Update on Pastor James

November 4, 2008

Dear Praying Friends:

Yesterday was a good day. We had incredible doors open to world-renowned experts in prostate cancer and had two appointments, with a third coming November 17 at Northwestern. We have been assured that nothing is so urgent that we cannot travel to Israel, so we are going to leave this with the Lord and give ourselves to this wonderful opportunity to visit the lands of the Bible, which we have never done. We will be on a plane to the Holy Land tonight.

We have some difficult decisions to make regarding surgery to remove the prostate or radiation. Both courses of action come with significant possible negatives. We are leaning toward the option that is most effective for cancer treatment and leave the side effects with the Lord. Pray for our final decision before Thanksgiving and a possible surgery in early December.

Best of all, we have experienced an outpouring of love and support that has often been described by others, but now experienced by us as never before. The sense of the Lord’s presence is very real, the peace is tangible, and the comfort is deeply meaningful. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7.

We covet your continued prayers through Thanksgiving for wisdom and unwavering faith. We will update you again as our decisions become clearer. We are so thankful for your love and prayers for us; they are needed and experienced.

Much love in Christ,

James and Kathy