********* UP-D8s: Journey with the Big C ***
UP-D8 TWELVE - 8 December 2010 (? final report ?)
Greetings, all! GREAT news to report. In late October I had a
follow-up PSA blood test which showed an "undetectable"
level - i.e. NO cancer cells present. My urologist said, "Well, I
guess you'll have to die from someting else, because this is not
going to kill you!" THANKS so much for your loving prayer and
encouraging emails!
UP-D8 ELEVEN - 14 September 2010
Greetings! Nothing new on the cancer followup front but this: I now have a
urologist in Hendersonville, NC and will see him on 21 September when I'll
have a PSA blood test to show whether there are cancer cells still lurking
about in my body. We're praying for an all clear so that Becky and I can set
about living and ministering full steam ahead. Thanks for praying!
UP-D8 TEN - 18 AUGUST 2010
GREETINGS, ALL! Becky and I arrived in the USA on the 7th of this month to
begin a 7 month HMA (Home Missionary Assignment). We're living out of
suitcases with our daughters (and their two beautiful grandsons) until the
28th when we'll move into a rental property in Hendersonville, NC - our home
base for the duration.
At that point, I'll find a good urologist to monitor my PSA which will tell us
whether the cancer is gone or lurking around (which would necessitate
further treatment). We are doing very well, walking several miles daily and
shopping around for a car. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS over these
past few months. We would not have made it through this trial by fire apart
from your loving intercession! Questions? Write! johnwadelong@gmail.com
UP-D8 NINE - 7 JULY ("Saba-Saba") SUPER NEWS!
Greetings, all. Last evening at 7, I had an appointment with Mr. (Dr.) Agarwal,
my chief urologist to get the results of a pelvic/bladder ultrasound and my first
post-op PSA test (for the prostate specific antigen - tumor markers in the
blood). Both were passed with flying colors (colours to you Brits). My PSA was
"undetectable"!
For this Becky and I are PRAISING GOD who is rich in mercy
to have spared my life from this life-threatening disease that took my dear
brother Jimmy in March! I'm also happy to report that the plumbing is
improving week by week. At this rate in a couple of weeks, I'll be fully
continent. I am teaching my "Preaching to the Heart" course to nine men - an
answer to prayer, and Becky and I are packing up household items for
storage so another couple can use our house during our 7 month furlough in
the US - beginning 6 August.
THANK YOU for your love and prayers!
UP-D8 EIGHT - 1 JULY - MORE QUEST FOR DRYNESS!
Tuesday 29 June spent a few hours in hospital for a follow-up PSA test (no
result yet) and an abdominal ultrasound to check bladder function. Passed
that one with flying colors (but still leaking every day... sigh).
BUT, tonight 1 July, I took my first Tube ride into the city to teach the
"Preaching to the Heart" course to 9 men - using Tim Keller's lectures, Bryan
Chapell's (Christ Centered Preaching) and excerpts from my Grace4Life
course. We will meet for 4 more Thursdays, working assignments and
evaluating sermons in the week for discussion the next class. WONDERFUL
start tonight. I'm "back in the saddle" and encouraged!
THANKS so very much for caring and praying! Johnny
UP-D8 SEVEN - 16 JUNE - THE QUEST FOR DRYNESS!
Thursday 14th was another day in hospital (in a room, but as an outpatient),
but praise God, I emerged CATHETER FREE - and yes indeedy, 4 weeks post-
op, removal was incredibly painful - all my nightmares about it being fully
justified!
NOW the battle for continence is on... not fun. I'm on a prostate cancer
recovery online forum, and the guys agree, week 1 is hellish (6 - 8 pads per
day), week 2, some better, and so it goes. But, this is life. I'm praying for
friends who are living with life-threatening illnesses as I type, so my struggle
is duck soup in comparison. Still, for the sake of our ministry (if not my
personal comfort), your prayes would be most appreciated!
