It’s now been a week since we started to find out about Mike and Anthea’s accident and love, prayers and hope started to be sent up for the Hills, and particularly for Anthea.
Given the severity of Anthea’s injuries, the news coming through each day has been really encouraging. The family have been building strength from the positive signs and, now that Anthea’s conscious, their strength has been spurring her on.
Yesterday, Anthea continued to go on well without ventilation support. She is able to interact and join in with conversations through expressions and mouthed words. Laughter and smiles and signs of her character have been a common feature. However, there have been times of disorientation that have been distressing for her.
The family has been awesome. Seeing them a couple of times over the weekend, their unity and love for one another was so evident. Nurses have commented on how amazing they’ve been and the way others have noticed it. Johnny, Nick and Adam, the boyfriends of Charis, Alexa and Lella, have been incredible in supporting the girls and the family.
And your support has been unbelievable: this blog has had well over 10,000 views in the past four days and is one of the most popular on WordPress! Yesterday, churches all over the country (in fact the world) were praying. The Hills have been so grateful for – and are so humbled by – this.
If you haven’t watched Mike’s message yet, see below.
October 9, 2006 at 8:59 am
So pleased to hear of Anthea’s wonderful progress. Our love to you all, Ali and John, Eliza and Andrew xx
October 9, 2006 at 9:12 am
Pip’n'Jay prayed specifically for you again last night.
To Him who is able to do even more than we can hope or imagine – we give glory.
October 9, 2006 at 9:33 am
We praise God for the Anthea’s progress. Our prayers, and those of St Michael’s, continue for you all. Are there any special prayer needs for the rest of the family? “There is none like God who rides through the heavens to your help”
October 9, 2006 at 9:56 am
Mike has been an inspiration to me in years gone by and I continue to pray for both Anthea and Mike as they recover from this accident. Bless you both.
October 9, 2006 at 10:05 am
So good to read the latest this morning – prayers were said for you all at St. Leonard’s over the different services and all are thinking and praying for you. Adam (aged 7) and I prayed specifically for you Anthea on Saturday evening and I have had many enquiries about you from within Churches Together and in Amersham. Our love and our prayers are with today and every day.
With love, Celia and Ray, and all the family
October 9, 2006 at 10:25 am
We’ve just heard about the accident and are very grateful to be able read uptodate info on how Anthea is progressing. It was so encouraging to hear Mike’s words on God’s grace.We shall continue to pray for Anthea’s complete recovery and Mike and their family’s continued strength during this time.
with love from Eric,Penny and family
October 9, 2006 at 11:23 am
You guys left a legacy in love wherever you went and now it is our privilege to stand before the Throne of Grace on your behalf. Be assured that our prayers for you all are heartfelt. We love you.
Dave and Sue Bennett
October 9, 2006 at 11:29 am
When we’re allowed to tread the extremities of life, God supplies the borders that keep us from falling. Well done you guys for being such beacons for the Lord in such a place!
October 9, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Still praying for you at St Paul’s, Slough
lots of love
October 9, 2006 at 12:27 pm
Clinging to God in hope with you all
The Kovoors
October 9, 2006 at 1:05 pm
Dear Mike & Anthea
Have sent you a card but could not resist joining the blog any longer! You know how much you are loved by the body of Christ and we continue to pray for you both and the family. It is wonderful to know that God’s love for you is perfect and you are the apple of His eye.
Love Joyce
October 9, 2006 at 1:21 pm
Standing with you in prayer.
From all at Emmanuel Chapel, Henbury
October 9, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Dear Mike and Anthea,
We were so sorry to hear about the accident, and you and your family are in our prayers.
With love and best wishes,
Clive, Isobel and the family
October 9, 2006 at 2:31 pm
Just sending love to you all. Will keep praying.
The Miles
October 9, 2006 at 2:57 pm
Dear Mike & Anthea,
We all prayed for you at Christchurch Fulham yesterday and were reminded of Psalm 91:16 “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Praise God for His gift of abundant life!
Much love, David & Jo
October 9, 2006 at 3:11 pm
Will continue to keep you in our prayers and thoughts while we are away and expect to have you both with us next February in Club Sierra if not before.
Blessings. Terry & Tinto
October 9, 2006 at 3:49 pm
So encouraged to hear of Anthea’s progress – what an amazing Lord! You continue to be in our hearts and prayers daily as we look forward to continued recovery for Anthea and Mike and strength and comfort for all the family. Terry and Ann Pangbourne have kept us up to date whilst we have been in Cornwall. Much love, David and Averil. Sarah and Mark also send their love.
October 9, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Lella, love u, ring me any time 4 a chat!
Love Caitriona xxxxxxx
October 9, 2006 at 4:20 pm
Dear Bishop Mike and Anthea
Prayers are bring said for you, your family and those caring for you, all over the Diocese of Bath and Wells
October 9, 2006 at 4:34 pm
Dear Mike and Anthea,
You are both very much in my prayers and thoughts during this very tough time. It is very encouraging to read of Anthea’s progress. With love, Trish Neeves
October 9, 2006 at 4:43 pm
We are delighted and so relieved to read the daily news of Anthea’s progress. Mike and the children continue to be part of all our praying: for recovery, joy peace to fill your household. God bless all the Hills!
October 9, 2006 at 6:17 pm
Bishop Mike Anthea and family
You are all in our thoughts and prayers here at Oliver Tomkins Infant School. We are encouraged and thankful to read the daily progress and recovery of Anthea.
All our prayers and love
October 9, 2006 at 7:03 pm
So good to log in to read today’s bulletin and learn of continued progress. Your Methodist brothers and sisters in the Bristol District continue to hold you in prayer. We will be remembering you tomorrow (Tuesday evening) at 6.30pm when we have our Bristol District Policy Committee together for a meeting at Filton. God bless.
October 9, 2006 at 8:18 pm
We were shocked.
We are encouraged.
We continue praying.
God is good.
October 9, 2006 at 10:27 pm
So saddened by news of your accident.
we’re in Canada, Mary being delayed due to health issues this past summer.
But we’re with AIM Int’l in Bristol usually, and attend Christchurch.
Thus the reason for our interest, love and prayers for you.
May you continue to experience God’s healing hands and His peace that passeth all understanding. and may He prove Eph. 3:20 for you as well.
from Christchurch family (but presently near, London, Canada)
October 9, 2006 at 10:36 pm
Our prayers and best wishes to you and your wife at this trying time.
I have just found out about your accident, and I am pleased that I looked at the website when good news is being published, it’s like beginning reading the bible when the Good News had already been written.
The Lord is merciful and will provide.
I lead a youth group who will be planning and ‘running’ our family service this Sunday. With your permission, I will ask the young person who will be leading intercessions to include the following (copied from a prayer website)with a thought for you both from our congregation:
“In times of difficulty, Lord, we appreciate the support and encouragement of others. In better times we feel stronger and more secure. Remind us then to co-operate with other people and look out for the needs of others, being ready to offer a smile, a word, and other support and encouragement. In particular Lord we ask for support, encouragement and help for Bishop Mike and Anthea at their time of need. Amen”
God Bless you both
Paul Bird
October 10, 2006 at 12:46 am
Dear Mike and Anthea,
We are praying that Jesus will continue to carry you all at this time and show you how he never fails. We love you.
David and Gretta (Australia)
October 16, 2006 at 1:46 pm
Mike, we continue to hold you and Anthea in our prayers.
January 25, 2007 at 9:41 am
very insightful read, thankyou.