Christian Family Fellowship: Updates Binion and Robinson Families

A Memorial/Birthday Celebration of Life for Dan

2008-07-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of Daniels 14th birthday, Sunday the 27th we will have a memorial/birthday celebration of his life. It will be held at the Henningsen building at 6:30. We hope to sing and have anyone who feels led, share a story or memory of Dan's life. We will have cookies afterwards and if you can please bring some to share. We know this day will be really rough on the Robinson family and we hope that by sharing it together in celebration of a precious life we may ease their pain and leave them with a bittersweet memory instead of just sadness. We have learned now more than ever, that God places us in families (and not just blood relatives) to help us through so many of life's trials. Many of you have become family as you have carried us through this time and we hope you can come spend the evening with us remembering Daniel.
In His Service,
Katrina

Grandpa Bob's Fall

2008-07-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Sunday morning while getting his weekly bath, the chain on my dad's lift broke and he fell into the bathtub, breaking his upper leg. This is the second leg he has broken. The last time was when he tried to put on his own socks! Ouch! He was taken by ambulance to Carle and had surgery to insert a rod on Monday morning. He will hopefully come home tomorrow.
He was really bubbly last Saturday night as he told us about his experience at Rural King that day where he met a man in line and they struck up a conversation about the Lord. The man told Dad that he didn't have any reservations about dying because he has a "reservation"!. Of course he was referring to eternal life. Dad said that he felt like hugging the man; they were so united in spirit. Mom feels that it was God's preparation for what was to come the next day for Dad. The Lord seems to give us strength and courage when we really need it.
On the Binion front, Sam had a CT scan on his neck today and the radiologist said he could barely see where there had been a break. It has healed so well. He was also able to take off his neck brace. Praise God for His healing hand!

Love, Cristal

Thursday, July 17

2008-07-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I am sorry that I haven't kept you updated concerning Sam's surgery last week. It went well but he did have to stay over-night as his pain was pretty intense. He is home recouperating now and it's been a little rough for not only Sam but also Schuyler as they fight urinary tract infections and other complications having to do with their bladder injuries. Schuyler did get his catheter removed and his jaw unwired. He promptly had Karin drive him straight to Arby's and he ordered two "Big Montanas", some mozzarella sticks, and a large order of fries and a Dr. Pepper! Of course he hadn't taken into account that his stomach had shrunk over the past month. But he sure enjoyed what he could.
I called Karin a little while ago and she was chuckling while on the phone with me because Seth had suggested that he, Schuyler and Tom, who was over for a visit, all go for an evening WALK!!??? Picture with me three young men, Schuyler in his wheelchair, Tom on crutches, and Seth using the boys' walker all strolling down the country road in front of the Binion home.
Karin freaked just a little when Schuyler got a cell phone call, lost control of his wheelchair and rolled into a ditch!
It 's a blessing to have some light moments like this when things are usually so heavy.
Some ladies from our fellowship got together this week and made up meals for both the Binions and the Robinsons. It was fun!. Thank you Melissa for a great idea and all your hard work and expertise!
There is a song we've sung together called "The Servant Song". It goes like this:

Brother, Sister let me serve you
Let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant too.

We are pilgrims on a journey
We're together on this road
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the nighttime of your fear
I will hold my hand out to you
Speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping
When you laugh I'll laugh with you
I will share your joy and sorrow
Til we've seen this journey thro'

When we sing to God in heaven
We shall find such harmony
Born of all we've known together
Of Christ's love and agony.

Love in Christ Jesus,

Cristal and Deanna

Update on the Knapp Family

2008-07-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your prayers for the Knapp family. We have a praise report! He is going to be fine. He pulled through the night and they sent him home a couple days later. Praise God!

