Men, mark your calendars! Iron Sharpens Iron 2009 will be Feb. 21, 2009 at Calvary Christian Church in Bellevue. For more information, go to Heartland Men of Faith or talk to Craig.

You can send a note to Keith at: http://www.alegent.com/body.cfm?id=3855.  Keith Kansiewicz is his full name.  Or you can visit in room 842.

Update: October 25, 2008 11:54 AM - Keith’s home!

“Keith went home today early this afternoon - he has already napped in HIS OWN bed!!  He is very thankful to have been able to walk out of the hospital.  Pray for him as he adjusts to being out of constant medical care.  There will be numerous Dr appts.  He will need to keep track of 8 meds and when to take each throughout the day.  He will not be able to drive for 6 months.  He will not be able to fly for 6  months.  He has a lot of things to adjust to.Thank you all once again for all of your prayers and kindness to all of us thus far - the journey has just begun, but we know that God has a plan and He is faithful and sufficient.” 

Update: October 14, 2008 10:48 PM

“I met via phone with Keith, his dad, and his primary Doctor. There was a chart with the tasks and his abilities and progress.  Overall he is doing very well with the expectations.  At this time the Doctor is projecting that Keith will be ready to go home next Friday, 10/24/08.  Pray that the continued therapy will adequately prepare him to be at home.  They expect him to be able to get around in the house – with aid of a walker and/or cane - and take care of his personal care and needs.  He is walking up to 300 feet.  He has some pain around the left knee area.  The tremor seems to be somewhat less.  The Dr is pleased with his progress.

We thank God – Keith was expecting it to be several more weeks until he would be ready to go home.  Continue praying and praising God.  Also, this coming Sunday his fellowship group (G.A.M.E.) has requested and been granted the use of the Chapel for a time of prayer and praise.  The chaplain said that no one had ever asked before for use of it for a patient.  This fellowship group has really shown the love of Christ in many personal, practical ways to him.

Thank you all for your continued interest, care, love and most especially prayer.” 

Update: October 14, 2008 11:21 AM

“Keith was able to bear weight on both legs and is walking!!  He says it is a little awkward and he notices the difference without the kneecap on the left leg.  Not painful!!He is thankful for the many visitors over the weekend. He was quite tired last night and looking forward to a good nights rest.Today (Tuesday) is the conference –pray for wisdom for all in the discussions.” Update: October 11, 2008 10:22 AM“I just talked with Keith.  He sounds very good this morning.  The Doctor thinks the seizure was a result of the change of medication.  Keith is now aware that this may recur and is a result of the head trauma.  He continues to participate in PT and OT.  This morning he has an optional recreational therapy – they will be making fruit pizza.  He is pleased to be able to dress himself “mostly” –with his “toys” (hooks, grabbers, etc).  He is able to eat by himself “mostly” – still soft foods, but he is also using the right hand.VISITORS:  If you are in the Omaha area he deeply appreciates visitors.  Saturday has some optional therapy scheduled and is mostly open for visiting.  Sunday has NO scheduled therapy– this would be a good day for visits and fellowship. Keep the emails coming.There is a team meeting consisting of therapists, Drs and others caring for him scheduled for Tuesday.  Tuesday after that meetingthere will be a family conference that I will join via telephone.  We will discuss the plan for his rehab.

God continues to answer your prayers.“ 

Update: October 10, 2008 11:06 AM

“He dressed himself in tank and shorts – thankful to be out of the typical hospital fashion statement.I had only spoken briefly with Keith today.  He had told me that they had done an MRI to determine the extent of the damage to his brain caused by the strokes that occurred early in his treatment when we first noticed the hand tremor. 

