UPDATE: The Cerak’s and the VanRyn’s have recently written a book about their experience, you can order it here:
Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope
From Carly Cerak on the VanRyan Blog:
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
We read this verse to Whitney this morning as we spent time in the Word as a family. My dad followed her to physical therapy where she was put into a wheel chair that allowed her to use her good arm and leg to push herself back to her room! She ate all of her meals today and had good times of sleep.
For the rest of the day she was very aware and wanted to sit up for most of it. Whitney wanted to talk to everyone she could think of and had us call many of her friends. Some of her friends came for short visits and she would greet each with a hug and was able to hold conversations with great interaction. She made me laugh so hard when she asked two of her friends this question, “What has your day consisted of?” I walked away from her bed laughing after she asked us to write it down, and she told her friends that her sister was making fun of her.
Dear Carly,
I have been following Whitney’s recovery since the day it was announced via the prayer chain from our church that Whitney had survived and not Laura. David Van Winkle, who was a friend of Laura’s, attended our church in Adrian, Michigan, thus our remote connection to the VanRyn family.
I cannot imagine the great testing this entire situation has been to the faith of your family and to that of the VanRyn’s. Please know that scores of people across these United States are remembering you all in prayer.
Whenever God brings Whitney to mind, and the families involved, I am praying for complete recovery. May God bring glory to His precious name.
Blessings to you and your family.
Elizabeth Perry
Adrian, Michigan
Carly,I just finished reading the book and noticed on the inside back jacket about you going to Africa and starting a street ministry there. Having been to Ghana West Africa last year, I was interested in your work and your experiences there. If you can reply, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m thankful that the 2 families knew Jesus. What do people do who do not have that?
In Christian love,
Lillian