Update on Ami Ortiz

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 8:37-39

On March 20, 2008, 15-year-old Ami Ortiz opened a package left on his family’s doorstep. The package, apparently intended for Ami’s father, Pastor David Ortiz, exploded in his hands. The blast nearly killed Ami, shredding his body with hundreds of pieces of shrapnel that left him in critical condition.

Now, after two and a half years of excruciating recovery and rehabilitation, 14 operations (with more plastic surgeries ahead), and spiritual, mental and emotional recovery, Ami is doing incredibly well. The Joshua Fund has been very supportive of David, his wife, Leah, and Ami as they have walked this very difficult road. Many of you have been following Ami’s recovery, and below is the most recent update. Please continue to keep Ami and his family in prayer. To learn more about Ami and his story, and to stay current with developments in his case, go to www.amiortiz.com.

Ami is feeling well and getting taller if that is possible! He does still have some residual pain in his left hand, ringing in his ears and an unpleasant popping in his right ear when he hears a loud noise, but he never complains. Ami lives with at least 100 shards of metal and glass still lodged in his body and eyes, scars from his neck down to his feet, and the loss of parts of 3 toes. We still pray for complete restoration physically, but we can honestly say that in his mind, heart and spirit he is totally healed, and it is a wonder. To know him is to feel the miracle shining through his life, and it is hard to explain in words. Everyone who comes in contact with him can sense that there is something different emanating from his life, and the deep inner sweetness that has come from going through the fire and coming out on the other side inspires everyone in our family and everyone with whom he has contact. He is our hero! Please continue to pray for God's will for Ami as school ends. We have a direction that we are taking, but there are many obstacles that need to be overcome if this is what he should do.

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