Jami

Urgent Prayer Request

2008-07-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

John Knapp’s stepfather has suffered liver failure. From what I understand, the doctors are not encouraging, the situation is grave. I will post more as word comes in. Please pray fervently for this family. Pray also for Alysia, first losing Dan, and then her grandfather would be a lot of pain for a 12-year old to carry. Pray that John will hear the voice of Christ, and know His peace through this frightening storm. Pray for Syndee that she may know how to nurture and minister to her husband, daughter and extended family through this crisis, that God will give her strength and wisdom beyond her years.

Rhonda

July 4, 2008

2008-07-04T19:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

I'm just writing to let you know that Sam Binion will be having surgery Monday morning to re-do the ureter repair that he had before. Hopefully this will be the last surgery needed. There is a possibility that Schuyler will get his catheter out and have his jaw unwired this week! Every little hurdle crossed brings some relief to their entire family. Tom seems to be getting along better with his knee now that he's had the surgery. He will get to be on crutches in about a week. With the determination that these boys have exhibited, they may all surprise us with a much quicker recovery than was expected.

On an unrelated matter, many of you brought food to the Robinsons, Binions and to our building. If you had a dish that needs to be returned, please let us know what it is so that we can try to get it back to you. Thank you so much for all that you have done to help. I'm reminded tonight of this scripture from Exodus 17.

" The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands." So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up--one on one side, one on the other--so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.... Moses built an altar and called it 'The Lord is my Banner.' For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord."

You all have helped to lift up weary hands during a very critical battle for these two families. May the Lord bless you all!

In Him,
Cristal and Deanna

Open the Eyes of My Heart

2008-06-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:17-19

As another Sunday has come to our fellowship, we met with a unified theme that God laid on our hearts: Open the eyes of my heart Lord. We sang that worship song and all the testimonies centered around God showing us opportunties to see Him and to show others His love. This message has never seemed more clear than now. He has shown himself so mightily to us lately that it seems He is a neon sign blinking incessantly in the darkness. I almost feel foolish like I must have had my eyes shut for a very long time. Scott shared a message that ties right in but in a different way. He reminded us of all God did for the Israelites after they cried out to Him while in bondage to the Egyptians. Then just shortly thereafter they began to doubt Him and expressed the desire to go back to Egypt. Scott explained how we are in darkness and we cry out to God in our sin and He opens the eyes of our heart. But we need to seek for a heart like Caleb and Joshua to keep us from falling back out of fear or from beginning to desire the things we left behind in the world. This message was such a conformation to me, as this week I have been grieved over that temptation I see in many Christians(including myself) to forget what He has rescued us out of and like a dog, return to our vomit! So I pray and ask you to pray also that we all continue to be very intune to the Holy Spirit and always asking Him to open the eyes of our heart so we never desire to "go back'.

One beautiful thing we all got to see this morning was our brand new "wheelchair section". Tom, Schuyler and Sam all got to be here this morning and Grandpa proudly raised his wheelchair as high as it goes and sat behind his new wheelchair basketball team! We rejoice that we have them all home but covet your prayers for their continued recovery. They are all struggling with pain control and Karin, in particular, fights fear and panic when problems and setbacks arise with the boys and she's home alone with them with no doctors or nurses around. The prayers for them were precious and very encouraging as we agreed in prayer that God would raise them all up as great men for His cause.

In Christ, Katrina

Tom is home and doing well

2008-06-28T21:01:00.001-07:00

Tom is home. He had surgery on his knee Friday. The good news is that it (the meniscus) was repaired rather than removed. The bad news is that for the next twelve weeks he will not be able to walk on it. While his shoulder is healing, he will not be able to use crutches or a walker. So for at least the next month or so he will be wheelchair bound.

Tom is hoping Bob will coach the new wheelchair basketball team.

Rhonda

Thursday, June 26

2008-06-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to let you know a few things concerning the Robinsons and Binions. Tom is having surgery on his knee tomorrow.
They believe he has a torn meniscus. They are not sure whether it will be outpatient or not. Today is Mike and Rhonda's anniversary and I know it has been a really hard day for them. Please pray for them all!
The Binion boys came home today. They are glad to be home and everyone is thrilled, especially Asa now that he will get his mama back! Karin and Gaylin would like to have an open house from 7-9 Friday evening for anyone wanting to stop by and see the boys.

