Jim and Sue Coates are what missionaries are expected to be. Warm, sensitive, caring and most of all, Christ-like. There is not a child, adult or senior in Villa Ascension who has not been blessed by this exemplary English couple.
Monday afternoon when I saw him after a day’s work in the village, Jim was his usual bubbly self so it came as a great shock to receive the news of his stroke later that evening.The Lord had all the puzzle pieces in place though when Bill, a snowbird friend was able to borrow a car to rush Jim to the new private hospital which opened in Sosua recently and is located just a stone’s throw from his home. Dr. Spitali, a neurosurgeon Jim & Sue have used many times for baby Martha was in the hospital and administered a CAT scan right away to assess the situation.
Presently, Jim’s condition is very, very critical. He has bleeding on the inside of the brain and if it doesn’t stop soon, a shunt will need to be inserted. At this time all movement and muscle from the left side of the body, including the left side of the face, has stopped working. We know he is in capable hands and we pray that the doctors will be guided by our heavenly Father.
This is a very difficult time for all of us.
We have been working very closely with Sue and Jim and John met with her this afternoon to discuss how to proceed from here. There are many concerns! Jane has taken a strong role in making sure the feeding programs, the children’s, adults, and family programs of their Dominican Ministry keep operating as before.
Though Jim is often fading in and out, he hears pretty much everything that is said. His biggest concern was that the people would go hungry in his absence. His short term memory is not good right now but he remembers most things from months and years ago. Their daughter, Sarah, is arriving from England this Saturday. I will let you know more as I can.
Till then, please continue to pray, pray, pray for both Jim & Sue.
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