Tonight [Thursday] around 9:15 his time, Keith had a seizure.  The left hand had a severe spasm.  Pain was intense.  Briefly, Keith lost consciousness.  This frightened Keith.  Nursing staff were with him and assisted him back to his bed from the bathroom. I received a call from Micah, his girlfriend, who had received a call from her friend, Sara, who was with Keith at the time.  I phoned the hospital, talked with Keith who was obviously distressed.  I also spoke with the nurse to ask about the anti-seizure medication that he had been on.  Apparently recently the medication dosage had been reduced.  I think that this may have been the cause of the seizure.  A Doctor was to come in tonight to see him.Please pray for wisdom in this matter.  Pray for good rest for all of us tonight.” Update: October 8, 2008 3:42 PM - Keith’s in Omaha!!!!“Keith is safely in Omaha at Immanuel Medical Center.  The trip went well.   He arrived about 5:30.   He does have a roommate.He is in Room 842 – PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS AT THIS TIME.  Visitors are welcome, but please understand that he will be having a busy schedule with Occupational and Physical Therapy – he said he will get the schedule to me so that those that wish to visit will have a better idea of when to go. The hospital address is:  Immanuel Medical Center, 6901 North 72nd Street Omaha, Nebraska 68122. 

If you would like to send him email directly to the hospital, use this link: 

http://www.alegent.com/body.cfm?id=3855  (Immanuel is part of the Alegent Health System).  Thanks again for your prayers.  We are thankful for his progress and safe return to Omaha.” Update: October 7, 2008 6:06 PM“Today was mixed – as is often the case.  Keith did not rest so well last night.  He is having the sensations in his leg again – the hand is feeling better.  He told me this evening that they had to re-break the hand to set it properly in the surgery on Friday.  This probably accounts for the severity of the pain.  He is doing physical therapy to stretch the tendons in the hand (both with assistance from the therapist and on his own) – he is almost able to touch the thumb with the middle finger.He had a visit from his friend, Keifer.  This was a good thing.  They enjoyed the reunion and a good time of fellowship.  If he is able, he will visit with Keith again tomorrow.WEDNESDAY is the day for the transfer – so he has been told.  I will keep you posted as details are revealed.I was reminded today of the multitude of blessings including his medical coverage!!  This has been a lengthy hospital stay with elevated level of care and the numerous surgeries.  Thank God with us for the mercies shown in so many ways.He looks forward to the resumption of emails – I will get the link to you once he is in Omaha.“ Update: October 4, 2008 6:13 PM From Micah: “I just got off the phone with Keith, and it’s been a rough past couple days. He’s still in a lot of pain from the surgery yesterday, and hasn’t been able to sleep much.  So continue to pray for healing. Also, it’s hard for him not be able to communicate much with anyone, and to not have anyone around to visit and encourage him.  So pray that God would remind Keith of His love and faithfulness. And pray that Keith would be able to come back to Omaha sooner rather than later. Also wanted to let you know that Keith’s dad is back in Omaha safe and sound.Thanks so much for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support!” Update: October 4, 2008 12:45 AM“I just spoke with Keith – He is still groggy from the surgery – He asks that I thank each of you for your continued care, love, prayer and support.  The surgery was about 5 hours.  The alignment of the knuckle at the base of the ring finger was not right so they fixed that and something about a dislocation at the wrist below that joint.  He seems to be well.  He wants something to eat and they will bathe him.  Then he should rest for the night.  The medical / surgical team will be in to talk with him further in the morning.  He still has nothing confirmed on the return to Omaha.  He hopes to visit with an old friend tomorrow or Sunday.” Update: October 2, 2008 10:02 PM“Today was a mixed day.  First the less than good news – Keith spoke with the flight team rep late this afternoon.  He told Keith that he would know by Monday when the flight would be scheduled – this sounds like at least Monday until he will head to Omaha.  He sounds good.  He fed himself today with a regular spoon.  He answered the phone by himself when I called.  Small but great steps.  They removed 2 of the pins from his hand today.  He is in some pain from this procedure.  There is a dislocation in the hand or wrist area below the ring finger that needs attention.  A procedure will be done tomorrow to place a pin or screw to stabilize that.

