Last Sunday morning after the message, Becky and I shared with our Woodland Church Family, that I have been diagnosed with colon cancer. Fortunately, my doctor caught it early. This week, I met with the surgeons at University of Michigan Hospital. The scans of my abdomen and lungs do not show any signs of the cancer spreading, this is good news. The surgeons are positive about my recovery but caution that I have a difficult surgery ahead of me. Both surgeons said, I am in good shape with the exception of being “a little obese.” It’s all that fried chicken and mashed potatoes and blueberry pop tarts. It will keep you in good shape but make you a little obese as well. LOL!

Next is determining what steps we will make and a surgery date. I am both at peace and positive. I want you to know I am not afraid. I am not happy about this, but I know that if you can stand the pulling God will pull you through!

Now, as we shared last week, I deeply desire your prayers and intercession for a miracle of healing. I have had over 45 major surgeries in my lifetime. I really don’t want to have another surgery. I am asking God for healing from this cancer. This week we are going to Georgia to tell my mother. Would you agree in prayer with me for her as well?

If there are scriptures that come to mind you would like to share, a song, a prayer please text me at 734-931-0111 or email me at pastor@woodland.church it would mean so much. A humorous story or good joke as well. I believe that laughter is the purest form of medicine.

It is no coincidence that Sunday morning, May 18, 2025 a month before my diagnosis this was the scripture I preached from. “A man with leprosy approached him [Jesus] and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man, said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said, “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:2-3 

In that message we looked at three ways God heals. He heals by natural means, by medicine, and by prayer. It is in the nature of our Heavenly Father to heal. He delights in healing his people. God created our bodies with the ability to heal themselves from things like cuts. Our bodies respond to the treatments of medical care with the principles of health God put into us and nature. God listens to our prayers and makes people well.

Together in faith, we are going to a part of another story for God’s glory. We are not going to fill ourselves with emotion and commotion but with deep devotion we are trusting in the Lord who never changes. I covet your prayers and I will keep you posted. You know that I love you with a love that God placed in my heart for our Woodland Church Family and this community we call home. Please don’t hesitate to call me if I can help you in any way.

“Where is the man who fears the Lord? God will teach him how to choose the best. He shall live within God’s circle of blessing, and his children shall inherit the earth. Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.” Psalm 25:12-14, LB

Peace!