Yesterday morning, Pastor Gary Bell took a tumble on some steps as we prepared to board the van to the train station in Madurai. He mentioned to me last night on the train his knee was swollen, so Dana gave him some Tylenol to relieve the pain. She checked on him this morning and found him in a great deal of pain with a LOT of swelling. We needed to get him to a doctor.

Rev. David and Catherine called for a car, took Dana to our hotel, and loaded Gary up for a trip to the hospital. By now it was 11:00 am (here). We got periodic updates during the afternoon, and this evening Pastor Dan Rowe and I went to visit him at the hospital. Here is Gary's status:

• They've done an x-ray of his knee, and there is a fracture of a bone in his knee or on his kneecap (my lack of understanding here; the doc knows exactly where the fracture is).
• He has much blood and fluid build up on the knee, which needs to be drained.
• They tried TWICE, two different hospitals, to do an MRI of the knee to see if there is other damage to his ligaments. But both times, both places, the MRI machines were inoperable. Welcome to India. They'll try again in the morning after the India repair fairies work their magic overnight.
• A minor surgical procedure is planned for early tomorrow to drain the knee. Remember we're subject to India time, so it may be much later before this happens.
• He has finally (about 7:30 pm) been given several pain relief shots, and is one happy camper right now.
  
• His spirits are good, he is resting comfortably in his private room and is prepared for the night. I had a "come to Jesus" meeting with the Doctor and attending nurse, and they clearly understand Gary's needs and will give him prompt attention.
• A cardiologist and hematologist have looked at all his tests and medications, and have signed off on Gary have surgery tomorrow.
• Interesting India medical note: there is a cot in Gary's room. According to the night floor nurse, the hospital (a private hospital) REQUIRES there be an attendant stay the night with him in his room. Rev. David is having his son-in-law stay with Gary tonight so someone who speaks Tamil will be there and able to communicate with staff if needed.
  

Dana did a bang-up job of being with Gary all day, advocating for him and caring for him. We are very blessed to have her as our first aid tech. Thank you, Dana. I'll be heading over to the hospital early in the morning to check on Gary and the progress of the MRI and surgery.

God works His good through all things. We ask you lift Gary and his wife Sherry up in prayer; for peace and healing, for the doctors and staff who care for Gary, for a witness to the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior. We had held off posting this prayer request until someone was able to speak to Sherry and give her an update personally. I'll post an update as soon as we have more news.