Please continue to pray for him in this continued treatment, progress and healing.  His dad continues to travel.  This all wears on me – I am very tired.Thank you” Update: September 30, 2008 8:34 PM - Keith is coming back to Omaha! From Keith’s mom: “He left Modesto about 4:45 this afternoon. HE IS ON THE WAY to Travis AFB by ambulance.  He will fly from Travis to Omaha – but we do not know exactly when he will arrive at Offutt –probably 24 to 48 hours.  Pray for his dad as he drives back to Omaha.  This will take about 2 to 3 days.  Pray for me as I wait (learning patience) for word of his safe arrival back to NE” Update: September 29, 2008 9:05 AM“Keith had a very good day.  He reports that he walked and motored around the block – the block is the nurses’ station which is in the center of the rooms on his hospital wing.  I’m not sure exactly how far that is – but it is a big accomplishment. He also fed himself lunch.  They provided him with a spoon with a fatter handle.  Kevin D and his wife Kelly visited.  Kevin is the gentleman who was first on the scene of Keith’s fall. This was good for Keith to meet him and talk with him.  Ed will be driving Keith’s car from Modesto back to Bellevue.  Pray for him in this 3 day trip that will begin when Keith goes back.  We still have not been informed of the departure date.At church last night, we were reminded of the work that prayer is from Col. 4:13.  Thank you for your labors on Keith’s and his family’s behalf.  We thank God for you all.“ Update: September 25, 2008 12:56 PM“I spoke to Keith this afternoon.  He is continues to experience pain that he needs medication for.  I encouraged him to get the medication he needs so that he can rest and his body can heal.  Particularly troublesome is a very sensitive left foot that cannot tolerate even the least touch without discomfort and pain.  He is also having trouble eating.  He says that the food hits his stomach and feels heavy (that is the best I can describe it).  Please pray for relief from that discomfort and a good appetite.  I suspect that it may be related to some of the meds.He has recently been able to turn himself in bed.  The tremor in the left hand is still present.  He also has had trouble sleeping and resting well at night.  They changed the cast on his hand and put a different brace on the leg.  They also did another CAT scan last night – not sure of results yet.The word (through the grapevine) is that he will probably be flown back to NE on a medical flight.  Still no specifics.“ Update: September 22, 2008 11:16 PM“Today Keith had a visit from his 1^st Sergeant and Commander from Nebraska.  They told him that he will go directly back to Nebraska as soon as they are able to make arrangements – probably within the next week.   They appear eager to have him back.  He will probably go to some type of interim rehab center. The surgeon that repaired Keith’s jaw was in a couple of times in the last few days to remove dissolvable stitches that are irritating his mouth.Ed met one of the flight medical staff that assisted with Keith’s rescue.  He said how Keith was very courageous during the rescue flight.  Ed was also pleased to be taken for a flight in the copter.

Keith had a rough night last night with pain in his right leg (not the one that was injured) – not sure exactly what it was - he was told that it was sciatica and also that it was not.  Please pray for a restful night tonight. ” Update: September 22, 2008 8:24 AM“Keith had a good day and continues with his PT.  This morning his dad shaved him and Keith got his first look in a mirror in 3 weeks.  He said that his jaw is a little wider – not swelling.  I’m still thankful that we were given such a gifted surgeon to do the procedure.  I asked Keith how he is spiritually and he replied “good”.  His dad reads the scriptures, from “Beside Still Waters” by Spurgeon and from another book daily with him.  He said he was tired and would be napping this afternoon.

Pray for his perseverance through upcoming healing.  Continue to pray for all of us as we encourage him in his recovery.” 