Love, Cristal

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! Let you gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Continued prayer for healing

2008-06-25T05:57:00.001-07:00

Last night Tom came home from the game unable to straighten out his knee. He couldn’t walk and he ranked his pain at an 8. He has complained about his knee ever since the accident. I had him into the doctor last week, but they only did x-rays…we need an MRI.

He gets his stitches out today, and I will get in touch with the doctors that treated him at the hospital.

Continued prayer for healing; physically, emotionally and spiritually for all the boys is critical right now.

Rhonda

Back Again

2008-06-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:3-4

Hello everyone, we are back from our trip to Tennessee to my nephew Aaron's wedding. Exhausted but ready to face the next leg of this journey. Gaylin was able to even get Karin to go to the wedding just overnight. And while I know she wanted to be there, her heart was at home with the boys. We are anticipating their homecoming Thursday evening if all continues to go well! They are very happy and excited about this. A few preparations have to be made at their home: beds moved, ramps built, etc.. Karin would like to open up their home Thursday and/or Friday at certain times as an openhouse/homecoming. She is not sure of the time yet but I will post that tomorrow. We are trying to pull together some meals from them as Karin is spending all her time now being taught how to care for them, etc. If you want to help let me know.

The scripture I started this post with seemed to be fitting as the boys have both been told of the loss of Dan. Of course, they are grieving and even asking God why. We have all had some time to go through some of these thoughts and feelings and I pray that God will help us to effectively share with them what He has shown us through all of this, so their faith can be strengthened and their hearts comforted as ours are.

We enjoyed being able to be with most of the Robinson family in Tennessee and I believe God ministered to them as they continued to face each new day without one of their precious children. If you haven't done so already please read Rhonda's blog from last Wed. or Thurs.?- it is amazing, how God gave her that beautiful illustration of their grief and how to keep close to the Father.

Thank you all for continuing to pray and support all of us.
Katrina

Thursday, June 19

2008-06-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I don't have much more to add about the Binion boys today since you've probably read Sarah's post. However, I talked to Karin this morning and she asked me to ask for prayer from you all concerning their emotions. Being teenage boys, they are used to a lot of activity and it is especially hard for them to deal with their limitations and the fact that, in a sense, the whole world is going on without them. I know I want to help in some tangible way and probably so do you all; but this one is probably something only God can effectively do for them. So again, the family covets your prayers.

God bless you all for everything you've done thus far!

Cristal

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Tom's surgery

2008-06-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

Tom made it through his surgery without any problems. He has about a two inch incision on his neck, but we expect it to heal without any lasting issues. He is having trouble with his knee, so we had x-rays taken. Please continue to pray for both Tom and Chris as they mourn the loss of their little brother. There are difficult days to come.

Rhonda

Monday, June 16

2008-06-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Things are going well with the Binion boys. Schuyler was able to be up in a wheelchair for a short time but he's very weak. They are talking about moving him to the rehab floor soon, maybe tomorrow. He has also been cleared to eat soft foods and they want him to be on a 3000 calorie per day diet. That sounds like a lot of mashed potatoes and applesauce to me! Ha!
Sam is also doing better. He's a little behind Schuyler in the rehab because of some pain in his hip. Karin told me a funny story about Sam today. He had to see an occupational therapist and she evaluated him by asking him different questions; many of which were math story problems and some analogies and familiar sayings. One she asked him to answer was "Roses are red, violets are _________." Sam answered, "Blue". Then she asked, "Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is __________." Sam answered, "$1.39 a pound!" Karin said she and the therapist could hardly contain their laughter at that. Laughter will be good therapy in the days ahead.

I read in Ecclesiastes something I had never really noticed before. Eccl. 7:1-5 says:

"A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure."

Might this be in keeping with Matthew 5:4

"Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted."

