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Accident at the Annual Council – Bill Johnsson Hurt UPDATED

Larry R Evans, Undersecretary of the General Conference, writes:

Dr. Bill Johnsson, former editor of Adventist Review/World, was exercising this morning just a short distance from the convention center when he was hit by a motorcycle. Brad and Candace Thorp (of Hope Channel) were in a taxi and noticed someone lying on the pavement. The motorcycle driver remained by. They soon realized that it was Elder Johnsson.

The Thorps arranged for him to be transported to the Manila Adventist Hospital. He has suffered a “severe” break(s) in the ankle area. Fortunately Dr. Handysides of the GC went to the hospital too to help make plans for treatment back home. The leg/ankle will be adjusted and then immobilized for the purpose of transportation. Surgery will be needed but arrangements will be made for him to fly home to have the surgery there. Dr. Landless in Maryland has made arrangements for surgery once he arrives. A wife of one of the VPs will accompany him on the long flight home.

Dr and Mrs Johnsson have both had some health challenges in recent years but have made good progress. Yesterday Elder Johnsson’s sister passed away so you can imagine the stress both of them are going through. Your prayers will certainly be appreciated.

I first met Elder Johnsson while an undergraduate visiting Sligo and it confirmed the impression his writing communicated. He is a kind and intellectually generous Adventist leader.

Let’s keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

UPDATE:

Dr. William G. Johnsson, former editor of the Adventist Review/World, will be released from Washington Adventist Hospital this afternoon, his wife Noelene said this morning.

“Contrary to rumors, I have all of my limbs,” Johnsson said while recuperating in the hospital this morning following surgery for a broken leg just above the ankle, an injury sustained when a motorcycle struck him while he was jogging in Manila October 15.

“I want to thank everyone for their prayers and continued support,” Johnsson said, adding that he was “very appreciative” of the prompt treatment he received at Manila Adventist Hospital, where he was rushed after the accident. After staff at Manila Adventist Hospital realigned and immobilized the break, Johnsson was flown back to the United States for surgery.

Experts at Washington Adventist Hospital said the bone injuries were not as severe as initially thought. Johnsson is expected to enjoy a full recovery.

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