Update: September 17, 2008 9:11 PM

“Today has been a good day for Keith.  He has been doing Physical Therapy and even stood alone very briefly.  The trach was removed.  He is doing breathing exercises to strengthen the neck area.  Still awaiting transfer details/plans/orders.  “ 

Update: September 16, 2008 9:26 PM

From Keith’s Mom: “Keith did move from ICU yesterday.  He is in room 422.  HOWEVER, it seems that the USAF will plan to move him very soon to an AF facility.  We will get those details to you as soon as we know.   Though we would prefer he be closer to home, our primary concern is that he receive the best care for his needs and recovery.  Please pray for wisdom concerning this move for Keith, Ed, Myself and the USAF personnel who are he primary decision makers. Keith has NO feeding tube, NO ventilator and the IV continuous drip has been removed and we expect the trach to be removed tomorrow.  Ed reports that he spent most of an hour doing Physical Therapy today.  They gave him green exercise bands that he has been working with to strengthen his left hand and arm.  He also sat in a chair for awhile - after that he was quite tired. He was able to hold a straw and a cup at least briefly today. Ed and I had been noticing that Keith seemed to be having some difficulty with vision and we have asked that an evaluation be done.  Keith at times also seems to have some short term memory difficulties and/or confusion.” 

Update: September 16, 2008 12:54 AM

From Micah: “Just talked to Reba[Keith’s mom], Keith is in a regular room! His new room is 422, so if you want to send anything, you can send it to him at
Keith Kansiewicz
Room 422
Doctor’s Medical Center of Modesto
1441 Florida Ave.
Modesto, CA 95352 He still can’t take phone calls or anything because of the tremors in his hand and trach in his throat, but praise God that he’s out of ICU. Please continue to pray for strength and healing, and that he’d be able to come back to Omaha soon (which is a selfish request on my part ). Also pray for his mom, she had her bag taken today that had her camera and crocheting things in it (but thankfully no important papers or ID or anything). She’s also flying back home tomorrow.” 

Update: September 15, 2008 3:26 PM

From Keith’s mom: “Yesterday, the Dr first said - or I first heard - that the tremors were focal seizures.  They have been giving him antiseizure meds for this.  Today the Dr was in and added a 3rd.  Pray that these will be effective in controlling the tremor/seizure.  It appears to effect only the left hand and most often when he is moving it or trying to grasp something.  The right hand and arm appear stronger and movement is more frequent with it.  The cast is heavy so that is also a factor.  The physical therapist placed a trapeze bar above his bed so he can help to lift himself in the bed.  He has been using it and even got the right hand onto it tonight.
 
Today, Keith sat in a chair for over an hour.  He also ate more than half of his breakfast and lunch.  He also drank 2 nutritional “milk shakes”.  He had an extra that he offered to his dad, but Ed was not very receptive.  Hmmm-sounds like Keith.
 
Tomorrow Keith is to be moved from ICU.  We thank God for the wonderful care he has received in ICU.  We also are thankful that he is progressing to where he does not need such specialized care.  Please pray for this transition.  We were also told by the USAF personnel that Keith would be transferred to a USAF facility once he was out of ICU.  Pray for all involved in this.
 
Keith was insistent that today was Micah’s birthday.  He wanted me to call her, but I told him it was September and her birthday was not until Oct.  He said the 14th of every month is her birthday and so I called and wished her a happy birthday.  She said she will wait until next month for the celebration.  Keith is Keith!!”

Update: September 13, 2008 12:13 AM

From Keith’s Mom: “Today was evidence of steps forward. Keith is altogether off oxygen and breathing room air on his own.  The swallowing evaluation was successful this morning and he ate his first meal at lunch time today.  It was small, but he had milk, mashed potatoes and crumbled ground beef with gravy.  Only a few spoonfuls, but food!!  He also ate supper, but I was not present for that and am not sure what the menu was.  He sat in a chair for both meals.  He will continue to be fed through the feeding tube at night to insure that he is receiving sufficient nutrition.  That will be removed once he is able to consume enough by eating. He is still in some pain from the surgeries yesterday, but is completely off the morphine.  They replaced the trach he had (size for a smaller (size 6) one.  At one point, they tried to “cap” the trach so he could speak more easily, but that did not work.  He does speak even with the trach and is somewhat intelligible - He will be so glad to have it completely removed.” 