"Take away my capacity for pain and you rob me of the possibility for joy." Ross W. Marrs

I'll close with the words to a favorite hymn.

"The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures,
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures."

In Him, Cristal

A Bittersweet Sunday

2008-06-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Today has been a good day. Here at home, we had a really great message brought to our body. Scott Douglas taught out of Luke where Jesus tells Simon Peter that Satan is about to sift him like wheat and instead of rebuking Satan and stopping this, Jesus prays that Simon Peter's faith will be strong enough to carry him through. Could this be any more timely for our body? In the days ahead it may be a temptation for many to question God and even to ask why he could take Dan but that is just part of the sifting. We are encouraged to remember that He did not promise to take all of our pain away, but that He will see us through, comforting us , holding us, sustaining us. He went on to give a beautiful narrative of the Jewish tradition of marriage where the father takes his son to his new bride and the bridegroom looks into her eyes and tells her to wait for him while he goes back home and prepares a place for her. This being the picture of Christ who has " gone to His Father's house to prepare a place for us" and if we can just remain faithful and wait, even through the sifting, He will come for us! What a comfort to all of us as we wait for the day to be reunited with our Savior and Dan and all of those in Christ that we have loved and have gone before us. The testimonies from this experience are mounting everyday, and we can only bless the Father for His unfailing grace and mercy. The scriptures are nearly jumping off the page at us as we have "new" eyes and ears to understand all He promised to those who would follow Him.

Continue to pray for the Binion boys. The news is encouraging, as they had a good night last night and continue to slowly improve. Sam is now able to eat a little bit of soft foods and they will use some sort of camera to check Schuyler's ability to swallow with the hope that he also may be able to take in some soft foods or liquids by mouth soon. They will be checking Samuel tomorrow to see what may need to be done about the accident with his catheter. Pray there is no lasting damage. On a lighter note, a bunch of young men got together and purchased a new Xbox 360 for them and brought it to the hospital! Sam was already trying it out last night.

There are, of course, some very serious and trying days ahead for them in their recovery. They are yet to learn of the loss of their friend and we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide Karin and Gaylin in the decision of how and when to tell them.

It is beautiful to see the Lord working in and through all of the Robinsons. As Sarah (Robinson) Taylor shared with us this morning, God is saying to her "do not be to mad at me just worship me" and she is doing just that! One last thing, please keep the man who hit the boys in your prayers. At this point we don't know alot about him but we know he is going through the fire and we want to be to be used in any way we can to bring total healing to his heart.

Katrina

2008-06-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 14

Hello everyone! Karin asked me to go to you all and ask you to stand in the gap again for Sam.
This morning he managed to pull out one of his catheters that he had gotten in the surgery on his urethra. It was one with a balloon on it and there may have been some damage done but they won't know for sure until Monday. It seems each day is one big roller coaster ride with all the ups and downs. I also just got word that Ollie, their 8 year old, cut his foot and had to go for stitches while at a birthday party this afternoon! Maybe its the foot and all that reminded me of this scripture in Psalm 91 that says "He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, Lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Thank you again for riding this roller coaster with us through your love and prayers. The body of Christ is very real and present with the Binion and Robinson families.

Love in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Cristal

Update on Tom

2008-06-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

Tom has a large piece of glass in his neck which must be surgically removed, he is scheduled for surgery next Tuesday at St. Marys. It will be outpatient and we expect it to go well.

He is also having trouble with his knee, he is seeing our family doctor on Monday for that.

Please continue to pray for Tom's healing and grieving process.

2008-06-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Friday Noon

Dear Friends,

I heard from Karin at 10:00 a.m. that they were waiting for transport back to Champaign. She also wanted me to ask you to pray for Sam as his doctor did another CT scan this morning. He was concerned about his lack of responsiveness. We trust that the Lord is healing Sam and that He will provide everything he needs.

Our confidence is not in human hands. It is a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the unfolding story of a Christian's daily life.

