Back when the Covid epidemic erupted, I found a lump on my left thigh. First, I visited my primary doctor and then an Oncologist … it was a Melanoma tumor that needed to be removed. I immediately sought prayer from family, friends and all my fellow Christians at The Fellowship.
Within a short time, surgery was performed and the cancer was extracted. “You are good to go,” I was told. It did not seem like a big deal -- we live in a fallen world and sickness, and disease are part of our lives.
Fast forward a couple of years and I had to tell my Feed the Hunger mission trip crew that I would not be able to go back with them to Kentucky that year. A new lump had been found that needed medical attention. This was heartbreaking for a guy who loves to do service projects like we accomplish on those trips!
Visiting with the same doctors who treated my first Melanoma tumor, I was told this one needed more expert attention and I should go to MD Anderson for a consultation. During my first visit there, the Melanoma team told me that they treat the cancer … instead of just removing the noticeable tumor. Unfortunately, a few scans revealed several tumors in my chest. This was very disheartening after my experience with the first tumor when all that was involved was a simple surgery and then I got to go on about my life. The team also hit me with the news that my Melanoma had advanced to Stage 4. A bit scary!
As a follower of Christ, I prayed and asked God, “What is going on here? Why am I going through this fiery trial that has family and friends very concerned?” But God reminded me that His Word clearly states that He will never leave us or forsake us. He will be with us always. My conclusion was that God had me going through this valley to be an ambassador for Him in a troubled world of people who believe there is no hope for their own cancer diagnosis.
Initially, my MD Anderson treatment program consisted of having an immunotherapy injection every three weeks. I decided to make the hospital setting for this treatment my mission field. To be positive and inspiring, not only to the nurses who would be helping me, but to every person I would cross paths with at MD Anderson. So, I had a custom T-shirt made that clearly displays: “Yahweh > Cancer” to tell people that God is greater than my cancer. It would open opportunities for me to talk to people who ask about my shirt. That worked so well, I ordered another shirt exhibiting: “He Can Heal Cancer, Luke 1:37.” Then I got bold and made a third shirt that said: “God and MD Anderson are healing my cancer!” All of these became great conversation starters each time I visited the hospital! I figured that God was taking me through this cancer valley not only to show how good and gracious He is -- but to give me a ministry at the same time.
However, a sad note interjected itself -- the treatment plan MD Anderson had me on was not working! I developed new tumors in both my head and right foot. Radiation was used to kill these tumors, but new sites kept popping up. So, the doctors placed me in a clinical trial that included a three-week stay in the hospital. This was an even deeper valley medically and emotionally. It would be very difficult since I was to be given stem cell treatments and chemo along with my immunotherapy.
I packed up my T-shirts and added my prayer quilt to use in ministering to the nurses, doctors and technicians with whom I would interact throughout this three-week stay. The prayer network that had continued to keep me covered only intensified. I have to say, physically, this was probably the most difficult thing I have ever endured. But it was a blessing to share my faith in God and His divine providence to everyone I encountered through even this horrendous part of my cancer journey.
Now, three months later, I am cancer free (MD Anderson does not say cancer free -- they say no active sites). But I give God all the glory for not only answering the prayers too numerous to count and healing me -- but also allowing me to be His ambassador and thus keeping me focused on Him throughout that difficult medical journey!
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.
Psalm 50:14-15
