Dear Sisters,

I have just returned from the hospital where a couple we once hosted in our home as care group members are suffering with the husband's cancer. We've known Rick and Liz approximately 8 years and ran into them shortly after we joined Gateway Church - they had been attending there regularly before his cancer diagnosis but never joined.

He was diagnosed with cancer in his gall bladder around the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holidays. They operated on him and he began to recover and it appeared he would not have to have chemotherapy or any other treatments. Things were very optimistic. Since March when we last saw them his condition has gotten worse. He is in the hospital and had been receiving chemotherapy treatments which have been stopped because there is some sort of infection. She called tonight almost hysterical and just at her wits end because of what he is going through. Her faith is strong, she just had her eyes on the storm and the waves today. He has had many complications and today they found out the cancer has spread to his liver and that it is inoperable. The doctor today told them that Rick only has 18 months at best and there is nothing further they can do for him. The doctors are recommending hospice care. Liz honestly is holding onto her faith that He will be healed, and says that she really wants for Rick's pain to end. I know God's glory is being revealed in this, Rick was smiling though he was in unimaginable pain and he looks very healthy except that he has lost a lot of weight (skin tone and eyes are bright.) He just glows with the anointing of the Spirit.

We know and stand in agreement that God can do all things - even what seems impossible to doctors. We all are praying and reading Scripture and believing God for Rick's victorious healing. While we were there, my husband and I prayed with them and after we were done praying Rick was crying and Liz asked him how he was doing, he said, "I'm fine. I'm going home." She asked him where, to "their house." And he said, "No, to my Father's house." She talked to him and he later agreed that he was still believing for healing but that it was hard to hold on with his pain being so bad.

I don't want to suppose much, but I had the distinct sense walking out of there that Rick has some assurance that his healing is going to come when he is completed in Christ. He was so at peace when he said it and so focused on the Lord. He seemed almost excited about it.

Would you just be in prayer for this couple? They have adult children and are fairly young being in their late 40s or early 50s. They love the Lord and I know that they trust Him completely. It is just a trying time and she is hurting so badly for her husband right now. So much is uncertain and she is just holding onto hope! They shared so many praises, like that with his liver in such bad shape it should not be functioning, but it is miraculously. He has experienced supernatural healing in recent days - strength and clarity. God is doing a work - I just pray they continue to hold onto Him and His promises throughout this trying time.

Thanks so much for hearing me out. My heart is so burdened for them. I know you will pray with me.

Praying here...

Father, I pray that You speak Your Word of peace, truth and healing to both Rick and his bride, Liz. If it is in fact Your intent to heal Him on the other side of the veil, then I pray that You prepare Liz's heart. Give her the peace to live for today, to rejoice in this day, for the truth is, we have no promises of tomorrow. I ask for Your grace upon Rick. Please help the physicians and nurses keep his pain manageable enough that he can live each day to its fullest. Thank You for giving them this time together, for allowing them to create and preserve memories, to pray together, and to love one another to the fullest of their vows.

I pray too, that You continue to surround them with believers, and that You give each divine wisdom, clarity of thought, listening ears, sweet and calming spirits, joyful faces, and tears when tears are needed.

Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Son Jesus, that Rick and Liz do not live lives without hope. May that Hope surround them and Your grace enfold them as they walk through this season with You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

... and Amen.

--- Alyson