Update: September 12, 2008 12:06 AM 

From Micah: “Talked to Keith’s mom again today, the surgery went well.  They put 4 pins in his hand and worked on his knee - the kneecap was like “crumbled cornflakes,” according to the doctor. But they were able to do what they needed to. She also said that before the surgery, he’s definitely been more awake and trying to communicate more, which is awesome.  After the surgery, though, he’s been in a lot of pain, but otherwise seems to be healing and doing well.  Thanks again everyone for praying, and will continue to keep you updated as I hear more!” 

Update: September 10, 10:09 PM

From Micah: “I talked to her [Keith’s mom] before worship practice tonight. Some good things today - they took his neck brace off and he was quite awake this morning. His rash is also better. And, the best story of the night (in my opinion) was that he was able to drink some water through a straw. So that’s exciting. I also found out that one of the rangers found his camera, so that’s another blessing.  Other than that, his surgery for his hand and leg is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:30.” 

Update: September 9, 2008 10:59 PM 

Chad received a phone call from Keith’s mother tonight.  Keith was given a CAT Scan today because they had been noticing his left hand shaking.  It appears that he’s been having a series of strokes.  They aren’t sure of the extent of the damage or what the next step is, so be praying! 

From Keith’s mom: “Stanis [Keith’s brother] arrived safely, but briefly.  It was good to see him and Keith definitely responded to him.They continue to give him Benadryl for the rash and are giving him bedding that is hypoallergenic to minimize potential causes of the rash.  For several days, Keith has had a tremor and shakiness in his left hand and arm, primarily with movement.  2 CAT Scans were done today - one without contrast and one with.  There are some irregularities in his brain that they will be watching closely.  They have begun administration of anti seizure meds.  We expect CAT scans to be done daily for a few days to further evaluate.  

Please pray for much wisdom for the Medical staff regarding this.  This may postpone his surgery scheduled for Thursday.”

Update: September 8, 2008 11:59 PM

“They took Keith out of Bed and put him in a special “chair”.  This was good for a change of position.  The physical Therapist came in to ask some questions, but agreed that he was not ready to begin the physical therapy that had been ordered.  His surgery is scheduled for Thursday afternoon about 3 PST.  There will be 2 surgeons working on him - one on the knee and one on the hand.  They hope to remove the Collar in the next couple of days.  He has developed a rash that they believe is a reaction to the antibiotic.  They started him on Benadryl for that.  As long as his Blood pressure stays within normal range, they keep the morphine at a minimal level.  Thank you for all of your prayers.”  Update: September 6, 2008 8:18 PMFrom Keith’s mother: ”Well, Keith went to the OR, and they did a procedure, but not what we had expected, at least not completely.They did further work with the pin in the left femur/thigh to secure it.  He has too much swelling to do the hand and knee today.  I’m not sure when that will be rescheduled.  The Dr put him on a diuretic to reduce the fluid/swelling.  After the procedure, his blood pressure was up so they asked that we make our visit brief.  We did and will go back up later. At this point, I will be rearranging my travel plans - probably returning next weekend.  Please pray for the working out of those details.  Thank you so very much.P.S.  He has received many emails from you all - thank you - we do read them to him and he responds to your names. Thank you” Update: September 6, 2008 2:14 PM“Keith will be going into surgery between 3 and 3:30 this afternoon (east coast time). They are planning to work on his laft kneecap and a hand specialist will be working on his right hand. His girlfriend, Micah, and her pastor [Chad] arrived there this morning. In general, Keith has still been very sedated, though responsive. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.” Update: September 4, 2008 11:12 PMFrom Sarah, a co-worker at Offut: “Let me give you some of the items we can really praise God for:
 
-Ed, Reba (Keith’s mom) and Keith’s brother, Stephan, have all arrived safely!  Ed is there until at least the 15th.  Mom can only stay the weekend, but I think Stephan will get to stay a week or more w/ Ed. 
-Keith does NOT have any head, spinal, or internal injuries.  PTL!
-The best plastic surgeon in the area (who has not been taking new patients) just happened to be there at that hospital when Keith arrived, so he agreed to take his case!!
-Keith is fairly cognizant, breathing well w/ a trachea tube, and currently being weaned off of morphine.
-It’s kinda good news that they did not wire his jaw shut.  The bad part of that is there wasn’t anything to wire it to.  (Ouch!)  =(  But they put in the mesh structure and will continue work on that!
-The government will be covering all his medical expenses.
 
