10 20 2016

Just got off the phone with Wendy.  She has a close friend, Shawn, who has been lost in the woods on the coast since Friday.  He was hunting with his son, who was also lost until yesterday.

Please pray for that he is okay and hunkered down waiting for rescue, for the searchers so they find him soon, for his family who is beset with worry, and for his friends who are also concerned and trying to comfort the family.  One of the sons is William’s age, they play on the same soccer team for the last 6 years so all are very close, he too is having a difficult time with his friend’s dad being missing.

Shawn is an experienced hunter and works in the woods so the likelihood of him still being alive is high.  The weather on the coast has been extreme, but we know that as long as he got into a place where he can keep warm and dry he can still be okay.

These searches are hard on everyone, from the lost person, to the family, to the searchers and friends.  I have been there.

Your prayers are very much appreciated.

Later, Art :-)

10-22-2016

The father is still missing.  There is lots of support from the community.  Supplies and help are coming in daily for the searchers.  They actually said they had enough for the time being.

The son, who was found, was found within the search area.  He had buried himself under bark, leaves etc.  - preciously what he should do.  Once lost, stay put and get out of the weather as much as possible. 

He evidently didn’t hear the searchers, he had been there for a few days, suffering from hypothermia and who knows what else.  The searchers did not see him.  The search dog is the one who located him.  It reinforces how difficult it is for searchers and how pragmatic they must be, using every resource available and trying not to leave any stone unturned.

The father trained the son, he is a seasoned outdoorsman, which means he knows how to take care of himself so there is still a strong possibility he will be found alive, even at this late date.

Your continued prayers are very much appreciated.  We join the community of Coos Bay, where he AND his wife grew up and are active in the community, in prayer and belief that God can do what is needed.  Prayer and candle light vigils are being conducted thee.

Art