  JANUARY 18, 2001 Andy, was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I met him when he took the time to fill out a Legacy Survey during Christmas and my heart really meshed with this guy - he's so neat! Andy is married, and a pastoral student in Bible College in Idaho. He jokes with me that he is the middle aged "father figure" on campus, not the typical young student. I think he must be pretty cool though; the student body elected him president! Andy told me life was grand until the cancer beast slipped rudely in the door. :-( Since diagnosis, he has endured through chemotherapy and radiation. The next step is surgery on February 5, at 8:00 am, Idaho time. At this time more will be known, whether this cancer is contained in the colon, or has spread. Staging will also be done. The wait is horrendous and surely gives opportunity for his peace to be stolen. Pray for Andy, that he will feel the Lord's protection and care surrounding him. And that he will be able to spend these next couple of weeks concentrating on his studies, his life, his blessings, his relationship with his Lord. Andy loves to conclude his letters to me, with the scriptural account of the disciples in the boat with Jesus, when the horrific storm blew up . . . how these guys were scared out of their wits, certain they were about to drown! Jesus was asleep in the boat! I want to close out this section of his page today, with a verse he loves to send me! :-) "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40) Andy, dear friend . . may God help you to focus on Him, rather than all those high waves! He's right there in your boat as well! FEBRUARY 1, 2001 I wanted to remind those who faithfully pray, that Andy's surgery is drawing near - coming up on Monday, the 5th. Would you join me in praying that God's mercy would wash over this man, that He would apply His healing balm to Andy's body, raise him up and place him back in service for the kingdom, with a powerful new testimony on his lips - a song of praise to God! Andy, I am expecting you to set a new record for recovery from this type surgery! God speed and bless you with renewed health and the strength to mount up with wings like eagles! FEBRUARY 5, 2001 Andy had surgery today, went into recovery, then ICU in the early afternoon. Doctors say the surgery went as expected, with no complications. He is experiencing a good bit of pain right now, which is to be expected. Andy will have about a week's stay, 4 weeks of recovery time, then chemo will begin. Pray for Andy - may the Lord give strength, mercy, grace and healing! I'll post results on the findings, as they come available. FEBRUARY 27, 2001 I am very happy today, to give a good report on Andy! Though surgery was TOUGH, and has been hard to recover from, Andy got the best news ever! All lymph nodes taken and tested at the time of surgery, were negative for cancer! PRAISE THE LORD!! Now Andy can continue to build his strength and heal. Chemo is ahead for the next three months, then hopefully he will get back to his normal life! Nothing though, will ever be normal again as this guy KNOWS he has been given a reprieve from the Lord! May God continue to restore Andy back to full health, and prosper him in body and soul! APRIL 2, 2001 Andy has battled infections, severe side affects of the most unpleasant sort, infected port site, and has managed to live through the first round of chemo! Bless his heart - his humor is still intact! In the next week, round 2 of chemo -- please pray for Andy as he has really battled the side affects. It's very hard to keep up with his studies and all the things due this time of year in school. We continue to pray for full restoration of his health as this ole world NEEDS many Andys who's passion is for those who are hurting, to reach out in love, to tell others the good news! There is a God in heaven who sent His Son to rescue us from the penalty of sin, which is death & separation from God. Andyroo . . God Speed you to good health -- Raise you up as a testimony to His power and goodness and mercy! APRIL 19, 2001 Well, just a week late, but into Chemo round #2! Bless his heart - last week Andy said there was nothing in his blood to count!! :-) Andy is trying hard, to stay the course in his studies, and finish well this spring. Pray for him to have the endurance and strength needed, to do that. Chemo was a killer 1st time around and we are praying it will ease up as it goes. JUNE 11, 2001 Andy is beginning the LAST round of chemo this week! Chemo #4 begins today and after this one, he can begin to get back to life again!! Praise the Lord! Though it has been rough, he has hung in there to make it to this glorious day! Andy, we are praying that this treatment will not be so rough on you. And we thank God for bringing you to this point, to the completion of these treatments. May He be pleased to give to you now, a long and healthy life. God Bless! AUGUST 15, 2001 June and July were tough months as Andy was physically very low from the intensive chemo regimen of the past several months. He has suffered nerve pain and weakness, fatigue, & very slow return of his energy, among other side affects. It has not been the summer to remember! But now that it is August, Andy has reported that he is slowly beginning to feel himself coming out of the grip of the chemo fog. He has had to return to work a bit earlier than desired, and has taken on a pretty heavy work schedule for a guy who has just waged war against colon cancer. He really would appreciate ongoing prayer for his strength to return and for his wellbeing. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
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