This past year and a half we have been in the USA on a much needed furlough. It has been the first time we have taken a proper furlough where we weren’t doing a medical recovery or constantly traveling since we started with Ethnos360 10 years ago. We set up in the Phoenix area with our own house. It has been a great time of rest and recovery for our family! We have been getting really good counseling to help us decompress all the difficult things we have been through.
Our furlough time has now come to an end. But we have another medical challenge that I have been working through. For the past few years I have been struggling with the skin condition on my residual limb (stump). Because I had a tourniquet on after my accident for 17 hours, most of the muscle and tissue in my stump died and had to be removed. This left very little cushion between my bone and the side of the carbon fiber socket that holds my prosthetic leg on. Pressure is required to be placed on this spot on my stump to provide stability and make walking with a prosthetic possible. I did ok for the first number of years, but things have been gradually declining. This last term on the field I started suffering from frequent open sores where the bone is trying to break through the skin. I have been working with a prosthetics specialist during our time in the US. He tried everything to see if we can fix the problem while still wearing a socket. But nothing has helped. Right now I have to severely limit my walking to keep from getting an open sore. There is a solution. It is a newer surgical procedure that has just recently been approved by the FDA. It’s called osseointergration. They will put a titanium rod inside my femur and then mount the prosthetic leg directly to the rod coming out of my stump. It will be revolutionary for my quality of life as an amputee! It would only take two seconds to attach my prosthetic leg to the rod and I can wear it as much as I want without worrying about my skin condition or sores! The only issue is that the skin never quite seals enough around the metal rod to provide complete protection against bacteria. So I would need to stay away from highly infectious environments, such as PNG. I have been recommended for the osseointergration surgery and I am going to pursue this solution to my problem.
We are sad to announce that we will not be returning to PNG because of my medical issues. We have given our resignation to Ethnos360. We want to thank you all so much for your prayers and support for our ministry over the years! Our membership with Ethnos360 officially ends April 30th. The last day that financial support can be processed and received by us is April 15th.
I have taken on a job as a medevac helicopter pilot. Adie is working as a Medical Assistant at a dermatology office. The boys are attending a very good little private Christian school. We are doing well with our transition to the USA. We are thankful to the Lord for the years that we were able to serve the church planting effort in Papua New Guinea. Especially after my accident, being able to return to Papua New Guinea to serve for another 6 years after my amputation!
God bless you all!
Jon, Adie, Jaeden, Levi & Jace Leedahl
God Bless you all during this time of transition. My prayers are with you all.
I don’t remember how I found y’all and started following and praying for you, but your continued trust in the Lord’s provision and leading is an encouragement to me! I will be praying for your continued transition to remaining stateside. May thr Lord continue to bless your family as you serve Him together in your local church and faithfully pray for the church universal.
Bless you! Please keep me on your email list. Thank you.
Thankful for how the Lord has used you through these years with Ethnos360 and know it isn’t the end. He has a story for you yet to unfold. Trusting HIm for these days ahead medically and praying that this procedure will be successful. Praying as you continue to transition. Lives have been changed and touched by your lives for HIS glory. Much love, Arlan & Melody
The Haugens agree with your decision and are praying with you as you continue to navigate through this transition. May you know the comfort of the Holy Spirit each step of the way. Love you!
Your faith and courage shows brightly through you and your family. Praying for this transition, the surgery, for your faith and courage to continue to grow. May the Lord continue to bless you. (I can’t believe how tall [old?] your children have become.)
praying for this transition. Thankful for the wonderful ways God has, and continues to, worked in and through you all.
will pray for this next surgery, and the opportunities God provides going forward.
if ever you provide ongoing updates, would appreciate the opportunity to continue praying for you all
You all are amazing! Your faith is never wavering, and you are an inspiration to us all. Will definitely be praying for a successful surgery, and for you all as you settle into your new way of life. Thank you for all you’ve done.
Thank you for this update. I have been wondering if you had planned to return to the field. Praying that your surgery will be successful and will not have any infection. Great news about your jobs. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Dear Leedahl family,
I have been praying for you ever since I learned of your accident from missionary friends. I have been so blessed with the way you trusted and followed the Lord during those very difficult and terrifying times. Then when you went back to PNG, my heart soared with joy for you. Now I know the Lord has a new path for you and a new place of ministry. I know He will bless you and continue to guide your every step. I will continue praying for your family and, if you decide in any way to send out updates in the future, PLEASE keep me on your mailing list. Thank you also for the updated picture. I can’t believe how much your sons have grown…they are young men now. May the Lord bless and keep you is my prayer.
My continuing love and prayers!
Your story is truly a miracle. Thank you for faithfully serving our wonderful Lord these past 10 years! You have brought glory to God in sharing your story and we trust many lives have been changed and chalk to live fir Him. May He continue to guide and direct you in your next steps.
Jon, Adie, and family-
We are praising the Lord for His amazing presence, power, and promises that have gone before, beside, and in front of your ministry to PNG! Your faithfulness and walk with Jesus is a sweet aroma unto the Lord and your story has encouraged and challenged many. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family as you continue to pursue Him.
The Myhre family
I have followed you since I met you at OshKosh before your accident. God did a miracle in sparing your life.
Thank you for sharing this news. A difficult time for you all. I have followed your journey since your accident. Benjamin and Missy Hatton are friends of ours so we heard the news very quickly. May God go before you and we trust the next step with your prosthesis will bring great relief to Jon. Christian greetings and prayersfor you all.
I have followed you since your accident Glad to know you and your family are doing well. Your boys are now young men. I hope their resettlement goes well for them. Many Blessings on you in the years ahead
A follower of you and Jesus , Doris Rody
Dear Jon and A die,
You have been mightily used by the Lord in PNG, and you have been an inspiration to all of us. It has been a joy to pray for you and the boys, and you shall remain in my prayers. Love in Christ, Estelle Brousseau