An Update on our Musical Director

Dear Woodbridge Church family:

As you may already be aware, our Musical Director and dear brother, Ferdinand Imperial, suffered a mild heart attack while traveling in the Philippines. He was scheduled to fly back Friday, but started having chest pains Thursday afternoon. The pain persisted until Friday morning so he was taken to the hospital where they found out he had two arteries that are 90 to 100% blocked and two more that are partially blocked as well. Because of this, the doctor did not let him travel back to the US and said that he would require a quadruple bypass surgery. This is truly God‘s intervention, because in all likelihood, he would not have survived the plane ride back to the US. He had a quadruple bypass surgery Oct 8 Wednesday afternoon (Tuesday night US time). The surgery is done and he is in recovery now, and stable, but not totally out of the woods yet.

We were made aware that Ferdinand’s medical insurance does not cover medical expenses incurred with international travel, so all his medical expenses will be from out-of-pocket. We learned that the surgery would cost approximately US$20,000.00 and thus poses an undue financial burden upon Ferdinand.

Therefore, if anyone would like to assist Ferdinand financially through the church, you can designate your financial help to our church Benevolent Fund. You can give online through our church website giving page HERE (4001 – Benevolent Fund). You can also give through check (write Benevolent Fund in the memo).

Please keep our brother Ferdinand fervently in your prayers! Although he is stable for now, his recovery is a complicated process and may require at least 2 months before he can travel. Let’s pray for God’s hand of protection upon Ferdinand and provision for his needs.

The WCC Leadership Team

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

October 10 Update:

Ferdinand is already out of ICU and was moved to a regular room. He is able to breathe on his own without a ventilator, and is still experiencing a lot of pain, but he is truly grateful for all the prayers and support from the church family. Please continue to pray for Ferdinand’s recovery. God truly answers prayer!

October 13 Update:

Ferdinand is already walking and preparing for the next stage in recovery, which is physical therapy. He is upbeat and positive, specially on his birthday (October 14 already in the Philippines!). He says he misses us at church and is eager to come back as soon as the Lord allows! Please keep praying for God’s complete healing and provision!

October 15 Update:

Ferdinand is healing well and is now undergoing physical therapy. If all goes well, he is going to be discharged from the hospital on Thursday, October 16 (Philippine time). He is grateful for all the help and support of everyone!

October 16 Update:

Ferdinand has been discharged from the hospital yesterday and is now home with his family. He is resting and recuperating well. He has a lot of take home meds and follow up doctor’s visits so let’s still keep him in our prayers! he is thanking everyone for all the prayers and financial help!

October 27 Update:

Ferdinand was seen by his doctor Friday last week and his chest x-ray showed some fluid accumulation in the lungs. He was prescribed medication to address the issue. He saw his doctor again Tuesday and there was a marked decrease in fluid accumulation. He will continue his medication and see his doctor again on Monday next week. Let’s pray that the fluid accumulation would be gone by then. He expressed again his appreciation for all the prayers and financial help that has been provided by all his friends and loved ones!

November 9 Update:

Ferdinand recently had a chest ultrasound and he is still showed fluid in his left lung. He was referred to a pulmonologist and the matter is currently being addressed. Otherwise, he is doing well. He is walking and continuing his cardiac/lung exercises. Please continue to pray for his complete recovery.