Sward Accident Update

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Saturday, February 23, 8:00 a.m. Haga clic aquí para leer en español

This information is the most factual we have at this moment. It will be updated each time more information is available. Updates will appear in italics below. Thank you for your prayers and concern for the Swards.

Scott, Andrea and Isaac Sward were involved in a car accident on Sunday morning, February 3, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., local Colorado time.

Update from Alan: We are at a critical point in the conversation with the insurance company regarding the immediate start of acute rehabilitation for Andrea. The insurance company is considering whether or not they will agree with the immediate start or whether they would try to delay that.

Please pray that they would recognize the value of immediate acute rehabilitation beginning Friday. We have been told that time lost now could delay or even lessen her complete recovery. Pray for the doctors in both cities to persuasively make the case for immediate care to the insurer.

We have been told repeatedly that family and her social network constitute key components to her healing process over the long term. Several staff have remarked that they are impressed by the community that has surrounded Andrea; frankly, so are we! The undiminished prayer support and care that our families have experienced both from our home churches and many, many others has sustained ALL of us and we believe that you will have a strategic role to play in her recovery.

Andrea has moved out the ICU into the multi-trauma unit. She continues to breath on her own. She also continues to experience physical agitation which is a normal part of the recovery as her mind works at re-learning to control her body.

Please pray for Andrea's healing – mind and body. Also, wisdom is needed regarding where to do the in-patient physical therapy. Finally, please pray for on-going ministry with the hospital staff.

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Isaac was fatally injured and died on Monday morning. There will be a memorial service but the date is still tentative.

Andrea underwent a second surgery on Friday (2/8) to repair her left leg, right ankle, right wrist, and clean the wound on her left arm. The surgical staff expressed that Andrea responded remarkably well to these procedures. On the previous Tuesday morning, surgeons placed a plate between Andrea’s C7 and T1 vertebrae. The doctors also removed some bone fragments from the area which should insure better healing of the neck. They report no visible signs of permanent nerve damage which, of course, is good news.

Scott, his parents, and the Amaviscas have expressed deep gratitude for all the medical staff, and great appreciation for their care, kindness, and skill. They have asked that everyone continue to pray that God would guard Andrea during the prolonged recovery process that is ahead. The family has commented about what an enormous impact that the prayers of all who are lifting them up to the Lord has made in this difficult time. Alan said, "I can't even put into words what a difference it has made. We're overwhelmed."

Scott and Andrea are missionaries with Evangelical Friends Church Southwest and were preparing for a February 12th departure to Cambodia. The Swards had been spending the last month at the Missionary Training Institute working on developing cultural adaptation and language acquisition skills.

Alan (Evangelical Friends Church Southwest Director of Multiplying Ministries) and Barb Amavisca, parents of Andrea, and Lee and Lani Sward, Scott’s parents, are with Scott and Andrea. The family is staying at a hotel near the hospital for the time being. This allows for great flexibility to be with their children. Evangelical Friends Mission has provided them with a van, so their transportation needs are resolved as well. Many have made generous and sacrificial offers of housing and transportation. The family is grateful for each one. It is an amazing example of the Body of Christ serving members in need.

As missionaries under care of the EFCSW, Scott and Andrea are covered with health insurance. However, there will certainly be other expenses incurred because of this accident. If you are interested in donating towards these expenses, see the link at the bottom of this page. You can also send checks to EFCSW, P.O. Box 2079, Yorba Linda, CA, 92885-1279. Indicate that the check is for the “Swards Accident Expenses.”

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