My husband and I have a tough decision to make and could use some prayer, in addition to our own prayers on this. For those who don’t know, my husband works for Chrysler. Read the paper or watch the news and you know that the Big 3 auto makers are hurting.  No bail-outs for them, so it would seem. My husband works in a specialized department within the plant and he does still have a job – for now; but there is only one shift working at his plant, as the second shift was laid off, and the van plant next door is already closed. It is not looking good that they will keep his plant going and it’s expected by those who know this industry (as well as my husband and I), that sometime next year, they will also close his plant. News reports and articles are concluding this plant closing as a possibility some time in 2009.

Apparently last week, while my husband was on vacation, there was a meeting where buy-out packages were announced to all remaining employees.  They don’t offer buy-outs unless something big is going on.  They have offered such buy-outs in the past to get employees to voluntarily leave, with a buy-out amount of funds and their pension still in place, if they’re vested.  In the past, these buy-out amounts were not large enough for us to consider them, as they would not have gotten us debt-free and trying to replace his income elsewhere would not be easy.

Yesterday, my husband read a news article regarding these buy-outs and how much they are offering.  For the first time ever, the amount being offered, for someone with his seniority, is sufficient enough for us to consider.  We could get debt-free (except the house) and have some leftover to live for a few months, while he goes on to other job training to change careers.  They are also offering to maintain our health insurance coverage for one year.  This would be enough time for him to get the additional training he needs to change careers; but more importantly, for me to get my business built-up to where it would need to be.

So specifically we need prayer regarding taking this buy-out, or do we hang in until they close up shop.

Also, we need prayer that I can get my business bringing in enough income to meet or exceed his current income. This would be ideal, then he could help me in my business – or start his own business. We are thankful we have some options and are not fearful over this change on the horizon, we just want to be wise in the decisions we make.

Regardless, we want the Lord’s will to be done.

12:15 pm update: I just spoke with my friend Kathy, and my Pastor’s wife (who is at the hospital); Jennifer is somewhat stable. They have her completely sedated and intubated and on a ventilator. Apparently, because she was already in ICU, they had been monitoring her closely and knew, by her vital signs, that something was going on and were at the ready when her heart stopped. They aren’t 100% sure what happened, but believe it was a blood clot that went to her heart. She’s been on blood thinners, but obviously they’ve adjusted those.

Here’s a couple photos of their car, to give you a perspective on how serious this accident was. They were cut out of the roof.

David & Jennifer car

where they cut the roof off

She’s gravely ill folks. She’s not out of the woods and seriously needs prayer. I will be keeping Jennifer & David’s 2 year old son, Josiah this evening, and possibly for the next couple of days. At least I feel it’s something I can do to help; in a situation when you feel so helpless.

I appreciate all the prayers of support for this family – most of you have never even met. It means a great deal to them, especially to my friend Kathy. Some of you have even sent gifts – which brought her (and me!) to tears, that strangers would care so much. Thank you.