1 Peter 1:6 "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

In Him,
Cristal

2008-06-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday Noon

Hello from St. Louis. This is Cristal again, reporting on the status of the Binion boys. They are doing well. Schuyler got his trach tapped off and is able to speak even though his mouth is wired shut. He was asking for juice to drink. That's a good sign! Sam had his ventilator removed so he's more comfortable. He's still pretty slow in his thinking and speech, but his dad is keeping him on his toes! We're gearing up to get them home to Champaign tomorrow. Just waiting to hear from the insurance company but otherwise they have the clearance to go. Thanks for all your prayers!

2008-06-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Afternoon

Greetings on behalf of the Binions from St. Louis!

The boys are doing well today. Sam is still on a ventilator and is experiencing some pain mostly because of the surgery yesterday. It was really hard to see him looking so small and helpless. If you know Sam, he's got the biggest brown eyes and when we walked in, tears were coming down the corners of them. It about broke my heart. Schuyler was more alert and from what I understand, looking much better. He so wants to be out of this place and free from all the machines and things keeping him bound. There is good news that they both will be moved to a regular room here tomorrow. And they may even get to come back to Champaign Friday if all goes well! We're hopeful because the little Binions would really like to be with their Mom and Dad. (Asa's patience is especially wearing thin!)
Today is Karin and Gaylin's 25th wedding anniversary! We're hoping to whisk them away for a little dinner out! Knowing them, we probably won't be successful. They are such good parents.
Just a little testimony as to how a son trusts his father--A nurse came in to Schuyler's room earlier and asked him if she could remove one of his I.V.s. He told her not to do it until he asked his father if it was O.K. He is really leaning on his father's every word right now! I'm reminded by this that our Heavenly Father wants us to lean on Him just as much! God is good to teach us these things through these experiences. Keep them in your prayers, as well as the Robinsons who are settling down into the routine of life without their Dan.

Tuesday Morning

2008-06-10T09:28:00.001-07:00

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Lamentation 3:22-27

Good morning everyone. I have returned from a visit to St. Louis. While there are still many unknowns, we seem to have some encouraging news this morning. Schuyler had a successful surgery yesterday afternoon where they realligned part of his broken pelvis. They also were able to determine that they will not be performing any more surgery on his pelvis, as the other breaks are not out of allignment and should be able to heal on their own. He was awake most of the night last night but at some point they decided to remove this hard, velcro contraption that holds his pelvis in place. It had been agitating him terrribly and so he was provided with much needed relief. Sam is doing fairly well, also. They did find that he has torn ligaments in his neck, so scans and x-rays were done yesterday and this morning. If the ligaments are found to be the major suporting ones they will have to perform surgery and fuse his spine. This, of course, would be permanent so we are praying specifically that that won't be the conclusion. We are expecting to know this later today and I will post when we hear. Sam will also be having the surgery around noon on his urethra. If all goes well with his recovery, they said he might get to move to a regular room out of ICU. That would be wonderful. Also, Karin said that they have spoken to Schuyler's doctor, but not his surgeon and there is a chance that maybe they could be moved back to Champaign very soon!! We realize there are a lot of variables involved in this decision, but we also know that God has brought them through so much and he is seeing them through every little thing that comes along.

Tom, Mike, and Rhonda as well, as other family members of mine and the Robinsons all went yesterday. I know it is very healing for all of us to be together. We cryed some, but mostly I think we laughed. The Lord has been bathing all of us in sweet, funny memories and such comfort that we know there is no one else to give the glory to but Him. Karin and Rhonda were able to comfort each other and share sweet things about heir precious sons. We all had to laugh when we heard that Seth had offered to bring Sam some new books to read(as he loves to read) and Sam slowly responded, "I can't, I'm grounded from reading" I guess he wasn't getting his chores done because he couldn't put down his books! Rhonda, I know, has so many touching memories of their last days with Dan. I'm sure she will be sharing many of them with us in the days to come.

