled to our own opinions. I have been waiting for the right time to put this on the blog. Perhaps, now is the time. When we got off the plane in Brazil we were greeted with the news that the CT scans revealed that Elder Schenk had been several days without blood-supply or oxygen to his brain. The trauma had been too massive and great. When he arrived at Einstien Hospital the Neuro- surgeon said, "why did you bring him here? There is nothing we can do for him." While I'm no expert, that is not good news. What that really meant was that there was no chance, at least medically and scientifically speaking, he couldn't survive or make any kind of recovery. Every Doctor, Surgeon, Nurse and Therapist without exception that we have met on this journey have been caring, compassionate and competent. Many of them have acknowledged Divine Intervention in Britten's case. Those who don't have the "facts," I believe, are the only ones who don't realize that we have truly witnessed miracles. For me, it is as if, He said, "Elder Schenk, take up thy bed and walk, thou hast unfinished work to do." We know that He lives! He loves all of us! He hears and answers all our prayers, in His own time and way! We are so grateful to Him for His Infinite Mercy and Miracles in Britten's behalf. Jesus Christ is our Only Hope.

26 comments:

  1. Hello Schenk family! I just wanted to thank you for sharing your miracles with me. I have been following his progress and been inspired by how far faith and hard work will get you when God has a way for you. You are all in the refiner's fire. It's been too many years since I've been in my hometown, but I love you guys and know that you are the best kind of people. Thank you for your constant faith and testimony. The email you shared has really stuck with me the last week. I pray for Britten's continual recovery! God bless you all. So glad you made it home.
    Kira (Yates) Cox

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  2. What sweet news to read just before I retire to bed! This is truly a miracle. What a wonderful and strong young man Elder Schenk is! Prayers continue daily for him, here at my home and on the Columbus Temple prayer roll.

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  3. It is so great to read about these miracles. I have been praying for Elder Schenk for a few weeks, and I have been praying for your family as well. I have been reading this blog ever since I read about your son's accident in the church news.

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  4. Wow, that is so wonderful. You can't believe the lives that have been touched by you guys and elder Schenk. Your testimonies are so powerful and strong. Thanks for being who you are. We continue to pray daily for miracles to continue. The Lord lives and loves us all.
    Keep smiling as we all.
    Love, David, Mary and the kids!

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  5. The Lord's hand is truly guiding each and every "unplanned" event in our dear missionaries' lives for His purposes. Thank you so much for sharing your testimony with all of us who are praying for your family. May the miracles that occurred bring many unto the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a beautiful witness of its divine origin.

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  6. Thank you, Schenk family, for allowing us to be witnesses of the miracles that follow faith and Father's will. You are constantly in our prayers. I hope you can feel the love and admiration we have for all of you. It's nothing new, it's the way we've felt since we came to know you almost 20 years ago!
    With love,
    The Bradys

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  7. Thank you so much for sharing personal things with us, that our testimonies might also be strengthened. We love and admire you; we love and have great hope for Britten. You will continue to be in our prayers daily. Carl & Cynthia & Family

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  8. Your courage and faith is truly inspiring. We are strengthened because of your example. Glad you are home. Go Britten!
    Kim, Susan, and Spencer

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  9. Amen! Jesus Christ IS our only hope, and I'm so grateful He is watching over our Schenk friends. Thank you for sharing your experiences and testimonies. We love you all and continue to have you in our prayers! The Murdochs

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  10. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to teach the Gospel Doctrine lesson on the last three chapters of 2nd Nephi. We talked a lot about what it means to endure to the end and that enduring is not a negative thing but can be a very positive thing in our lives if we follow the direction that Nephi gives in verse 20 of chapter 31. "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. "
    I can't think of a better example of a steadfast faith in Christ and a perfect brightness of hope. And what a blessing you have received in return. Having worked with TBI patients as a student, I knew that the your posts probably didn't contain the exact information that the doctors were giving you, at the same time as I read of Britten's recovery I knew exactly how miraculous those milestones were. My best guestimate for him being able to return home was 2 months and you are well ahead of that. His and your experiences have been a wonderful testimony of Christ, the gospel and that miracles do happen every day in the lives of us all. Please know that you continue to be in my prayers. Love,
    Penny

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    Replies
    1. Miracles do still happen, and this is one of them! We are so grateful to have taken this journey "with" you because you have been so thoughtful to share with us on your blog. That takes a great deal of courage and faith in and of itself! Our testimonies have grown and our hope is bright! We love you all and never cease to pray for our dear Elder Schenk! Thanks for being you.
      Love, The Stoddards

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  11. There are miracles all around us, and without question, Britten's recovery has been one of those big ones! You have strengthened my testimony through your faithfulness. Britten and your family continue to be in our prayers everyday.

