This is a true story about one of God's miracles that
                             has reached out to all the world through news-
                             papers and web sites.  This is about the world's
                             youngest surgical patient, a 21 week old fetus,
                             Samuel Alexander Armas.

                             A young couple, Alex and Julie Armas,  were
                             thrilled to know they were expecting another child,
                             after losing two through miscarriages.  After having
                             an ultrasound, they were told the devastating and
                             heartbreaking reality that their baby had spina
                             bifita, an exposed area of the spinal cord that
                             causes paralysis and retardation.  Most babies
                             diagnosed with spina bifida are aborted, but with
                             this family, abortion is not an option.  I know this,
                             because I'm married into Julie's side of the family.
                             This is a family that is devoted to our faith in God.
                             Through their prayers, the prayers of our church
                             Pleasant Hill Baptist, and many many others, God
                             allowed a miracle for Alex and Julie.
                             Prayer works!

                             They found out about a doctor who performs
                              surgery on the unborn baby, to close the opening
                              that exposes the spinal cord.  They made the
                              decision to have this surgery, knowing on the one
                              hand that it could greatly help their baby, and on
                              the other hand, it could be fatal.  They knew that
                              being able to have a child that would at least be
                              able to recognize them and possibly not have a
                              crippling disability was worth taking this risk.

                              The surgery was performed on the 21 week old
                              fetus while it was still in the womb.  By making a
                              very small incision in the womb and using special
                              instruments, the baby's spine was repaired.  Just
                              before closing, a tiny hand reached out through
                              the small surgical opening and held the doctor's
                              finger.
 
 

                              The operation was a success. Baby Samuel was
                              born by Caesarean section about three months
                              later, December 2, l999.  There is very little
                              evidence that there was ever anything seriously
                              wrong with him.

                              I see Samuel almost every Sunday at church,
                              and I am so happy Alex and Julie have allowed
                              me to tell their story and show these pictures of
                              this beautiful and blessed little boy.