March 2009 Newsletter

Unexpected Adventure

A few days after my return from a February mission trip to Honduras I began to feel sick and within two days my condition worsened.  On the third morning my wife took me to the Emergency department of Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery.  Within minutes of my arrival I started getting severe chills and began to shake.  My fever spiked from 97 degrees to 104 degrees, my heart was in atrial fibrillation, my blood pressure dropped off the charts and I went into violent rigors caused by septic shock.  I had no idea what was wrong except that I was very sick.  Somewhere in the process I lost consciousness of what was happening.  The next thing I remember was being told that I had an Ecoli infection in my blood stream and that had I not been sitting in the emergency room when I went into shock I would have died.

 

Dr. John Moorehouse caring for an aged widow while on a mission trip in Honduras.

A Friend Indeed
The reason I went to that specific hospital was because my dear friend and brother in Christ, Dr. John Moorehouse, was on duty there.  And it was John who directed the procedures that saved my life. Only a few days before John and I had just been in Honduras on a mission trip together and then suddenly I was at death’s door and my life was in his hands.  I found awesome comfort in knowing John was there. Friendship takes on a whole new meaning when one friend saves the life of the other.  I am able to write this newsletter because of John’s medical expertise and the grace and marvelous timing of God. 

With Gratitude
The outpouring of love and prayers on my behalf was overwhelming and I want to express my deepest gratitude to my wife Sharleen and all those who called, emailed and prayed for me.  My daughters Michelle and Clarissa flew in from Colorado Springs and Dallas respectively, and spent time with me in the hospital. I received numerous phone calls from my son Darren in Edinburgh, Scotland.  No words can express how much that meant to me.  Michelle wrote a most touching blog on her website about my “near death” experience and when I read it I cried.  At the end she attached a song she wrote for me that is so powerful I want to share it with you.  Take a moment and click on Michelle's blog. You’ll be blessed.

2009 Southwest Sportsmen Retreat - May 15-17, 2009
Tesoro Escondido Ranch - Mineral Wells, Texas

For several years, Dudley Hall and I have co-sponsored a men’s retreat focused on fun and ministry. This year the Sportsmen’s Retreat will be held May 15-17, 2009 at the beautiful new facility at Tesoro Escondido Ranch, in Mineral Wells, Texas. In addition to some serious outdoors teaching and seminars, there are numerous hilarious “equal inopportunity” events that you won’t find anywhere else. How about bow and arrow golf, the Texas Hog Toss, an Atl Atl throwing contest and a pickle spitting contest – to name a few?  Top off the activities with the funniest campfire songs and wildest story tellers that ever drew a breath!  Amidst all the fun and competitions there will also be extraordinary teaching times that will enlighten and challenge Christian men.

Fly-casting Seminar -- Taught by yours truly. Last year even the rank amateurs started to cast like old veterans.

Turkey-calling Seminar – Tips and practice on calling up that big gobbler, this seminar ends with a contest including prizes for the best turkeys…er…callers.

Shot-gunning Workshop -- Taught by ace shotgunner “Deadly Dudley Hall” – with ample time to get into the swing of wing shooting and powder some clay targets.

Archery Workshop -- A 3-D archery course will be available with instruction on improving your skills. BYOB: Bring your own Bow.

For information and bookings call: Successful Christian Living Ministries – (817) 267-9224 or log onto www.sclm.org.

Getting Ready For Deer Season
I’ll wind up this month’s newsletter with a video clip I think you’ll enjoy.  My friend John Burke and his son Jeremy are serious deer hunters, however, they may have taken their hunting pursuits to a rare extreme.  Click here and see what I mean  . . .

Comments

[Guy Hood]

Greetings Thornberries,

What a blessing from Michelle.

Russ, the septic shock must have been a walk in the park compared to the extreme dehydration you experienced as you drank in the love of your dear daughter's musical offering. As I write to you, I fear electrical shock, at the very least, from the tears of joy flowing from within.

Please know that, short of complete immersion in the heavenly realm, one can experience no greater love.

Thank you for the blessing that you have been in my life, and at only 65, I expect that you will continue to be for many years to come.

Continue to live well my friend.

In His grip,
Guy +

[Randy soleta]

Russell:
I met you for the first time on the Monroe river in the Dakotas. It was a blessing to meet you and Dave.It is rare when you meet someone you know you can truly trust. I want you to know you are one of those rare individuals! Everyone's prayers for my wife have meant so much to us and have taken us through some tough times. We pray for your speedy recovery and many years more in spreading the word of Christ.In parting I will say I met you and Dave on the Monroe river and by the time we left the Black Hills. I hold you in my heart as my friends! Randy Soleta

[Cindy Lavender]

Russell, It's Cindy Lavender, Michelle's cyber friend, I met you at ATA 2009. I wanted to tell you that I really was thrilled and so honored to meet you (I came by your booth 4 times until I found you! LOL). I'm sending my prayers that you'll recover as quick as possible! I look forward to an email from your blog all the time. Thank you for all that you do.

[Kirk Keller]

Mr. Russell,

I just got back from your Buckmasters Retirement luncheon and I was thinking about how the Lord has truly blessed me by your friendship over the last few years.I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and hopefully this retirement and some rest will give you time to fully recovery from your recent illness. I hope you and Ms. Charleen will keep in touch and always know that you are welcome at our home anytime you are back in Alabama. I know that the Lord will continue to use you to lead people to Christ and has many great plans for your future.

God Bless,

Kirk

[Bruce Tilbrook]

Hi Russell and Sharleen: Pat and I were both surprised and shocked to hear of your misfortune. But, more pleased at your recovery, Russell. That close brush with death, was the good Lord's message telling you to fish a little more...just kidding.
Anyway, our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time. Family is a great thing, isn't it?
Maybe see you later this summer...
best regards,
Bruce and Pat Tilbrook
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
p.s. HAPPY 65TH!!!!!! you look much younger, by the way..