Dear PM Family,   I'm asking for prayer for the Allen family at our church.  The 6 wk. grandson, Christian, was taken to Akron Children's Hospital and is in the ICU nursery with severe injuries because of Shaken Baby Syndrome.  The injuries were caused by his father while the mother was at work.  Christian has been in a drug-induced coma for a week, and the bleeding in the brain has not stopped.  The doctors' prognosis is terribly grim, especially since they know nothing more to do for the baby.  We are asking for a healing miracle from God.  The mother, Alicia, is a very nice young girl, and has been doing a great job as a new mother. She is very close to a total breakdown as a result of this situation.  We are finding out that the father is more of an unsavory character than anyone knew.  He has made a video confession with the local sheriff department and will be charged with child endangerment and attempted homicide.  The grandparents are seeking temporary custody of Christian so that all decisions for his care and welfare can remain in the family.

 

Thanking you in advance, Mia

We will be praying for them.  Lord willing, the baby will survive with no problems.

 

Betty

I have an update to share.  Christian's grandparents have been given custody of him, which we are all very thankful for.  They were able to take him to their home on Tuesday.  The bleeding in the brain has stopped.  Thankyou, Jesus.  Now we just wait and see how he heals and progresses.

 

Mia

The sweet song from the Broadway Musical, Flower Drum Song, talks about "A Hundred Million Miracles are happening everyday", and I am writing to tell you that some of them have been happening with little Christian!!!  The pediatric neurologist that is working with him is still doing assessments, and the tests will continue for many months.  But, as of last week, the doctor is quite confident most of the damage that Christian sustained has healed as if it never happened.  He is thriving and alert and responds positively to all stimuli.  The pediatric ophthamologist is waiting to do surgery on Christian's one eye because of a detached retina.  This doctor gives no guarantees of restored vision, but will do his best.

 

Christian's grandparents have petitioned the courts for full and permanent custody of him.  Their daughter, unfortunately, isn't ready or capable to resume caring for the baby at this time, for various reasons.  She is having a difficult time deciding where her loyalties lay.

 

Please, continue to pray for this family.

It is good to hear the good news regarding Christian's recovery.  We will be praying for a success surgery on his eye and a complete recovery .  We will also be praying for his mother and grandparents.

 

Betty