Update from Chris

Dear Friends and Family,
I just wanted to update on our situation and keep you in the loop for prayers. First of all, thank-you to all of you who sent cards, e-mails, Facebook messages, or called Brian to make his 50th birthday so special! He was so blessed by all the love expressed and the fun memories shared. We had a fun dinner out with a couple of dear friends, before which Johanna and I blindfolded him and took him out--surprise!-- shopping for his recliner chair, a gift from the whole family. Of course Johanna found the largest one in the store-- waaay to big for our little sunroom/ TV room. It is almost four feet wide and swallows you up in it. Naturally, it is oh, so comfortable. I have my work cut out for me trying to get them to focus on a smaller size. At least it was not leather; they are being thrifty minded, if not practical! =)
Well, the last two weeks have definitely been a roller coaster ride for us, as Brian has been to one doctor after another and had all kinds or tests and scans. So far, the results have not been definitive. Thursday he went in for a second biopsy, during which they stuck three needles in his neck and wiggled them around for a good, long time to be sure to get enough cells for the lab. Evidently, this was still not good enough, because we have yet to get results. There was no obvious malignancy on the samples, which we take as good news, but they are doing a more thorough test (photo cytology?) for lymphoma, and may yet remove the lymph node to examine it. We will keep you posted as soon as we get any concrete news.
We have been uplifted and cared for by the body of Christ on every side and feel God's peace. On Sunday after church the elders and our pastor prayed over Brian and anointed him with oil, reading from James 5:13-18. Our children also, have seemed able to rest in the knowledge that God is in control, for which we are grateful. Perhaps our prayers are already being answered and God is beginning a healing work in Brian's body. We know He is able! We are also willing to go through whatever He has planned for His glory.
Whatever the test results, the hardest part has been the waiting, and, for Brian, being told he could not go with the team from Liberty to Ethiopia. He asked the doctor twice whether he was sure about that, once again as late as this past Tuesday. It was a great disappointment to him after having worked on it for so many months as SIM and Liberty's first partnership, and especially with John and Danielle leading the group. We sent them off Thursday in the very capable hands of Dan Linz, son of Don and Barb Linz, who trained us when we first joined SIM. Danielle is so excited to share her beloved Ethiopia with these students and with John, and we are praying that the Lord might call some of these young people to full-time ministry with SIM. John and Danielle are already praying and working toward full-time missions themselves. We heard from them briefly today through Berhanu, so they did arrive safely. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THEIR SAFETY AND THEIR MINISTRY THROUGHOUT THE TRIP, AND ESPECIALLY FOR DANIELLE, FOUR AND A HALF MONTHS PREGNANT WITH OUR GRANDSON. Her doctors have been very careful to cover all the bases and gave her the okay to go, but you know how parents can be concerned for their children!
Much love in Christ,
Chris