Thanks & blessings, Johnny
UP-D8 SIX - THE GREAT CATHETER WAR!
Today, Thursday 10 June spent 8 hours in hospital - a second cystogram (see
UP-D8 5) which showed very slight leakage at the bladder neck - probably,
the docs say, due to the pressure of the contrast dye injected into a closed
system. SO... the decision was made to be safe rather than sorry, and to wait
until MONDAY 14 June for removal. This may be a setback re: my plan to begin
a preaching course on the 24th (continence is VERY hard to gain after this
surgery and 1 month of catheterisation), but this is my Heavenly Father's
ministry, so my Heavenly Father's problem.
Thanks so much for caring & praying! Yours, out of control of my life and
trusting Him! (What a WONDERFUL and supporting wife Becky
is being in all this. She is truly GOD'S GIFT!) Johnny
UP-D8 FIVE - THE BATTLE TO LOSE THE CATHETER
On Thursday 7 June I went in hospital for a half-day outpatient procedure - a
cystogram (contrast dye injected via the catheter into the bladder under
pressure to determine if there was any leakage into the abdominal cavity from
the suture site. Bummer. There was, so I'm into another week fettered to
catheter & tinkle bag. Thursday 10th, another 1/2 day in hospital for the same
test. IF I pass this time, the catheter can be removed. PLEASE pray for that -
for the tissues to HEAL UP. Thanks. Then the battle to regain urinary
continence begins - when I must join "The Depends Generation" for awhile -
weeks? I don't relish the discomfort of all this. I can "tribulate". MY BIG
CONCERN is that I'll be able to teach a 6-week Gospel Preaching course
beginning 24 June - before we leave for our 6 month furlough on 7 August!
That's about HIM, not me.
Thanks so much for your loving prayer! Johnny
UP-D8 FOUR - POST-OP! Sunday 23 May 2010
Thanks be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! The surgery went very well.
They tell me I should be cured!
So... what it like, having a laparoscopic procedure? It's a cake walk because
you're asleep. Now, when you wake, it's quite the slice of hell. Think of it this
way, you awake in hospital having been assaulted by five knife-wielding men,
four carrying steak knives with the middle guy using a CHEF'S KNIFE! They
have stabbed you in the lower belly. WOAH!
Wonderfully, the real thing was by Dr. Bhanot's team and done under highly
sterile conditions. Still, the aftermath is a bit rough. I will have a LARGE urinary
catheter (feel free to google that one) until I go for a cystoscopy on 3 June,
and if there's not leakage from the urethral stitches, it'll be removed (hurts).
Then, I join "The Depends Generation" until full continence returns. Sorry to
give so much detail, but realise that I have actually spared you much. : )
PATHOLOGY REPORT: The prostate gland was removed, and ith it, ALL the
cancerous tissue. The margins were clear of any malig- nancy. No follow-up
radiation needed. The biopsy contained 5% of a high-grade adinocarcinoma -
both sides (Gleason 4+3=7).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYER FUELED BY LOVE!
Yours recuperating, Johnny
UP-D8 THREE - Saturday 1 May 2010 - After a consultation with my
urologist, Mr. (Dr.) Sanjiv Agarwal (USA trained and connected - for all you
Yanks out there), even though the cancer is confined to the left side of the
prostate, having determined that it appears to be a high-grade low-PSA
secreting type (PSA is only 2.64 much lower than the Gleason score would
suggest), a radical prostatectoy is mandated in my case (not alternative non-
invasive treatments). Johnny
NOW, I don't want to be melodramatic (well, acutally, I do but I repent) -
knowing that many of you have endured far more serious trials than this small
one of mine, still...
Becky and I would ask you to pray for a complete cure that will allow: 1. many
more years of marital happiness for Becky and me (we celebrate our 45th on
25 June!), 2. many more years of fruitful Gospel ministry to the glory and
honor our Saviour and King. And, 3. lots and lots of fun years as doting
grandparents!
