News - Missionary Recovering After Being Shot in Brazil
News Article from WOI TV 5:
Missionary Recovering After Being Shot in Brazil
July 13, 2005, 09:46 AM
DES MOINES- After shock, fear and hundreds of prayers, friends and family remain cautious, but call Missionary John Leonard's progress "miraculous." Rev. Pat Nemers, from Saylorville Baptist Church, said, "God has heard our prayers. He woke up out of the coma. He's in a lot of pain, but just the same, he's communicating with his gestures."
Native Iowan John Leonard has spent nearly a quarter century serving in Brazil. His latest visit ended tragically on July 3rd when two men shot him three times at point blank range- in front of one of his Brazilian congregations. After receiving basic care at a local hospital, he was flown back to Iowa Methodist Medical Center on Sunday.
Leonard's friends at Saylorville Baptist Church say they pray for a full recovery, and believe he'll be back. Stuart Mauseth, from Saylorville Baptist Church, said, "When John does recover from this, knowing John, he will be back in the field, down in Brazil again, serving God."
Reverend Nemmers says along with using small gestures, Leonard is beginning to experience feeling in his arms and possibly one of his legs. He says Leonard is a man who practices what he preaches. Nemmers said, "After the incident, while he lie almost mortally wounded, he said, 'Forgive them.'"
Meanwhile, Nemmers says Brazilian police continue investigating the crime, and federal authorities are participating as much as they are allowed.
Missionary Recovering After Being Shot in Brazil
July 13, 2005, 09:46 AM
DES MOINES- After shock, fear and hundreds of prayers, friends and family remain cautious, but call Missionary John Leonard's progress "miraculous." Rev. Pat Nemers, from Saylorville Baptist Church, said, "God has heard our prayers. He woke up out of the coma. He's in a lot of pain, but just the same, he's communicating with his gestures."
Native Iowan John Leonard has spent nearly a quarter century serving in Brazil. His latest visit ended tragically on July 3rd when two men shot him three times at point blank range- in front of one of his Brazilian congregations. After receiving basic care at a local hospital, he was flown back to Iowa Methodist Medical Center on Sunday.
Leonard's friends at Saylorville Baptist Church say they pray for a full recovery, and believe he'll be back. Stuart Mauseth, from Saylorville Baptist Church, said, "When John does recover from this, knowing John, he will be back in the field, down in Brazil again, serving God."
Reverend Nemmers says along with using small gestures, Leonard is beginning to experience feeling in his arms and possibly one of his legs. He says Leonard is a man who practices what he preaches. Nemmers said, "After the incident, while he lie almost mortally wounded, he said, 'Forgive them.'"
Meanwhile, Nemmers says Brazilian police continue investigating the crime, and federal authorities are participating as much as they are allowed.
posted by Douglas Porter @ 7/13/2005 07:46:00 AM
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