Mike and Kristi's Car Accident Relief
On August 14th, Mike & Kristi Van Hofwegen and 3 of their children were on their way to try out a newly installed zip line at Kristi's parent's farm. Little did they know that this ordinary Saturday would change so abruptly. On the s-curves just south of Brookings, they were hit head on. Thankfully, they are all alive today.
After being evaluated at the Brookings ED, Mike and Kristi were airlifted to Avera in Sioux Falls. Mike went directly into surgery. Dominic and Kiley were taken by ambulance to Sanford's Children's Hospital. Shalea was released from the Brookings ER. Mike went in for a second surgery on Sunday morning. Kristi also required surgery on Sunday morning. In addition to abdominal injuries, they both have fractured ribs. We have been told by several physicians that seat belts saved all of their lives.
It has been a long few days (which felt like weeks!) of navigating hospital rooms, waiting rooms, and surgeon's reports. In all the chaos and fear we have seen the goodness of God. We have seen their house cleaned, their dogs fed, and we even came home to see a van full of youth group kids and leaders praying and hanging out with the kids. Thank you, thank you, for your support! We have all been overwhelmed with the kindness being shown to our families. We are hearing there are people praying all of the world for this dearly loved family in places like: Guatemala, Texas, Arizona, Washington, California, Iowa, Kentucky, South Dakota.
We have been on our knees, literally and figuratively, many times - alternating between begging for mercy and expressing so much gratitude. We are so grateful they are all alive! And we are actively practicing what it looks like to trust God with all of this, even if it is just for the next 10 minutes.
We continue to receive messages from people and are amazed at the prayers and care that is being shown to our family. Please keep it coming!
We are setting up this Go Fund Me page in an effort to support Mike and Kristi (and their kids) throughout the recovery process, however long that may be and in whatever way that may be. It may look like gas money for the kids, groceries and meals for the kids, medical bills/supplies, counseling or other avenues of recovery that may be needed along the way.
Peace be with you all,
Kristen & Jenna (Mike's sisters) - and the rest of the Van Hofwegen and Demaray Families
Hear us, almighty and most merciful God and Savior; extend your constant goodness more and more to our son and his family. In the midst of suffering, let there be growth in grace; in bodily weakness let faith grow stronger; and in uncertainty, let repentance and an earnest seeking after you give hope and confidence; by your hand and through the work of physicians and caregivers, give them health and strength that they may live and serve you, for it is in your Name we pray. Amen. (Adapted by Lin Van Hofwegen from St. Augustine's Prayer Book)