BUT, AS YOU PRAY, please do not feel it is somehow a compromise of faith to
pray, "... nevertheless not my will but Yours be done". The Heidelburg
Catechism opens with this question:
Q. "What is your your only comfort in life and in death?"
A. Answer: That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and
in death—to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my
sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the
devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall
from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things
must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by
his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly
willing and ready from now on to live for him.
This is my wish - this is my faith - this is my heart!
UP-D8 TWO - Friday 30 April 2010 - GOOD NEWS! The radioactive bone
scan report and film arrived in the post today -
"No convincing evidence of bone metastases seen". NOTE: I am informed that
the MRI and bone scan results are suggestive but not conclusive - and must
be verified by surgery and subsequent biopsy. If this "tiger" has spread
elsewhere, we'll have a much more serious
battle on our hands. Johnny
UP-D8 ONE - Saturday 24 April 2010 - Appointment with a
specialist in laparoscopic prostatectomy, Mr. (Dr.) Bhanot. I had a CD of
Friday's MRI which he examined - and said that there is no (visible at this
point) spread of the cancer beyond the prostate margins. Johnny
WHEN CANCER STRIKES -
ruminations on the dreaded "C-word"
cont. ... high-grade, low-PSA secreting tumor. (MEN over 45 - take note and
take action. You can e-mail me for details.
SO, HOW DO I FEEL upon getting this news? Strange as it may sound,
wonderful, at peace, happy, unafraid, and even... blessed! Yes, sometimes a
touch of anxiety sneaks in - not fear for myself, but concern for my Becky.
Here are some thoughts and Scripture verses I have sent via e-mail to my
nephew Jamie Long of Houston (my late brother's son), and to my mother
(93) and our three children:
.........................................***
As a pastor for four decades, I've seen too many times how just hearing the
"C-word" can, in the twinkling of an eye, change your life. It was certainly true
with my Becky's colon cancer scare (in Kenya) - and two breast cancer scares (in
the States), and even with her heart problem (angina - here in London). But now,
being on the receiving end, it's like...
..........................
UP-D8 TWELVE - 8 December 2010 (? final report ?)
Greetings, all! GREAT news to report. In late October I had a
follow-up PSA blood test which showed an "undetectable"
level - i.e. NO cancer cells present. My urologist said, "Well, I
guess you'll have to die from someting else, because this is not
going to kill you!" THANKS so much for your loving prayer and
encouraging emails!
UP-D8 ELEVEN - 14 September 2010
Greetings! Nothing new on the cancer followup front but this: I now have a
urologist in Hendersonville, NC and will see him on 21 September when I'll
have a PSA blood test to show whether there are cancer cells still lurking
about in my body. We're praying for an all clear so that Becky and I can set
about living and ministering full steam ahead. Thanks for praying!
UP-D8 TEN - 18 AUGUST 2010
GREETINGS, ALL! Becky and I arrived in the USA on the 7th of this month to
begin a 7 month HMA (Home Missionary Assignment). We're living out of
suitcases with our daughters (and their two beautiful grandsons) until the
28th when we'll move into a rental property in Hendersonville, NC - our home
base for the duration.
At that point, I'll find a good urologist to monitor my PSA which will tell us
whether the cancer is gone or lurking around (which would necessitate
further treatment). We are doing very well, walking several miles daily and
shopping around for a car. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS over these
past few months. We would not have made it through this trial by fire apart
from your loving intercession! Questions? Write! johnwadelong@gmail.com
UP-D8 NINE - 7 JULY ("Saba-Saba") SUPER NEWS!
Greetings, all. Last evening at 7, I had an appointment with Mr. (Dr.) Agarwal,
my chief urologist to get the results of a pelvic/bladder ultrasound and my first
post-op PSA test (for the prostate specific antigen - tumor markers in the
blood). Both were passed with flying colors (colours to you Brits). My PSA was
"undetectable"!