Continue to pray for healing for the boys. Pray that the stress on the Binion families will be manageable, especially for their little boys who are of course, feeling unsettled and scared. Pray that the Robinson family will continue to draw tightly together in their grief and that those of us around them will be able to bring comfort and support wherever they need it. Mostly pray that lives will be touched and souls will be saved through this situation. I know that all of us believe that what Satan meant for evil the Lord will use for good. Because He loves us we are His.

In Him,
Katrina

Monday Morning

2008-06-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Many of us from the Henningsen and Robinson families are traveling to St. Louis today to be with the Binions during Schuyler's surgery. He was able to sleep some last night and both he and Sam are about the same. Sam may also be having surgery on his ureter today. I hope to know more a litle later. Pray Schuyler will receive words of peace and comfort from those around him and also from the Holy Spirit.

Katrina

2008-06-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

"Teach us to number my days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom....Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:12,14

Today we buried a precious saint. The combinaton of grief and joy was tangible to all those present. The Lord provided all the right pieces to bring all of his grieving children through this situation. Their were words that brought comfort, words to make us laugh, songs that celebrated Dan's life and most important the true message that all of us involved wanted everyone to know...The Lord is on His throne and all who will turn from their sin and call on His name will be saved! And one day we will all be together with Dan for eternity. Aaron and Brian Henninsen wrote a sweet, beautiful song this morning that they sang for us and I will include the words below so all can be ministered to by it. I don't want to forget to mention the sweet people from Arthur Christian School and Eagle Mountain Youth Group, who came together to provide a meal for everyone this evening. They worked so hard and made everything so nice for all of us. I believe I can see the hands of Christ when I see believers coming together to help others like we have seen so often lately.

Meanwhile, The Binions really need your prayers. Karin is being stretched farther than can be imagined and feels she can hardly take watching her sons struggle anymore. Schuyler is fighting things quite a bit, pulling tubes out, fighting to make everything go away. Karin is trying to keep him under control and he is getting very angry. His blood pressure has been high and I'm sure Karin's is also. She is desperate for just a little reprieve for him. Pray with me that God will bring just a little change in the situation. Tomorrow is still supposed to be the surgery so that will help Karin a little. Sam is doing okay, kind of out of it. I believe that is God's mercy.

I know the days ahead for both families are going to be long and hard so please don't forget to pray and ask God how you can reach out to them.

Thank You for all the help.
Katrina

We've Never Seen Blue Like That ©2008 Aaron and Brian Henningsen

We’ve seen the gulf side of Florida
And swam in those waters
And North Carolina in the twilight of morning
Just before the sun comes out
And gives out its orders
And the leaves don’t yet know
That they’re green, they’re blue
Born a hot July day
Might as well have been have been spring time
With the way that the flowers did bloom
And we couldn’t believe when you opened your eyes
And you outdid the sky, yeah it’s true
‘Cause we’d never seen blue like that
Yeah, we’d never seen blue like that
We’d never seen blue like that ‘till we met you
Part lamb and part lion as everyone knows
Built machines made for flying and out grew his clothes
And the girls would line up ‘round the block, I suppose
Just to gaze deeply into your eyes so blue
Yeah, they’d never seen blue like that
Yeah, they’d never seen blue like that
‘Cause they’d never seen blue like that ‘till they met you
Then the storm clouds came rolling in wave after wave
Each displaying it’s own shade of blue
Then the clouds and our eyes both poured out their waters
On the day that we heard we lost you
No, we’d never seen blue like that
No, we’d never seen blue just like that
Though the peace of the Lord hovered over those waters
We’d never seen blue like that
No, we’d never seen blue like that
I can see a boy walking on a beach up in Heaven
With Jesus by and ocean of truth
And he’d never seen blue like that
And he’d never seen blue like that
And the spirit of God hovers over those waters
And he’d never seen blue like that
Someday we'll see blue like that

Funeral Reminder

2008-06-08T07:08:00.001-07:00

The Funeral for Elijah Daniel Robinson will be at Hilligoss-Shrader on Rt 36 in Atwood. It will take place at 3:00 Sunday afternoon with burial following at Lewis cemetery on Hayes Rd. A meal will be served at the Henningsen building and everyone is invited to come. Because of the reaction of so many young people, we are especially inviting any youth who know the Robinsons and Binions to come to the building for fellowship and a time to reminisce and comfort one another.

