Note from Tommy (7/28/09)

Brother and Sisters,

As many of you have already heard, at about 10:15 this morning our pastor Tom Nelson was in the church office and developed a severe pain in his chest. Dennis Boots (a fireman and ER guy) was close by and was able to assess the situation very quickly. His wife Teresa was called and she was able to get here very quickly.

We called 911 immediately and the Fire Dept. responded very quickly. Tom was taken to the hospital and is there now getting care. As the ambulance left Tom was awake and responsive but in a good degree of pain. The evidence right now points to a possible heart attack.

By God’s providence, a cardiac specialist was close by when Tom arrived at the hospital and they took him straight in to get a Cardiac Catheter. This is good that he was able to get to the hospital so quickly and that he is getting the best care possible so quickly.

UPDATE – 11:15 am

Tom did undergo surgery for a cardiac catheterization. During surgery they found that Tom had a 100% blockage to a single vessel in the heart. They were able to successfully open that up and he is doing very well. The doctor’s say that he has good function to the heart.

One of our Elders, Dr. Manny Desai said this is an obvious answer to prayer and very good news. Let’s continue to pray and trust in God.

UPDATE – 2:40pm

We have received word from one of our elders that Tom only needed a splint, which worked perfectly!  He is awake,  joking with the doctors about “being an old fart,” and has been moved out of ICU.  They say he should be home in 3 days!

We’ll keep you all updated as to our pastor’s condition through various forms. Please continue to pray for our pastor Tom, our church, our elders as they determine what actions need to take place, and our staff as we operate without our lead pastor.

Trust in Him for whom ALL THINGS are possible.

UPDATE – 4:15pm

Here is the most recent email update on Tommy’s condition from Charles Stolfus, an associate pastor in our church:

Good Afternoon Everyone:

1. The fact that David Boots (not “Dennis” as I mentioned in my previous e-mail; that’s his dad) was present and able to assess the situation with skill and professionalism;
2. The rapid response of the Denton Fire Department and Emergency response team;
3. The ambulance team that took him to the hospital;
4. The excellent care he has received from the Doctors and nurses at Denton Regional Hospital; and
5. We are also thanking God that it took only 27 minutes from the time the 911 call was made until Tom was at the hospital and undergoing the procedure to insert the stint in his artery. We have been told that this was critical in the positive outcome we have seen.

Sincerely yours in Christ,