(Many of you have asked to see Cindy’s latest update. So, I’ve placed it here for those who didn’t receive it.)

Good News: Cindy’s Health

There are many names for God in scripture; “Jehovah Rohpe” means “God, my Healer.” I have certainly sensed God’s healing Hand recently. He chose to make the stem cell transplant successful and we cannot stop giving thanks. Your part in prayer for complete healing is still so valuable and appreciated; the doctors say that I reached a “complete response.” They normally don’t use the word “remission,” since as of yet there are no full blown cures for this blood cancer. Overall I feel very well, although I still tire easily and restless nights due to dry mouth, etc. are frequent. I cannot complain:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah 43:1b-2b (Several of you have sent this passage to me…thank you.)

A friend loaned me a book by Corrie ten Boom, Messages of God’s Abundances, in which this World War II hero often mentions plunging into the ocean of God’s love: “In Romans 5:5 it says that the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. If you throw an open bottle into the sea, it immediately fills with water. So, too, by complete surrender into the hands of our Savior, we are filled and surrounded by the ocean of God’s love. Just what we need and so overwhelmingly wonderful!” In these days I have known His love with the surrender of myself and my sickness and any sin that hinders me.

My life is but a weaving between my God and me,
I do not choose the colors, He works so steadily.
Oft’times He weaves in sorrow, and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not until the loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas, and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful in the Weaver’s skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
Corrie ten Boom

I did undergo a full battery of tests recently at Vanderbilt. Dr. Goodman and the team recommended that I “do nothing” for 2 months and just get stronger. I suspect that in mid September I will start on a maintenance, low dose chemo. Praise the Lord that because of an effective first autologous transplant, Vanderbilt can keep the rest of my cells frozen and I will not have to face another stem cell transplant, unless the disease resurfaces. All the while we pray that, as God wills, it will disappear forever!

sayimpregnant

More Good News….the Family Snapshot


Dreams do come true! Several weeks ago it was unclear as to whether my dream of some family fun on the beach would be possible. Well, we’ve just returned from a great time together in Florida. At one point, Betsy pulled us aside for a family photo; to be honest, we were not all “happy campers.” Her request meant that we had to drag ourselves out of the water or out from under the comfortable umbrella for a hot, sandy walk to a certain deck. BUT…at the second of the snap, Betsy set the camera timer, ran from her tripod and jumped in the middle of us with a beautiful, BIG grin to announce: “One, Two, Three…everybody say BETSY’S PREGNANT!” The shocked excitement was captured on film–“Very clever, Betsy!” We are so delighted. John recently returned to Iraq from an 18-day “R & R.” It was so wonderful to see him. Ask God to grant focus to John’s platoon and patience and health in the 130 degree, grueling heat! Back in Clarksville, Please remember Betsy and the health of the baby, as she starts up a kindergarden job soon. Thank you.

Best News: Jesus

Thank you for praying that the “aroma of Christ” spread even though the situation regarding our friend who is missing in Afghanistan is still unresolved. May God’s fame extend all over that nation, as the Holy Spirit directs and empowers His people.

We regret that we won’t be attending the Concerned Christians for Afghanistan gathering in Ohio at the end of July. Pray for those will be there. Please remember Afghans and so many across the globe suffering under severe famine/drought/economic woe.

Will you also please pray for Steve Moses and interns Ashley, David, Katie, Elise, Pace, Ryan, Heather, and Alex who have spent the summer in missional training? They are concluding their summer right now with a ministry trip among the least reached.

Personally, Mark and I have started studying the book of Hebrews. There is nothing better to adjust one’s perspective like a fresh reminder of the person of Jesus:

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3)

May we daily acknowledge the perfect Character of Christ and by so doing know afresh of His agape love for us, a love we pray will overflow to those near and even those a far—all for His pleasure.

With you on the journey,

Cindy and Mark