PRAYERS FOR JOSEPH BLACKSTONE & spouse, the Rev. Laura Blackstone

PRAYERS FOR JOSEPH BLACKSTONE, and spouse, the Rev. Laura Blackstone, Elder of the Mountain Sky Conference, serving the United Methodist Church of Salida, CO, as of August 1, 2023.    39 year old Joe suffered massive brain damage from a stroke on May 17 at their home in Buffalo, WY.  He was flown to Billings, MT, hospitals and care facilities, where he remained until transferring to Craig Neuro-Rehabilitative Hospital in Englewood, CO, about July 21.  Induced coma, craniotomy, numerous weeks of ICU, every kind of rehabilitation possible, and presently, Laura and Joe anticipating he can leave Craig Hospital to come to the parsonage home in Salida in late October. At this time Joseph will be unable to work, requiring a caregiver indefinitely. This will allow Laura to fulfill her pastoral responsibilities of her current charge in Salida.  The caregiver won’t be covered by insurance in addition to the already astronomical medical bills so far incurred.
     
     Prayers have helped sustain their lives as they meet new challenges daily.  They are ever thankful for friends and family, doctors and all medical personnel, the outreach of friends and the United Methodist Family.  Cards and personal notes are very welcome.

     Expenses have also been so much more than insurance provides.  Monetary gifts to them would be helpful in a special “Fifth Sunday Offering for Joe and Laura Blackstone“, with check made to the Salida United Methodist Church, Box 945 Salida, CO 81201, or call  (719) 539-2755.   
    United Methodist Churches in the Mountain Sky Annual Conference are encouraged to keep them in their constant prayers; possibly having their own “Fifth Sunday Fund for Joe and Laura Blackstone” to be submitted from area churches to the Salida United Methodist Church.