(address to the Henningsen building is: 18 County Road 500E, Sadorus, IL)

Saturday Morning

2008-06-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." John 14:18

Today will be a really tough day at the Robinson home, please pray for their comfort. Tom is having significant problems with short term memory and focusing, this may all be normal recovery but is still hard for them.

We don't have much information from St. Louis but have heard that both Sam's and Schuyler's color was much better this morning, although they are still keeping Schuyler under an "ice" blanket for his fever.

We will try to have more later.

"The peace of God which passeth all understanding." Philippians 4:7
Katrina

Good News!

2008-06-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

We just got word that they were able to get Sam brought out of his sedation and the neurologist asked him to perform a number of tests and he was able to do them all! This means they probably won't need an internal brain monitor. Very good news!
Schuyler is running a temperature, they are culturing him to check for infection, but it is possible it just could be from the trauma. Continue to pray, also for Karin- this is really tough on her.

Update on Sam

2008-06-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2008 5:30 pm

We have heard from Karin and Gaylin. Sam's breathing is improving. A small surgery had to be done on his bladder this afternoon, but all went well. The doctors have told them that often with this kind of situation they will have the initial trauma and then a couple of days later more trauma will show up. We are praying that nothing will be found more serious.

Katrina

Tom Robinson is home

2008-06-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Tom Robinson was able to go home today.
Hoping to have more details to post on that soon.
~j

UPDATE on URGENT PRAYER NEEDS

2008-06-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 6, 2008 8:30 am

I just got off the phone with Karin to get more info regarding Sam. Beginning on the way to Barnes yesterday his need for oxygen was increasing. He successively got worse and they have had to put a tube in his chest to drain fluid off of his right lung. They are putting him back on a ventilator. The other issue is they are a bit concerned because the bruise on his brain didn't look terribly bad but his amount of response has been definitely less than they expect. So today they will be doing more scans and test on him. Schuyler is doing okay, but they do know now he has at least 7 breaks in his pelvis. They decided that because his surgery will be so extensive and long they will wait to do it on Monday. They are really in need of your prayers.

While at Barnes, they have already run into a family who also needs your prayers. It is a young family from Philo who have a new daughter 5 wks old. She has a problem with her mitochondria and her prognosis is bad. Her name, I believe is, Raley. Please pray for them, also.

I don't know specifics, but I understand Tom is doing much better and hopefully coming home today. I'll let you know more later
Katrina

URGENT PRAYER NEEDED

2008-06-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

Please lift up Sam Binion (13) as he is having some struggles. His lungs have had to be drained but are filling again with fluid. This is a new development. They are also having concerns over his brain activity. He was able to say his name last night but the doctors at Barnes are concerned. They are doing more scans and his surgery (i believe it was his pelvic surgery) has been postponed because of these two issues.

His brother, Schuyler Binion (16) has had his pelvic surgery postponed until Monday because it is going to be so extensive. I believe they are wanting him to gain in healing before having to undergo such a lengthy surgery.

~jada (as dictated by katrina)

Funeral Arrangements

2008-06-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

The arrangements have just been finalized. They are as follows: Visitation 4-8 Saturday at Hilligoss-Shrader on Rt 36 in Atwood, Funeral 3:00 Sunday afternoon also at Hilligoss-Shrader, the burial will follow at Lewis cemetery on Hayes Rd. and a meal will be served at the Henningsen building and everyone is invited to come. Because of the reaction of so many young people, we are especially inviting any youth who know the Robinsons and Binions to come to the building for fellowship and a time to reminisce and comfort one another.

I have been asked about a fund for the Binions, while there is not a formal one set up I'm sure their expenses will mount and so I'll reiterate, if you feel led to give financially just call Brian Lowry 867-2776 or 714-3982.

