Treva Ropp Update

I had a good talk with Philip Ropp today. The news could not be any better. He said Treva's rapid recovery has been miraculous . . . especially since an Amish man came out from Ohio with a special salve that has made all of the difference. Apparently he has worked in some burn units in Ohio for years with a particular herbal salve that rapidly speeds up the recovery and healing while eliminating the pain. He has an impeccable track record of successes. I asked Philip how a state-of-the-art burn unit in a major US hospital would allow for this type of “unconventional therapy?” He said it was partly Treva’s primary physician’s black heritage which includes some history in folk medicine that weighed the scales in Treva’s favor in giving the salve a try.

I can’t imagine any conventional hospital allowing this with so much malpractice litigation going on, but perhaps the fact that the Amish do not sue and are self insured opened some of the doors here. I tend to think that the Lord ordained it and it happened. Philip went on to say that the many prayers of Christians throughout the nation also played into the intervention, for which he is enormously grateful. He asked me to thank you all on Treva’s and his behalf.

Up until two days ago Treva was in excruciating pain that required regular doses of morphine to keep it tolerable and Philip said that even so she was nearly going out of her mind . . . very stressful. Treva was progressing as good as could be expected, but they requested that this salve, as administered by the Amish practitioner who produces it, be given a chance. Immediately upon application the pain went entirely away and has remained that way. Her burns are healing much quicker, enough that the burn unit nursing staff and other professionals are taking pictures from day to day. They are astounded and especially elated, as nothing is harder on a burn unit nurse than the enormous pain their patients must endure.

I asked Philip for the name of the salve and the Amish man that practices with it, but because we were both on cell phones, I couldn’t make it out. He did say it was available for purchase (he bought 12 cases) and as soon as I can get with him I’ll get the details. This salve is also excellent for stubborn infections where amputation is eminent if they are not brought under control. I am not surprised by this, as the Seventh Day Adventists have created a very similar salve, which my wife learned to make, that also works very well for burns, wounds, and infections. I am using some now for a deep puncture wound I received in my hand yesterday. It has a bees wax base and is loaded with many medicinal herbs.

Treva is still in the ICU and likely will be there for another week. I have been asked to come and pray for her when she is moved to a regular room, at which time I can give you a firsthand update. From there it might be another month before she is released. The Amish practitioner stated that the third degree burns on her arms and hands should fully heal by 21 days. Unless I didn’t know Philip Ropp personally and the fact he is man of his word, I would be a little inclined to believe these claims to be a wee bit exaggerated, but he has never exaggerated anything with our dealings with Sam & Sadie. The Amish practitioner from Ohio is also fully backed by a former brain surgeon there who testifies that he is one of the best in the nation for healing burns. When I get the full scoop I’ll pass it on.

I get a joyful chuckle out of this whole situation, as the Lord moves mightily on behalf of a little known Amish family from the middle of nowhere Missouri to bring real healing before the eyes of those who practice corporate medicine. Please keep praying for Treva, Philip, and his family. He is pretty tired, but most thankful. --- The Missouri Rev