ABA, NIGERIA Monday, November 17
By Marti Schneider, On location

Everything that happened today falls away in importance . . . because
we made it through the sermon! Just before the main session was to be
beamed skyward, Don and I paused behind the stage in the gritty little
corridor to pray. I asked God to give us a miracle tonight . . . but I
didn't know what I was asking for.

My little segment was an interview with the Heralds. All the
Adventists seem to know them, but of course, any of the visitors
wouldn't know them. In addition to giving a little history, basic
information about themselves and their activities, I asked them to tell
about their most unusual audience. The audience enjoyed their story
about singing to the baboons at Loma Linda Hospital's research center
where the creatures paused their activities and listened.

After I was done, Don came by and said, Please stand on the other side
of the stage (it is probably 9-10 feet high) and watch to see if I give
you a motion to have them bring the pulpit up. He said his back was
beginning to hurt and he was afraid it was a kidney stone. He would try
to preach. I convinced him to let the Heralds know . . . and we saw Bob
Folkenberg just about that time.

The quartet cued up some songs to sing and stayed close. Bob
Folkenberg went back to the hotel and put on a white shirt, tie, and
jacket, and got his sermon notes. Jim Ayers had recently preached this
very sermon. I told him that if Don's face or his voice looked like he
was in trouble then Jim should go up and tell Don that he himself had
preached the sermon and he would like to
share some things that meant a lot to him. We notified the control
room. Someone looked for a doctor, who brought a packet of medicines
which I held in case Don needed some.

Tonight's miracle was that Don preached the sermon, pain free, until
the final prayer. However, the pain began to return. By the time we
got to the room, he was in real pain; and within minutes he was
writhing. Bob Folkenberg, whose room is across the hall, called the
conference president and asked for help getting the doctor. We
discovered that the doctor and a small hospital are at the top of the
hill by the intersection where the policemen stand. The doctor came and
explained the medicines. He had actually come with an IV dose of
medicine to use if it was needed. But by that time Don's pain had
subsided. He was no longer feeling like throwing up. He was like a
different person.

We talked to Janet who contacted Don, Jr. and Carol. Both called us on
our cell phone. It was good to talk to all three. Apparently, even
when we are out of our pre-paid phone card, someone can still call us.

I won't write more. It's late. Just know your prayers are important!

Good night,

Marti

Tuesday morning, November 18

Just a quick note to tell you that Don slept without pain last night.
This morning when I came out of the shower he was looking out of the
window. I said, "What are you looking at?" He said, "I am looking for
the truck that ran over me!"

A few minutes later he said, "Usually when I feel like this, I say,
'This has been a good day. We got a lot done. It is time for bed.
:-)'"

Actually, he is doing well. He is now in a meeting with pastors . . .
then will look at tonight's sermon with the translators until noon.

I've got to run to an appointment. Sister Luka Daniel is going with
us.

God bless you . . . Keep praying!

Marti