Art Katz needs our prayers

Amen, I am praying also may God bless his diligent servant with strength to continue ministering!

Here is an update on mr katz's health.. do pray and fast for his condition, may the Lord strengthen and encourage him through this trial:---Date: Mon Jan 09, 2006 06:20:15 PM PST Subject: Update on Art Katz's health Dear praying saints,Update on Art's health I spoke with Reggie this evening (Monday 9th). The overall picture on Art's health is good and promising.It seems to be clear that Art has a viral infection, not a bacterial one, and MRSA has been ruled out now. Art is taking a strong oral antibiotic, and the infection is being mostly contained, but not clearing up. The doctors have not been able to identify what virus it is as yet. Art was given comprehensive and rigorous examinations this morning. They are still awaiting tuberculosis results and a blood test for possible prostate cancer. The prostate area was some cause of concern for the doctor apparently, and the other cause of concern was Art's shortage of breath. Art was given a Cat Scan and apart from a small heart murmur, the results reveal satisfactory heart condition, and that it has not been affected yet by the infection. There are some test results pending as to why the heart would be under some strain from the shortage of breath. The doctors are somewhat disturbed by the continued swelling of Art's limbs. There is not yet a need to be hospitalized at this point, and it seems that the road trip will continue with a planned arrival in Fort Smith, AR on Tuesday evening or Wednesday, Lord willing. Please do continue to uphold Art in prayer. We will continue to keep you posted. Thanking you for all your support and prayers at this time. Simon Hensmanon behalf of the Ben Israel fellowship

In the opening post, there was a reference to tropical diseases. Does anyone know if he's been screened for malaria - of which there are undulating varieties, which cause anaemia and would account for shortness of breath (as could poisoning with certain agents/drugs) or filariasis, which is rarer, but would be detected by looking at blood under a microscope (and can be treated successfully with the right medicine). It would account for the swelling of his lower limbs, I believe. I'll be interested to know if any other insect bite or waterborne (amoeba-type) causes have been ruled out. A tropical disease is well able to have caused his symptoms.

Update on Art's health Dear Saints, Here is an update as of 9.00 am this Tuesday morning. The good news first. The results of the cardiogram have shown that Art's heart is A-okay for a man of 76. There is no cause for concern in that area, either now or in the future. However, Art is still passing small amounts of blood in his urine, and a preliminary investigation has shown that he has an enlarged prostate gland, which is apparently common for 1/3 of men over 50. It is not necessarily cancerous, but it does hinder the passing of urine. They are doing some more tests today to determine if surgery is required. This would mean a 10-day 'layover' in Kansas. Art has also been diagnosed with anemia (not related to the infection apparently). Anemia is a "lack of red blood cells, which results in reduced ability of blood to transfer oxygen to the tissues." We are told that this is why Art has shortness of breath and trouble breathing, as well as fatigue. Art is up and about on his feet, but Reggie and he have decided to cancel both the Arkansas and Mississippi meetings. They were talking of flying down to Mobile, AL to make the meetings there. It is not clear what will happen after that. Art will be with the doctor today undergoing further tests before final decisions are made on the rest of the trip from Mobile, AL onwards. The doctor did say that there is no reason why Art should diminish ministry travel in the future. He was optimistic Art could carry on a normal life after prostate removal (if that is necessary). They have still not identified the viral infection yet! So we are still waiting on further results and doctor recommendations. Thank you all for your prayers and the encouraging responses we are receiving. With regards,Simon and the BI folksimon@paulbunyan.net

Another update:---Art is to see the urologist tomorrow (Wed.) at 2 p.m. What tests he will prescribe and when those tests will be scheduled remains to be seen. He will also take a biopsy of the skin lesions. The doctors are all quite disturbed that they can't identify a mysterious infection that has attached itself to Art; they're not at all happy about that, as you can well understand. A good many more tests returned negative today, which, as I said, is not entirely good news to the distressed medical community. It will take several weeks before some tests will be in, because it takes much longer to "culture out" the fungal and micro-bacteria that those tests are looking for. If that doesn't show something, then, apparently, this infection will remain a mystery. This morning there was a light rash showing up on the right leg near the straddle. Art noted that it was curious that this was the first night he had slept in the robe he was wearing in Colorado Springs when this began to show up. We will be leaving Saturday, Jan. 14th for Pensacola, FL (with an 1 1/2 hr. stop over in Memphis) where Barry will be picking us up at the airport to take us to Mobile, AL for some days of ministry. From Mobile we will be going up by car to Birmingham, AL. It is hoped that the brothers from near Huntsville, AL can join us there. From there we will be returning to Mobile in order to return to the Pensacola airport Friday afternoon (Jan. 20th) to fly to Ft. Smith, AR again with a stop over in Memphis. It is hoped that the Little Rock, AR saints can join us in Ft. Smith. From Ft. Smith we fly back to Kansas City (again with another 1 1/2 lay over in Memphis, whew!) to arrive Mon evening the 23rd to continue tests. If surgery should be called for (not particularly likely), there will be a necessary ten day convalescence required before driving home. Hopefully, that will not be necessary. In any event, it is hoped that with a more extended time at home, Art can regain full strength in time for the overseas commitment. That's all for now, Reggie Kelly.