Mind Renewers

I just went through and changed some things on this blog. Where it used to say I am the pastor of Free Baptist Church, it now says “Former Pastor”. What a strange feeling that is!

Yesterday, I preached my final sermon here before our move. It was a blessing to “see” everyone on line.

My wife, Terri, has completed her initial six-week course of treatment, and we’ll be moving to Colorado next week. We expect to close the sale of our house here sometime later this week. The new owner has graciously permitted us to stay as long as we need after the sale. As of now, we are scheduled to leave Scotland on Monday for London, and fly out of London to America the next day.

I am praying for Pastor Paul and the church as they go forward in serving the Lord. There are some exciting things happening! We are trusting the Lord that His plan for the church meshes perfectly with His plan for us, and that He who “doeth all things well” has both us and the church in His mighty and loving hand.

I know many readers are getting email updates — please use my contact page to let me know if you want them and aren’t getting them. But for those who aren’t….

We were originally told the tumour was likely to be inoperable, but Terri had an operation on Wednesday in which they successfully removed 90% of the tumour. They believed, and so far it appears to be true, that this was without any further damage to brain functionality, and that at least some of her symptoms would improve considerably.

Today, just three days after they removed a tumour the size of a small orange from her head, they have told us Terri should be able to come home this afternoon.

It is amazing the skills that God has given these people. We are so thankful for them, for the many who have prayed, for those who have helped in concrete ways, both big and small, but mainly for the God who enables and moves the hearts and minds of people to do these things.

Is this a miracle? Not according to the classic theological definitions of a miracle. Terri is not healed, the cancer is still there and dangerous and, from a medical perspective, incurable. But it is far too much for us to say anything but that God has been working in a wonderful way. To Him be the praise.

UPDATE: Not today after all, not because of any problem, but just that they weren’t able to assess her on the stairs today. It means she gets another day of rest before a long journey home, which isn’t a bad thing.

SECOND UPDATE: Home yesterday afternoon! Very tired, very glad to be home!

Thank you to all who have told us you are singing “Because He Lives” tomorrow, as individuals or together with other believers. It means a lot to us that some churches would bring this into your worship together, even people we’ve never met. Christian brothers and sisters are amazing.

It is very encouraging to the people of our church to hear how many people are praying for Terri and for us, how many people share with us the joy of knowing our Risen Lord.

For those who may not have heard, Terri has been transferred to Edinburgh as the neurosurgeons are “keen to try some sort of operation.” We had been told not to expect this, and do not know what is meant by it. But we thank you for your prayers. She is very tired tonight.

If you wish regular updates, please let me know.

For purposes of privacy of various individuals, I find it necessary to remove this letter, unfortunately.

The letter expressed our faith in God through Terri’s cancer.