For this Becky and I are PRAISING GOD who is rich in mercy
to have spared my life from this life-threatening disease that took my dear
brother Jimmy in March! I'm also happy to report that the plumbing is
improving week by week. At this rate in a couple of weeks, I'll be fully
continent. I am teaching my "Preaching to the Heart" course to nine men - an
answer to prayer, and Becky and I are packing up household items for
storage so another couple can use our house during our 7 month furlough in
the US - beginning 6 August.
THANK YOU for your love and prayers!
UP-D8 EIGHT - 1 JULY - MORE QUEST FOR DRYNESS!
Tuesday 29 June spent a few hours in hospital for a follow-up PSA test (no
result yet) and an abdominal ultrasound to check bladder function. Passed
that one with flying colors (but still leaking every day... sigh).
BUT, tonight 1 July, I took my first Tube ride into the city to teach the
"Preaching to the Heart" course to 9 men - using Tim Keller's lectures, Bryan
Chapell's (Christ Centered Preaching) and excerpts from my Grace4Life
course. We will meet for 4 more Thursdays, working assignments and
evaluating sermons in the week for discussion the next class. WONDERFUL
start tonight. I'm "back in the saddle" and encouraged!
THANKS so very much for caring and praying! Johnny
UP-D8 SEVEN - 16 JUNE - THE QUEST FOR DRYNESS!
Thursday 14th was another day in hospital (in a room, but as an outpatient),
but praise God, I emerged CATHETER FREE - and yes indeedy, 4 weeks post-
op, removal was incredibly painful - all my nightmares about it being fully
justified!
NOW the battle for continence is on... not fun. I'm on a prostate cancer
recovery online forum, and the guys agree, week 1 is hellish (6 - 8 pads per
day), week 2, some better, and so it goes. But, this is life. I'm praying for
friends who are living with life-threatening illnesses as I type, so my struggle
is duck soup in comparison. Still, for the sake of our ministry (if not my
personal comfort), your prayes would be most appreciated!
Thanks & blessings, Johnny
UP-D8 SIX - THE GREAT CATHETER WAR!
Today, Thursday 10 June spent 8 hours in hospital - a second cystogram (see
UP-D8 5) which showed very slight leakage at the bladder neck - probably,
the docs say, due to the pressure of the contrast dye injected into a closed
system. SO... the decision was made to be safe rather than sorry, and to wait
until MONDAY 14 June for removal. This may be a setback re: my plan to begin
a preaching course on the 24th (continence is VERY hard to gain after this
surgery and 1 month of catheterisation), but this is my Heavenly Father's
ministry, so my Heavenly Father's problem.
Thanks so much for caring & praying! Yours, out of control of my life and
trusting Him! (What a WONDERFUL and supporting wife Becky
is being in all this. She is truly GOD'S GIFT!) Johnny
UP-D8 FIVE - THE BATTLE TO LOSE THE CATHETER
On Thursday 7 June I went in hospital for a half-day outpatient procedure - a
cystogram (contrast dye injected via the catheter into the bladder under
pressure to determine if there was any leakage into the abdominal cavity from
the suture site. Bummer. There was, so I'm into another week fettered to
catheter & tinkle bag. Thursday 10th, another 1/2 day in hospital for the same
test. IF I pass this time, the catheter can be removed. PLEASE pray for that -
for the tissues to HEAL UP. Thanks. Then the battle to regain urinary
continence begins - when I must join "The Depends Generation" for awhile -
weeks? I don't relish the discomfort of all this. I can "tribulate". MY BIG
CONCERN is that I'll be able to teach a 6-week Gospel Preaching course
beginning 24 June - before we leave for our 6 month furlough on 7 August!
That's about HIM, not me.
Thanks so much for your loving prayer! Johnny
UP-D8 FOUR - POST-OP! Sunday 23 May 2010
Thanks be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! The surgery went very well.
