I have great admiration and respect for Elder Johnsson. Even though we don't see exactly eye-to-eye on the issue of homosexuality, he has been very kind and supportive of my ministry.

Nearly three years ago, at 69, I fell and broke both legs, requiring surgery, and today I'm getting around pretty good, so there's hope for us "chronologically gifted" folks!

I'm praying for him and Noelene!

I want to wish Bill a speedy and pain-free recovery!!

HOWEVER WHY NOT ENJOY THE SIGHTS AND MEDICAL EXPERTISE OF MANILLA.

Two years ago I slipped on a disabled ramp at Sunchon National University in the deep SW of Korea. I broke my left tibia and fibula and dislocated my left ankle. (In hospital I was given 8 pins plus K-wires and tension bands). For a moment I wished to be taken to the University Medical Center in Gwangju, more than one hour away.

But these wishes soon disappeared as I began to enjoy the quality care provided in my small hospital.

1. My doctor was a Christian and he offered to pray for me.
His brother is the Korean Vice-Consul in LA.

2. I had a series of three operations over the next 9 months. Twice I was given an epidural and once I was given local anesthetic and a tornaque.

3. I was given quality care by all the medical staff for 15 days, and rather enjoyed communicating with the nurses in my broken, half pigin Korean though Korean nurses do not assist patients with bathing. My family were not in Korea at the time. I provided my own food (Western style) and actually ate better there than in my university accomodation.

4. My doctor invited me to a Western style restaurant after I had been in hospital for 5 days. He paid and we had a wonderful time together. I was transported there in the back of the hospital ambulance. Then the ambulance driver piggy backed me up one flight of stairs and return to the restaurant. (Would any western surgeon do this?)

5. My doctor spoke good but not perfect English. He was, I discovered Chairman of the Provincial Orthopedic Doctor's Association and had as many orthopedic tomes on his office shelves as any western specialist. (Most of these were in English).

I really believe that non-western hospitals can be a real option for the treatment of even the worse orthopedic injuries!

I have a friend who some months ago broke her ankle and leg falling over on wet ground, putting out a rubbish bin. It was a relatively simple break, but it has meant months off work, off her feet, with constant pain and little sleep. Bill has a serious break from a forceful hit, and it is going to be a very hard recovery for someone who has been an active jogger for many years. We are very sorry to hear of Bill's loss of his sister and this horrible accident and send his family our love and best wishes for his recovery and freedom from pain. Our prayers are with you all. I might add that, hearing of this incident, the only place to get any information was the Spectrum blog, so thank you Alexander.

Des and Gill

May I assure all concerned that the severity of the break is not determined by the simplicity of the fall. My fall was so gentle. I am young and healthy. Yet the fact that I had 8 pins in my tibia, spent 15 days in hospital, 4 weeks plus in a wheel chair indicates that it was anything but simple.

But the amazing thing was that I never had any pain to speak of.

P. Somerset Wiseman Marks

Update:

Dr. William G. Johnsson, former editor of the Adventist Review/World, will be released from Washington Adventist Hospital this afternoon, his wife Noelene said this morning.

“Contrary to rumors, I have all of my limbs,” Johnsson said while recuperating in the hospital this morning following surgery for a broken leg just above the ankle, an injury sustained when a motorcycle struck him while he was jogging in Manila October 15.

“I want to thank everyone for their prayers and continued support,” Johnsson said, adding that he was “very appreciative” of the prompt treatment he received at Manila Adventist Hospital, where he was rushed after the accident. After staff at Manila Adventist Hospital realigned and immobilized the break, Johnsson was flown back to the United States for surgery.

Experts at Washington Adventist Hospital said the bone injuries were not as severe as initially thought. Johnsson is expected to enjoy a full recovery.