February 2007

Dear Friends,

Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days that we gain a heart of wisdom.”

Wow! That verse became even more meaningful on January 7th. While watching a football game at a friends house I began to have a sever pain at the bottom of my rib cage. This pain I assumed to be an acid reaction to a cup of coffee. I have had some painful “heartburn” on previous occasions. On a scale of ten, this pain was about an “8” or maybe a “9”. I asked my friend for a scoop of ice cream thinking that would neutralize the assumed acidity in my tummy. When the pain persisted I dismissed myself and did a stupid thing—I drove home with this knife-like pain. I was now sweating because of this pain. I did arrive home safely and entered our home throwing my jacket to the floor and flopping down on our bed—still in much pain. I tried to adjust my body so that the pain would diminish or lessen. It did lessen at times and then would once again intensify. When two hours of this past, my wife, Phyllis said she was going to call the local hospital. The nurse advised us to come in and have my heart checked out. I said, “It can’t be my heart. The pain emanates from just below my breastbone. That’s at least three inches from the heart.” We even thought that the pain might be a gall bladder issue.

Well, I went in to the ER—only to appease the nurse! The folks at the ER check me out…blood work…EKG…questions. The results came. The on-call doctor looked concerned. He said, “Mr. Georgeff, you do have some heart irregulaties.” Woe! The doctor continued, “We’re going to call an ambulance and take you to Regional Hospital in Rapid City.” About 20 minutes later the two-man ambulance crew arrived, Jason, the paramedic and Steve the driver. They carefully moved me to another bed and hooked me up to their I.V. Around 10:30 pm the ambulance took off for Rapid. The trip was quick—but not before the paramedic had heard his need for Christ. By this time the pain felt to be more in my heart and not nearly as sharp as it was.

Upon my arrival at Rapid City Regional in what must have been “record” time from Hot Springs, there was a “gaggle” of nurses ready to deal with me. To summarize, they retested me in every conceivable way and determined that I had heart-issues. The on-call doctor saw me to confirm the problems. Then about midnight the cardiologist, Dr. Durr, came in to talk with me. He is renown to be a great cardiologist with very poor bedside manner. I found it to be true. I also found out that he really needs the Lord. Anyway he talked me through the procedure. Then about 2:00 am I was wheeled into Dr. Durr’s operating room. Three different nurses prepped me and then about 2:30 am Dr. Durr made the incision near my groin into a main artery that leads right up to the hearts. I doped up…feeling good and happy…and cognizant. I watched the whole procedure on TV! I loved it. There was no pain at all—none! While in my heart Dr. Durr performed the angioplasty procedure and placed two stints in two different arteries. The hardest part was after the operation when I had to lie on my back—and only on my back—with my legs still for 2 hours while the incision clotted up. After two hours I could roll over to my side. What a relief that was!

Throughout this whole time I had about 5 or 6 great opportunities to share Christ. Doctors and nurses sometime go overboard to “patronize” the patient. “Oh, you don’t have to worry…you’ll be fine.” I shared that I had no fear of death because of the One who died and rose again! Dr. Durr told me several times, “When you go to heaven, Dave, drag me with you.” I said that I couldn’t do that. Each person must deal personally with his sin and the work of Christ. Pray for Dr. Durr.

Oh, by the way, I didn’t miss any days teaching. I’ve embarked on a new exercise program which includes swimming and use of the rowing machine several times each week. I’m actually enjoying it.

Pray for us as we teach “young skulls” for their future lives and ministry wherever God may lead them. Thanks for your continued support. We could not do it without your prayerful and financial involvement.

In Him,

Dave and Phyllis and all


Telephone: 605-745-6309
Email: dgeorgeff@btinternet.com
CBI website: www.cornerstonebibleinstitute.com
Blogspot: www.georgeffsjournal.blogspot.com
d