They tell me I should be cured!
So... what it like, having a laparoscopic procedure? It's a cake walk because
you're asleep. Now, when you wake, it's quite the slice of hell. Think of it this
way, you awake in hospital having been assaulted by five knife-wielding men,
four carrying steak knives with the middle guy using a CHEF'S KNIFE! They
have stabbed you in the lower belly. WOAH!
Wonderfully, the real thing was by Dr. Bhanot's team and done under highly
sterile conditions. Still, the aftermath is a bit rough. I will have a LARGE urinary
catheter (feel free to google that one) until I go for a cystoscopy on 3 June,
and if there's not leakage from the urethral stitches, it'll be removed (hurts).
Then, I join "The Depends Generation" until full continence returns. Sorry to
give so much detail, but realise that I have actually spared you much. : )
PATHOLOGY REPORT: The prostate gland was removed, and ith it, ALL the
cancerous tissue. The margins were clear of any malig- nancy. No follow-up
radiation needed. The biopsy contained 5% of a high-grade adinocarcinoma -
both sides (Gleason 4+3=7).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYER FUELED BY LOVE!
Yours recuperating, Johnny
UP-D8 THREE - Saturday 1 May 2010 - After a consultation with my
urologist, Mr. (Dr.) Sanjiv Agarwal (USA trained and connected - for all you
Yanks out there), even though the cancer is confined to the left side of the
prostate, having determined that it appears to be a high-grade low-PSA
secreting type (PSA is only 2.64 much lower than the Gleason score would
suggest), a radical prostatectoy is mandated in my case (not alternative non-
invasive treatments). Johnny
NOW, I don't want to be melodramatic (well, acutally, I do but I repent) -
knowing that many of you have endured far more serious trials than this small
one of mine, still...
Becky and I would ask you to pray for a complete cure that will allow: 1. many
more years of marital happiness for Becky and me (we celebrate our 45th on
25 June!), 2. many more years of fruitful Gospel ministry to the glory and
honor our Saviour and King. And, 3. lots and lots of fun years as doting
grandparents!
BUT, AS YOU PRAY, please do not feel it is somehow a compromise of faith to
pray, "... nevertheless not my will but Yours be done". The Heidelburg
Catechism opens with this question:
Q. "What is your your only comfort in life and in death?"
A. Answer: That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and
in death—to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my
sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the
devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall
from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things
must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by
his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly
willing and ready from now on to live for him.
This is my wish - this is my faith - this is my heart!
UP-D8 TWO - Friday 30 April 2010 - GOOD NEWS! The radioactive bone
scan report and film arrived in the post today -
"No convincing evidence of bone metastases seen". NOTE: I am informed that
the MRI and bone scan results are suggestive but not conclusive - and must
be verified by surgery and subsequent biopsy. If this "tiger" has spread
elsewhere, we'll have a much more serious
battle on our hands. Johnny
UP-D8 ONE - Saturday 24 April 2010 - Appointment with a
specialist in laparoscopic prostatectomy, Mr. (Dr.) Bhanot. I had a CD of
Friday's MRI which he examined - and said that there is no (visible at this
point) spread of the cancer beyond the prostate margins. Johnny
WHEN CANCER STRIKES -
ruminations on the dreaded "C-word"
cont. ... high-grade, low-PSA secreting tumor. (MEN over 45 - take note and
take action. You can e-mail me for details.
SO, HOW DO I FEEL upon getting this news? Strange as it may sound,
wonderful, at peace, happy, unafraid, and even... blessed! Yes, sometimes a
touch of anxiety sneaks in - not fear for myself, but concern for my Becky.
