Those of you who have had a chance to read my autobiography, “Except for the Lord,” know that I have not known peace for many years. But today, I say it loud and clear that except for the good Lord, my journey on earth would have expired! Here is what and how it happened.

1. The Minnesota camp meeting @ Hutchinson started last Friday, June 13.
2.Due to other pastoral responsibilities, I did not join them until Sunday.
3.On Monday, I returned due to other pressing church issues.
4.On Tuesday, I decided to stay and welcome one of my elders mum and an aunt to his dear wife.

And so today, Wednesday, June 18,2008

1.As I was planning to leave @ 5:00 am so as to catch up with the pastor’s meeting @ 7:45 am, I realized that my left leg was swollen. My wife immediately read danger and advised me to lay down lifting my swollen leg up.
2.I called the clinic but was given a 5:00 pm appointment. Things became worse and therefore asked them to have any doctor examine my swollen leg.
3.I arrived at the clinic at 9:40 am, was seen by the doctor who recommended that I go for ultra sound. When the ultra sound was taken, they found out that I had a blood clot on my left leg. The Doctor recommended that I check in with emergency immediately. I drove myself to Methodist.

At Methodist hospital,

1.They kept me waiting with the pain for 2 hours. Why? Because I did not have medical insurance. I have had excellent insurance with fedex Kinkos for the last 2 years. I recently quit so as to put more time into the ministry. I had hoped that there would be no sickness until my wife picked one.
2.I was finally admitted and treatment began
3.The doctors-4 of them told me to count myself luck to be a live. Had the clot moved to the heart, that would have been the end of me. After several tests, they would not come up with the reason for the clot
4.I was put on very expensive medication for 6 months. Today’s medication costed $ 900.00
5.I was discharged @ 11:00 pm
6.I am very thankful to be home and alive. The pain is slowly dying out.
7.Thanks to all those who prayed for me and paid me a hospital visitation.
8.I have been asked to take a rest.

Tomorrow, I will write on lessons learned.

I am very tired and therefore need to surrender to bed.

Good night.

Pr Birai, 612-386-4608

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Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:23:07 -0700 (PDT)
From: Absalom Birai
Subject: Re: Step by step of how I almost died today!

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As you might be aware, doctors discovered a blood clot on my left leg which would have definitely killed me yesterday.

I left the hospital last night and I am now home recuperating. I am on very expensive medication for the next six to 12 months. Several tests have not so far given them a clue as to what happened. What they all seem to agree, is that I am luck to be a live.

I truly thank the good Lord for yet another miracle! Glad to be alive and back home with the family.

In a very special way, I would like to thank all those who have called, written, send flowers or stopped by to pray with me. Know for sure that you’re truly appreciated. I wanted to write to each one and express my deepest appreciation but I am still too week to sit on the computer for too long. My dear wife keeps on reminding me to rest and leave the computer alone. I agree with her and that is why I am not able to reply to each one of you individually.

Here is how I plan to spend my remaining days:

1. I have re-purposed in my heart to live every single minute as though it was my last.
2. I have re-dedicated my life entirely for the work of God. Now than ever before I need to grow Maranatha to 1000 members and by faith do everything possible to buy our God a house of worship!
3.I will work hard and pay all bills to avoid leaving a burden to my family
4.As soon as I get better, I will write a will. In this way, I will give clear instruction on where to be buried to avoid drama
5.Will start preparing my family for any eventuality
6.Will start some projects back in Africa that will help my needy relatives in the event that I am gone
7.I will work hard to complete some books that I have been planning on writing
8. Want to live peacefully with all God’s children. If I have offended anyone, then I am truly sorry
9. I will continue sharing as long as I am able do.

Well, my life has changed for ever! Once again thanks for your prayers!

One of this fine days, all the sufferings of this world will be the things of the past. Until then, let us remain faithful and ready. Shall we!

Pr Birai,612-386-4608

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Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:26:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: Absalom Birai
Subject: Re: How I plan to spend my new lease!