Side Effects – I don’t deserve them.

Pastor Gabe’s journey with cancer.

Aug 03

Chronology Annual Physical Test Blood work shows no infections, no

cancer, no cholesterol out of range; everything ok.

Routine test in China includes ultrasound.

2010

Aug 03

Chronology

2010

Aug 03

Chronology

2010

Aug 03

Chronology

2010

Aug 16

Chronology CT Scan is performed.

2010

Aug 16

Chronology

Aug 16

Chronology It is definitely cancer,

Lymphoma Germ Cell Carcinoma

Must have abdominal operation no later than one week from now.

Post operation care complicated; better go back home.

2010

Aug 16

Chronology“ My heart and mind have peace. I am just basically sad to give my precious family this trouble. In my fatherly opinion, my kids need me a lot, but my life is completely surrendered to our Lord. He is better than me. “ I feel very sorry that I might disappoint you in my work as a pastor. I have no idea how long this interruption will take. But as for this week, you can still count on me! I still feel energetic and in good mood! ”

2010

Aug 16

Chronology“Our journey with the Lord always includes learning to trust in Him, and that is a good thing indeed. Please pray for Victoria.”

2010

Aug 18

Chronology“Dear …, Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! We indeed have peace. I believe this is a purification process that already has started in my person, and I feel thankful and privileged for that. XICF family has shown wonderful care and love. We are indeed blessed..”

2010

Aug 18

Chronology“My dear wife Victoria and my precious children Jaisis and Paulo, we are all in peace. (Thanks Andrew for your sermon!) We are believers in the God of Heavens and Earth. And we mean it. I am not talking arrogantly, but humbly and with (appropriate) fear and temblor before the Almighty. At the same time, though, we approach His throne of grace with confidence, because he loves us so much and has provided the perfect means. We have peace.

2010

Aug 18

Chronology“There is no such thing as a big tumor for our amazing God. He has no problem with that.

This is at least a purification process for me and my family. This process has already started. Let the Spirit work mightily in and around us.”

2010

Aug 18

Chronology“It is possible for the Lord to choose the path of suffering. Chemo and radiation are not nice. Long term effects of cancer are uncertain. If that is the case, when you see me decayed, please don't forget that while the external appearance may suffer, the inner being is being purified, closer and closer to dependence on Christ. Christ will be with me, every single minute. It is an honor to be chosen for this path. I just humbly pray that I will not lose this perspective during the gray days. If I do, please be kind enough to remind me of this letter.”

2010

Aug 18

Chronology“My only sadness was that, in my fatherly perspective, my kids still need a ‘strong’ father and my wife a husband. Today the Lord sent me a promise through an XICF prophet: your children will be ok. (Psalm 112:1-2) That issue is done then.”

2010

Aug 18

Chronology“I and my family have received amazing manifestations of love from our XICF family. It is very evident that you are disciples of the Lord. I feel honored to serve you. My prayer is that I will reach the minimum standard as a pastor to keep serving you. You are a beautiful flock of the Lord! I have received tons of encouraging letters, portions of Scripture, text messages, calls, etc. I am supposed to pastor you, but a beautiful irony is at work now: you are shepherding me.”

2010

Aug 19

Aug 19

As your family gathers around Gabe, there are gaps. The ladies put their cups to represent themselves standing in the gaps for you and your family. Please let us know what we can DO.

Aug 19

Faith without works is dead.

We don't want dead faith.

Aug 19

Aug 19-20

Fast and Prayer RetreatWill I survive this one?Will I have enough resources for whatever is needed?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Mt. 6:33

2010

“This is the kind of fast I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.

What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.

Fast and Prayer Retreat

Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The GOD of glory will secure your passage.

Then when you pray, GOD will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’Isaiah 58:6-9.

Fast and Prayer Retreat

Aug 19-20

Aug 24

Chronology Two lymph nodes are removed from my

groin and are sent to the pathologist.

2010

Aug 25

Chronology A PET Scan is performed.

2010

Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin Follicular; B-Cell, CD20 Extended to all lymphatic system,

including spleen.

Diagnosis

Aug 26

2010

Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin Follicular; B-Cell, CD20 Extended to all lymphatic system,

including spleen.

Diagnosis

Aug 26

2010

Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin Follicular; B-Cell, CD20 Extended to all lymphatic system,

including spleen.

Diagnosis

Extended to bones. Stage IV Treatable, non curable.

Aug 26

2010

“I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.Psalm 119:75

The Lord speaks again

“… do not worry about tomorrow…”Matthew 6:34

There is no such thing as a big tumor for our amazing God. He has no problem with that.

A tumor, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, etc., when striking a Christian, is not the biggest issue. The biggest issue is to find ourselves walking uprightly before the Lord.

So what?

Temptations

1. Become self-centered

2. Victim mentality

Aug 21

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:15-16.

Temptations

1. Become self-centered

2. Victim mentality

3. Angry with God

4. Worried, anxious

5. Narrow perspective

• Multitudes praying for me• Abundant resources to get

treatment right• Intimate walk with the Lord• Ministry vision widening

Side Effects

• I thought this cancer was an enemy to be defeated.

• However, I see it now as a blessing and I humbly welcome it. I trust the Lord will keep it with me as long as necessary, in order for His purposes to be fulfilled.

• Instant healing would have missed all these blessings; I don’t want to miss them!

• The journey is as important as the destination.

Conclusion

Why should I complain?

Conclusion

Nov 2010

2012

2014

17 monthsChemo free -

Conclusion

Trust, but not arrogance.

Faith, but not taking my health for granted.

Merciful towards others in illness.

Praying for others with enormous faith.

Always giving the glory and honor to our God.

2014