Here are some thoughts and Scripture verses I have sent via e-mail to my
nephew Jamie Long of Houston (my late brother's son), and to my mother
(93) and our three children:
.........................................***
As a pastor for four decades, I've seen too many times how just hearing the
"C-word" can, in the twinkling of an eye, change your life. It was certainly true
with my Becky's colon cancer scare (in Kenya) - and two breast cancer scares (in
the States), and even with her heart problem (angina - here in London). But now,
being on the receiving end, it's like...
..........................
Contacts for Johnny & Becky
HMA (7 August 2010 - 12 March 2011)
Rev. Dr. John Wade Long, Jr.
146 O'Hara Circle - Hendersonville NC - 28739 - USA
Home Tel. 828-692-7212 / Mobile: 828-450-6833
website: www.grace4life.org / Facebook: CLICK HERE
IPC Presbytery of England (International Presbyterian Church)
World Harvest Mission (UK)
Church Resource Team Leader
(Please contact us for our mailing address.)
Tel. +44 020-8868-9975 / Mob. 0794-660-3158
e-mail: johnwadelong@gmail.com
e-mail: rebeccamorselong@gmail.com
HMA (7 August 2010 - 12 March 2011)
Rev. Dr. John Wade Long, Jr.
146 O'Hara Circle - Hendersonville NC - 28739 - USA
Home Tel. 828-692-7212 / Mobile: 828-450-6833
website: www.grace4life.org / Facebook: CLICK HERE
IPC Presbytery of England (International Presbyterian Church)
World Harvest Mission (UK)
Church Resource Team Leader
(Please contact us for our mailing address.)
Tel. +44 020-8868-9975 / Mob. 0794-660-3158
e-mail: johnwadelong@gmail.com
e-mail: rebeccamorselong@gmail.com
GRANDCHILDREN! BOTH our daughthers have recently had their first
babies - Libba gave birth to Nathan Roberts (left) in December 12th, and
Rebecca gave birth to Charlie Lance (right) March 25th (a preemie at 4 lbs. 7
oz. but he's chubbing up nicely!).
TWO LITTLE PEAS IN THEIR PODS!
babies - Libba gave birth to Nathan Roberts (left) in December 12th, and
Rebecca gave birth to Charlie Lance (right) March 25th (a preemie at 4 lbs. 7
oz. but he's chubbing up nicely!).
TWO LITTLE PEAS IN THEIR PODS!
 |
WOAH... I have a new identity! On top of everything else you are...
God's adopted son - with cancer. Becky's husband - with cancer. Your kid's dad -
with cancer. Your grandkids grandad - with cancer. Your student's teacher - with
cancer. Amazing. Cancer. It's just... THERE - all the time.
BUT... I'm seeing that this is not a bad thing, for it wonderfully focuses the
mind and heart on what is really important - eternal things... one's relationship
to God and others. And, it intensifies the ordinary joys of daily life - a walk in the
park, a flower, a budding tree, a blue sky (rarer here in England that elsewhere).
So, even though cancer just plain STINKS, it forces you to live on the edge.
Tuesday night, just an hour after my diagnosis I was teaching a class in the city
- and Thursday night another. It's uncanny. I find I am having more FUN when
I'm teaching my students the Gospel. I feel so, so very... FREE!
So, I rather like this! And, if I am healed, I will surely miss this part of
it.
I plan to call for the elders of our church "to pray and anoint me with oil in
the Name of the Lord" (James 5:13-18 ). So, what does that mean, that God
givea us some sort of ironclad guarantee of wellness? No. Were that so, my
brother would still be with us.
SO, what is our role?
Our role is to 1. pray for His miraculous healing apart from means, and,
2. to seek the very best medical treatment available.
THEN WHAT? Well...
Sometimes, SOMETIMES, the Father says, "YES!" to our requests.
And, sometimes He says, "Yes, but wait."
And, sometimes He says, "No! Actually, I want to give you Ultimate Healing and
have you right here with me!"
Do you get my drift? All these are proper answers.
There is no such thing as "unanswered prayer".