Katrina

More Important Info!

2008-06-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Important update on this post: Please do not bring or send air conditioners as this need has been gloriously met.
thank you!

I forgot to mention two important things:

There is a need for window air conditioners to use at the building where the funeral meal will be held, as well as, at the Robinson home. These will only be needed temporarily

Two funds have been set up at the Tuscola National Bank, one is the Elijah Daniel Memorial Fund and the other is the Robinson Family Expense Fund.

Katrina

Thursday update

2008-06-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 40: 28-31
The Lord is the everlasting God, The Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Today , as I write Schuyler is being airlifted to Barnes in St. Louis. Sam and Karin are following in an ambulance. They will be under the care of a pediatric specialist there. Pray that the wind and weather allow the helicopter to make it safely there. If all goes well, Schuyler will undergo surgery tonight to repair his badly broken pelvis. Sam's surgery will probably be tomorrow morning. Both boys are in a severe amount of pain. The doctors were able to remove Sam's ventilator last night but he still is not speaking or responding much. I was reminded that I did not list all of Schuyler's injuries last night. He also has a lacerated kidney, a bruised lung and liver, and both he and Sam have torn bladders.

Tom was expected to be released today but is not improving as much as hoped. Because of his concussion he is having some vision problems and when they get him up he vomits. He had another catscan and they hope to know something more this afternoon. Pray that he just needs a little more healing time and improves quickly. The Robinson family is making the arrangements for Dan's funeral and we hope to have finalized plans by this evening, which I will post a.s.a.p.

We continue to receive an outpouring of love through prayers, visits, food, money, etc. All of which bless these families more than anyone can know. It is truly the hands, in the Body of Christ, at work. There are amazing testimonies coming to us of God's compassion and grace working through this tragedy. A youth group called an impromptu prayer meeting last night, fifty kids came and four received salvation! A dear friend has said, "The death of one, will bring the salvation of many."

Thank you all and I will keep you updated.

Katrina

Condition of the boys 6/4/08

2008-06-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 5:1-9
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Dear Family and Friends,
We are grieving with the Robinsons at the loss of Dan, their precious son. The other three boys Tom, Schuyler and Sam are doing as well as can be expected. Tom is at St. Mary's but will probably be released tomorrow. He has a broken shoulder blade, a bruised lung and a broken thumb as well as a concussion. Today has been especially hard as he has learned of the loss of his brother. Pray that the Lord will comfort him.
Sam Binion suffered a bruised brain, a broken pelvis and a fractured vertebrae C2. He is still somewhat sedated but is slowly beginning to respond to his family. Schuyler sustained many injuries. He also severely broke his pelvis and leg. His jaw is broken in two places and has been operated on twice. It is wired shut for 4-6 weeks. They also inserted a trach today so that they could continue with his necessary surgeries. Karin and Gaylin are being asked to make a decision about transferring their boys to a
children's hospital where they will get pediatric specialists to take care of their pelvis fractures. We will let you know where they will be. They have weeks, possibly months of recovery ahead of them. Pray for strength and healing for all three.

Gifts of food or money would be a blessing to either family. There will be funeral expenses, loss of work and travel to hospitals. If you feel led to give financially, contact Brian Lowry 867-2776 or 714-3982.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized. We will let you know as we know them.
Please feel free to send encouragement to these families through this blog. We know they have already benefited greatly from your outpouring of love!

2Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Katrina Messmore & Cristal Lowry (sisters to Karin Binion and aunts to Schuyler and Sam)

THE PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG

2008-06-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

There are many who would like updates and don't really want to bother family members. This is a place where the family can post updates so we can all keep track of prayer needs and the progress of the boys health.

(edited)

This blog is now set up so that all can post comments. Only family members can post direct posts, but all are free to comment on a particular post. You may also send any questions or comments to cffupdates@gmail.com and we will make sure your comment is posted if you so desire or question addressed.