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  12. I have no doubt that miracles do happen in these days. I have seem them with my own eyes. My good friend, who I have worked with for 22 years...her mother and sister in law were in a horrible car accident one year ago. Her mother was killed, and her sister in law suffered traumatic brain injury. Her name is Julie, and today she is a living and walking miracle. I have no doubt through prayers and blessings, that is why she is here today and back to mostly a normal life. My granddaughter was 18 months old in 2008 when she was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. TOday she is five years old and our little miracle. She is beautiful and smart, but with a few minor disabilities, she is amazing. My little hero. She is our miracle! Prayers are answered! God lives! Bless Elder Schenk and your family. What an amazing story and thank you for sharing. I check your blog every day. Our prayers are with you all. I testify with all my heart that miracles happen every day....all around us. For those who don't believe that, they just need to open their minds and hearts and just take a look around them. I BELIEVE!!!!

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  13. So happy to hear he is home and surrounded by family and friends. We continually pray for miracles to continue happening in Britten's recovery, your families lives and those lives to whom Britten has touched and will continue to touch. I am sure that many miracles are being performed every day. Britten's mission is continuing through this trial. He is a constant reminder of Heavenly Father's love for His children. Britten continues to touch hearts and lives and will bring many more people to the understanding of our Heavenly Father's love and divine plan. We love you all. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Layne & Julie Finlinson

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  14. You do not know me and I don't know you but I have been following the progress of Elder Schenk since hearing about it on the news. I am so grateful to you and your family for sharing the story of Britten. What a true miracle! It is so comforting to know that Heavenly Father watches out and takes care of all of us. It reminds me and all of us about what is truly the most important thing in this life and that is family and our goal of becoming an eternal one. it is easy to forget sometimes. I will always be praying for you and your family, and especially for the recovery of Britten.

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  15. I heard about this "miracle" on Facebook from a friend and went to your blog to find out more. I'm thrilled to hear Elder Schenk is improving and I just know he will be okay. Miracles are all around us aren't they? Best wishes always to you Elder Schenk.

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  16. This brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing. I believe in miracles. It is so nice to see one in process.

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  17. Denise Santana _Brasil.
    I want to tell you that I believed in miracles, but after seeing and follow the trajectory of Schenk had more certainty that miracles are reias, that Heavenly Father is a God of love, which showed about a month for all of us he has power and grander performs miracles as Britten's life, Heavenly Father loves all of you Schenk family, you are special, I hope to have the opportunity to be with you again, and never forget that Britten is always in our hearts, love all you.

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  18. Miracles do happen. I'm so touched by your testimony. I have followed this blog since day 1 and I do believe that Elder Schenk is a living miracle that have strengthened our testimonies even with this tragedy. I'm really happy that he is home feeling his family and close friends' love. Now he will recover even faster. Our Heavenly Father is in charge, and he just showed Albert Einstein staff and to all of us that He can change exam's results and give back life to those that believe.

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  19. Cida -Brazil/ Sao Paulo

    I believe in the miracles, I learned about this with Elder Schenk! I'm happy, because Elder Schenk's improving. I don't know Elder Schenk and his family, but I have big love for them! I'm going to go praying and cheer for Elder Schenk! Thank you for sharing your testimony!

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  20. Miracles are all around us if we know what to look for! I told Maddi and over again, "God wired you up the first time he can do it again!" I am so relieved knowing Britten is a living miracle as well! So grateful for a God who knows! So happy for you all!

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  21. Love you, Karla. Thanks for letting us come along on your inspiring journey. You are turning a tragedy into a real life sermon on faith. Many are being blessed by your family's courage.

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  22. My testimony continues to strengthen with the countless prayers and daily outpouring of the Spirit in confirmation of all you so lovingly and sincerely write on this blog. I, too, have felt the power in the love of the people- known and unknown- who offer their prayers and their services on Britten's and all of our family's behalf. One of my favorite scriptures: Mosiah 2:17, "And I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." How beautiful. We feel the love of God through the love of those around us. That is the power to perform miracles. I love the letter that Britten wrote- a couple blogs back- about the importance of trials and excelling beyond what we think is possible. The Lord will always be there to help us in our way to refinement and in our progress to perfection.
    A day hasn't gone by that I haven't said prayers for Britten. I truly, deeply love each one of you and I am SO incredibly blessed to have you as part of my family. I love you, I love you. Thank the Lord for His countless and divine blessings!
    Love,
    Sherilyn

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  23. I am so grateful for the miracles that are taking place in your life. I, too, am a miracle as I was hit by a car 26 years ago and the doctors gave my parents a 10% chance or less that I would recover and lead a normal life. With His help I have overcome many challenges from my accident and have learned that with God Nothing is Impossible. I am 100% recovered and have accomplished many of my dreams. Miracles definitely occur in our day. I am so pleased with your positive outlook for Britten, this is so helpful for him. Keep the Faith.
    Malynn

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  24. Thank you. If ever i needed this sweet amazing reminder of Gods love this was it. My prayers are with all of you. Thank You for your faith and testimony.

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  25. What wonderful parents you are. Elder Schenk was really blessed to have you next to him. I'm sure this was the key point to improve it. I am always very empowered when I see the faith and strength for your beloved son. I am praying for you, and I believe his son will win because he is a man of faith and has many who loves him and support unconditionally.
    I know that miracles are true and many of them I have witnessed in my life. His son is a young and brave warrior, he will win with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ and you.
    May the Lord bless you with strength, success and good health.We will pray for you and your son.
    With Love

    Rose Mary

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