So, in all these pesky NOT-FUN tests I'm enduring (two today - an MRI
and a Radioactive Bone Scan), the surgical consultations (one yesterday,
another tomorrow and another next Saturday), and the surgery that must
come if I am to live, I want to "practice what I preach", and with St. Paul say in
confident conviction:
"I am crucified with Christ - nevertheless I live - yet not I but Christ
lives in me. And the life I now live in this body, I live by faith in the
Son of God - who loved me - and gave Himself for me."
- Paul's letter to the Galatians Chapter 2 vs.20
"For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything
shameful, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in
the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I
die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better. Yet, if I live,
that means faithful service for Christ. I really don't know which is
better. I'm torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to life, and
sometimes I long to go and be with Christ. That would be better for me,
but it is better for you that I live. I am convinced of this, so I will
continue with you so that you will grow and experience the joy of your
faith! Then, when I return to you, you will have even more reason to
boast about what Christ Jesus has done for me."
- Paul's letter to the Philippians Chapter 1 vss. 20-26
Bless you all, and thanks so much for your love and prayers!
God's adopted son - with cancer. Becky's husband - with cancer. Your kid's dad -
with cancer. Your grandkids grandad - with cancer. Your student's teacher - with
cancer. Amazing. Cancer. It's just... THERE - all the time.
BUT... I'm seeing that this is not a bad thing, for it wonderfully focuses the
mind and heart on what is really important - eternal things... one's relationship
to God and others. And, it intensifies the ordinary joys of daily life - a walk in the
park, a flower, a budding tree, a blue sky (rarer here in England that elsewhere).
So, even though cancer just plain STINKS, it forces you to live on the edge.
Tuesday night, just an hour after my diagnosis I was teaching a class in the city
- and Thursday night another. It's uncanny. I find I am having more FUN when
I'm teaching my students the Gospel. I feel so, so very... FREE!
So, I rather like this! And, if I am healed, I will surely miss this part of
it.
I plan to call for the elders of our church "to pray and anoint me with oil in
the Name of the Lord" (James 5:13-18 ). So, what does that mean, that God
givea us some sort of ironclad guarantee of wellness? No. Were that so, my
brother would still be with us.
SO, what is our role?
Our role is to 1. pray for His miraculous healing apart from means, and,
2. to seek the very best medical treatment available.
THEN WHAT? Well...
Sometimes, SOMETIMES, the Father says, "YES!" to our requests.
And, sometimes He says, "Yes, but wait."
And, sometimes He says, "No! Actually, I want to give you Ultimate Healing and
have you right here with me!"
Do you get my drift? All these are proper answers.
There is no such thing as "unanswered prayer".
So, in all these pesky NOT-FUN tests I'm enduring (two today - an MRI
and a Radioactive Bone Scan), the surgical consultations (one yesterday,
another tomorrow and another next Saturday), and the surgery that must
come if I am to live, I want to "practice what I preach", and with St. Paul say in
confident conviction:
"I am crucified with Christ - nevertheless I live - yet not I but Christ
lives in me. And the life I now live in this body, I live by faith in the
Son of God - who loved me - and gave Himself for me."
- Paul's letter to the Galatians Chapter 2 vs.20
"For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything
shameful, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in
the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I
die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better. Yet, if I live,
that means faithful service for Christ. I really don't know which is
better. I'm torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to life, and
sometimes I long to go and be with Christ. That would be better for me,
but it is better for you that I live. I am convinced of this, so I will
continue with you so that you will grow and experience the joy of your
faith! Then, when I return to you, you will have even more reason to
boast about what Christ Jesus has done for me."
- Paul's letter to the Philippians Chapter 1 vss. 20-26
Bless you all, and thanks so much for your love and prayers!
THANKS for praying for
my surgeon: (Dr.) Shiv
Mohan Bahnot, MD, FRCS
my surgeon: (Dr.) Shiv
Mohan Bahnot, MD, FRCS
