On November 30, 2010 I posted a blog detailing a major change in our life and ministry as my wife began to fight leukemia through a bone marrow transplant in New York City. With unbelievable joy and gratitude I can share that Beth is now officially and permanently back home with our family. Beth must remain fairly isolated as flu season approaches and her immune system continues to mature. She will still need to be seen by the transplant team in NYC every two weeks. But her leukemia is in remission, the post-transplant complications (mainly the Epstein-Barr virus) is all but gone, blood counts are good, and her strength is returning.
First, we thank God for walking with us through this time, providing amazing doctors and their wisdom to battle a complicated and dangerous condition, and loving us through His Word, His Spirit, and His church. When we first received the devastating diagnosis of leukemia, Beth said that "the greatest miracle is salvation" which is so true. To know that nothing can separate us from God's love is unbelievable and a source of constant joy; however, we are recipients of a "lesser" miracle that God did not owe us. So we marvel once again at the mercy and grace of our great God!
Second, we must thank Rock Bridge Community Church and God's universal church. From Dalton across the U.S. and even into Africa, people have prayed for us. Many gave everything from time to money to 'sky miles' to support us. We would receive text messages, cards, emails, and phone calls in dark moments that provided glimpses of light that pointed us back to hope in Christ.
Thank you for letting me walk with my wife through this time. Thank you for letting me learn the joy of serving my wife in some small way as Christ loved and served us, His church. I missed being there with many of you as you walked through your own valleys but God is so big and His grace is so overflowing, I trust He was sufficient for you as He has proved for us.
Beth's life verse is Romans 8:28 -- "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose."
This is a dangerous verse (but we know it is true) because when God asks you to believe it as you face extremely difficult "all things", you have to die to anything but Jesus. But in dying you really learn to live.
Galatians 2:20 -- "I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I love by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
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