Wednesday, July 28, 2010

10 Years Ago Tonight... the Most Terrifying Night of My Life!

"This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Psalm 34:6-8 (ESV)

I spent several scary nights in Viet Nam, and like most people I have had a few scary moments in my life; but, without any doubt, Friday Night, July 28th, 2000, was the most terrifying night of my life. The next morning, Saturday, July 29th, 2000, I would undergo surgery in my mouth and neck to remove three tumors due to my having been diagnosed with stage four oral and lymphatic cancer. It was the night before surgery, and I was very afraid.

Yes, I had been a Christian and a Minister for eighteen years. I had been to Bible College, Seminary, and Post-graduate School. I had taught others and was serving as your Associational Missionary, but I was very, very afraid.

I am writing this evening from a thankful heart for the last ten years that God has preserved my life and health. I thank Him for all of the joys and opportunities He has given me over this decade. I thank Him that I have come to a place of peace of heart and mind over this traumatic event.

Yes, there have been lots of tears and fears, and lots of terrifying nights since then. I was amazed at how often I had panic attacks and night terrors - always about believing that my cancer had returned. Well, it has not returned. Thank You, Jesus.

At prayer meeting this evening at Tabernacle I read the names of dozens of good and godly people who are struggling right now with cancer; and some them are (as was I) in stage four. As I pray for them this evening, I am testifying to the mercy of God in healing me and I am asking Him to heal them also. I hope you will join me in praying for them.

I want to thank so many of you who prayed for me then and over the years since. Only eternity will reveal how the Lord used the means of your prayers to work His grace in my life. Thanks and God bless you!

May our Lord grant the blessing of good health to all of our families, all of our friends, and all of our fellow church members. Grant it Lord, please; in Jesus' Name.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

THE GREAT DEBATE - SPEAKING IN TONGUES

On Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:30pm, Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur will host a debate on the subject: The Gift of Speaking in Tongues. Dr. Wes Feltner, Senior Pastor of TBC will Moderate the Debate and the Guest Speakers include:

Pastor Ron Strack of Champaign arguing the Charismatic View
Dr. Alan Phillips Jr of Bloomington arguing the Open but Cautions View
Dr. Mark Coppenger of Evanston (SBTS Professor) arguing the Cessationist View

Everyone is welcome to attend. A love offering will be received to offset the cost of the event.