Ok, now onto the status report….
 
-The significant damage to Keith’s face is his lower jaw.  It got pretty messed up.  He lost most of his teeth and both of his lips got split.  There is a lot of reconstructive work yet to be done.
-He could have some amnesia as a result of the meds that they’ve had to give him.
-They put a rod in his left leg (to repair the femur.)  But they haven’t casted it yet, b/c they still need to reconstruct his kneecap.
-He is on a breathing tube, a feeding tube and IV.  So he’s pretty hooked up as you can imagine.
 
He is at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, CA.  There is a link below where you can pick out an e-card (choose the printed, hand-delivered card option), write him a message and send it to the hospital.  They deliver those every morning.  Ed wants everyone to take advantage of this and send lots of cards and messages b/c they can read them to Keith and it will be a great encouragement to him.  Keith loves personal notes. “Update: September 4, 2008, 3:20 AMFrom Keith’s mother: “Hello all from Sunny, Hot CA - well it was sunny and hot earlier.   and it is only a little after 10:30 here right now.Where to begin.  Thankful for good flights and safe arrival.  Was met at airport by 2 USAF and Ed.  Stephan [Keith’s brother] arrived about an hour ago.Keith did not look as bad as I thought he might.  He is quite swollen from the injury and surgery.  He was obviously responding to our voices and presence.  He moved his hand and attempted to open his eyes.  He is still on morphine and they continue gradually reducing it and he seems to be tolerating that well.I did speak with the surgeon this afternoon (quite providentially).  He told me that the facial injuries were the most severe he had seen in 41 years that he has been a surgeon.  He totally shattered his lower jaw.  To repair it he put a metal plate in and titanium mesh holding bone together.  Contrary to my previous understanding, the jaw is not wired together—this was impossible with the nature of the damage.  There was also some injury to the bones around his eyes (though not noticeable) that they will monitor on further xrays.  He did have a very slight temperature this afternoon.  On Saturday, the plan is to do repairs to the kneecap.  They were unsuccessful in removing the tooth from the bronchial tube and I think I forgot to ask what would be the next step.  (It has been a long day!!)As by phone, the hospital staff are quite warm, easy to talk with, and very caring.  I am very thankful for this.  We will probably go to Yosemite tomorrow to get Keith’s car.  The logistics of getting it back to Nebraska still need to be resolved.  The USAF Chaplain, a Lutheran Missouri Synod, was quite helpful.  I was not expecting him, but was glad he was here.  He is currently serving in CA but previously had crossed paths with Keith in NE.  So many pieces of this puzzle have come together in a way that has but one explanation - our gracious Lord.  Chief Master Sergeant Crystal Flowers is our local point of contact –she is great.  Well I should close this book for now.  Please continue to pray for all of us—It has been most apparent to me that you have already!!”Update: September 3, 2008 7:37 AM From Keith’s Mom: “Both Ed from Nebraska, and I from Harrisburg are flying out to California tomorrow.  Ed is to arrive in the morning and I in the afternoon.I just spoke with the ICU Nurse.  Keith has a tooth in a bronchial tube - they do not think it is actually in the lung - apparently it has been there since he fell.  The Dr will perform a procedure at 9 tomorrow morning (noon our time) to remove the tooth through a tube that will be inserted through the trach.  Please pray that this would be successful.  I was told this is no emergency but necessary.Thank you for your continued prayers in this situation.”Updated September 2, 2008 6:34 PM“Just spoke with the nurse - continuing to reduce sedation. He has opened his eyes. They put a rod in his left leg. They will repair the kneecap later. They will take additional xrays of the Right hand to determine if pins are needed. “Updated September 2, 2008 7:40 AMJayme received an update from Keith’s mother.“Keith was climbing in Yosemite on Sunday. Sometime later in the day he fell approx 40 ft. He never lost consciousness.
He was in surgery until about 9 p.m last night your time. They repaired his jaw which was broken and apparently the worst of his injuries. He lost many teeth. They also repaired his leg/knee and his right hand.
When I spoke with his nurse after surgery, his vital signs were good. They had to do a tracheotomy to maintain his airway - they were concerned of swelling related to the jaw surgery. They will keep him sedated to rest and encourage healing for some period of time. Initially he had a lung collapse, but they consider that “lower on the list” of problems. He has a small laceration on one kidney that they will “keep an eye on”. Initial report is 4 to 6 weeks recovery. He will be in Modesto as long as he is in ICU. After that the USAF may move him. It is early to tell on these last 2 items. I will be flying out on Wednesday and will stay until Tuesday.Please also pray for Keith’s younger brother, Stephan, who is not a believer. Thank you all for your prayers.”
You can send an e-card to Keith via the hospital at:  http://www.dmc-modesto.com/CWS/apps/CheerCards/default.aspx?hostname=dmc-modesto&language=en-USUpdate: September 2, 2008 7:32 AM:From Micah: “Another update… Got an e-mail from his mom this morning, the hospital said that Keith’s doing well and they’re hoping to start weaning him off sedation, and hoping that he’ll wake up sometime this afternoon/evening. God is good, but please keep praying! Thanks!” Update: September 1, 2008 @ 9:38 PM CST:From Micah: “Just talked to his dad, Keith is out of surgery and is doing as well as can be expected, all vitals are good. He’s still in ICU (as far as I know) and will be for the next couple days, until the swelling goes down and he wakes up. So praise God that the surgery went well, and continue to pray for quick healing and that there wouldn’t be any complications or anything. Also pray for both his parents as they fly out there tomorrow and Wednesday. I also want to tell everyone thanks so much for all of your prayers and support, I can’t even begin to tell you how much it means to me.
~Micah”We’ll continue to keep you posted here!Posted as of September 1, 2008 5:46 PM   Please pray for Keith Kansiewicz who was seriously injured in a fall while rock climbing at Yosemite National Park.  According to his Air Force Commander, Keith is in serious condition and about to undergo an eight to twelve hour emergency surgery to reconstruct facial bones that were broken.  Keith also has a broken leg and broken hand, so pray that the surgery will be successful.  His father, Ed, is making arrangements to travel to California, so pray that flights will be available and for safety as Ed goes to be with his son.We’ll continue to post updates here as we get them.Update as of September 1, 2008 7:10 PM In light of the seriousness of Keith’s accident, Chad will be flying to California this weekend to be with Keith and his family and is planning to take Micah (Keith’s girlfriend) as well. If there is anyone interested in helping cover the costs of Micah’s flight and some expenses such as hotel, rental cars, please contact Jayme ASAP with an amount at jayme@gameomaha.com. This would be a blessing to both Keith and Micah. 
 
Also, other requests:
*If anyone knows of someplace Chad and Micah could stay in San Jose or near Modesto, CA for this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - please let Chad know ASAP chad@gameomaha.com.
*If anyone would like to send a note, picture, or word of encouragement to Keith with Micah and Chad, please drop it off at Chad’s or get it to someone by Thursday at Volleyball.
 
Thanks again, we have a wonderful ministry response already to this situation!

I just wanted to say to the Game that i had a great time at game on monday night! I felt like people actually care that i was there. I am also going on the weekend retreat too and i can’t wait to meet more people there!

Thanks again,

Ryan Wiggins

**Before you read the challenge listed in the comments, you have to know the heart of our ministry. We desire to create a place young college, singles, and even young married can grow in their relationship with Christ and each other. We don’t normally do “commitments” for our studies, but we felt it was time to take 6 weeks to grow deeper internally. If you are brand new to GAMe, just come and see what you think, you are welcome to check it out a few times before you really “commit”. And don’t be afraid, this is just each small groups way of saying “we are in this together and are taking it serious”! (For more questions or comments - please email chad@gameomaha.com)

   My name is Jordan Crumb, and if that sounds unfamiliar it is because we have never meet :)  I’ve never been to GAMe having just learn of the ministery today, but I felt compelled to register and share a short story of how I learned of your group.  I have lived in Omaha for going on 3 years and have yet to find a Christian group, that are my age, with which I can fellowship.  It has been weighing on me to find one to join so I decided to bring it to the Lord.  On my way to work this morning I prayed that the Lord would open a door for me and lead me to Christians in the area I could worship with.  As soon as I got to work there was an email waiting for me from one of your members I happen to work with.  I didn’t know he was part of your group but had a discussion with him the day befoer about Christian Lit.  He emailed me telling me of GAMe and ask if I would like to come check it out.  It was a direct answer to prayer and a blessing.  I look forward to meeting everyone this coming Monday and may come out for the Sunday prayer group as well.

 The power of prayer is Amazing.

Hey GAME friends!  I just want you guys to know that I still think GAME is awesome and will be coming back soon to say hi.  I met some awesome friends through GAME, but abruptly stopped coming.  Just want to say to those great friends- thanks for being a blessing and I still think of you guys.  After going to GAME I had to take sometime off to really pray and make some big decisions. I guess I stopped coming around the time of the singles retreat because I was kind of not ready to make the choices I knew God wanted me to make. Now that I’ve followed through with those hard choices I understand more clearly why I stopped going. Anyway, love GAME and will see you sometime soon.

I just wanted to shout out a Praise God for the way He works in the lives of those who love Him! I moved to Omaha about 1 year ago. It was not on my top 250 places to live, but God had a bigger plan for me. He led me here to marry my husband, Gabe. But God had much more than that for me. Gabe and I had wanted to get more involved in our church or another ministry and to make solid Christian friends who would challenge us. God was silent for awhile. Until one night in the ER, where I work as a nurse, I had a patient come in with a possible head injury from wakeboarding. (I used to wakeboard all the time when I lived in Virginia, but since moving to Omaha I had not met anyone who even knew what wakeboarding was.) While caring for my patient, Bethany, I started talking with her friend, Chad, who brought her into the ER. Making small talk about how I loved wakeboarding but haven’t gone since moving to Omaha, Chad then told me about this ministry called Great Adventure. He said they get together all the time to go wakeboarding. “Ministry? huh. Tell me more about this” I responded. He talked about this community of believers who get together weekly to study the Bible and encourage, challenge, and pray for one another, as well as get together for fun events on weekends. I couldn’t believe it, God was answering my prayer for ministry, friends, and wakeboarding all in the same encounter! He brought this about through a head injury! (By the way, Bethany was fine and was discharged home later that night.) But thanks to God for His creative ways for bringing us together!

Gabe and I were newly married at that time and had no idea we were coming to a singles ministry, but that didn’t matter. We were completely accepted and brought into the group. I got 3 phone calls that week inviting me to join the girls for a weekend event. I was amazed at the hospitality and the authenticity of the group. Gabe and I have enjoyed serving alongside the others during the work days, having people over to our home to bbq and play croquette, meeting for coffee, and the list goes on! We have been so blessed by God through GAMe!

To God be the glory!!!

Let me be the first to welcome you to our newest Blog. This is a chance for you to ask questions, give thoughts, and get involved. It would be nice as well to see some stories from GAMe people added of how the ministry blessed them.
*Your comments might not be posted instantly, and can be edited if the content is not appropriate. Look forward to hearing from you.
Chad - Shepherd of GAMe