Dear Church Family,
Some of you were unable to be present last Sunday, June 21, so I want you to know what I shared with those attending both morning services.
Last week I received the news that I have been diagnosed with cancer of the prostate. Through the years I have prayed with literally hundreds of people in the churches I have pastored who have cancer; I never expected to hear the word in reference to myself.
I will see a surgeon on July 6. At that time, he will set a date for surgery. I anticipate that taking place in mid-July. If the surgery goes as anticipated, I will not have to have radiation or chemotherapy. Of course we all know that there are uncertainties associated with any cancer, but prostate cancer is very treatable and, assuming it has been caught early, offers great hope for a complete cancer free recovery.
The doctor believes I will be out of the pulpit for about three weeks. I believe that I will be back to “normal” by the time we have Celebration Sunday on August 23.
I am asking you to pray for Sharon and me. Of course I desire complete healing, but there is something more important. I want you to pray that through all of this that God will be glorified. I want to be a witness to the greatness of our God. Will you make that your prayer? Our sovereign God is in control.
I love you. I know you will pray. I will keep you informed as best as I can. I am thankful for an incredible staff that will lead us in these days. I believe that First Baptist Belton’s greatest days are right in front of us.
God bless you all!
Andy
Dear Pastor Davis,
My son, Justin Decker asked for prayers for you and your family as you wage war against cancer. He and his wife, Jennifer and my beautiful grandson, Mason, are members of your church. The reason I am writing you personally is because I am a cancer survivor. I battled carcinoid cancer for a total of 7 years and on September 4 of this year, I will be cancer-free for two years. Word to the wise…you are in for the roller coaster ride of your life. BUT…(gotta love that word), while I wouldn’t wish a cancer diagnosis on anyone, I am thankful I had the experience of being a cancer patient. I grew in my faith, I had the opportunity to witness to other’s about God’s grace and God called me into the ministry during it all.
I understand your request for prayers asking “to be a witness to the greatness of our God.” I felt the same. I knew God would heal me via one of three ways. It could be it through medical treatment, a miracle by God’s hand or when I was called Home. So praying for healing didn’t cross my mind. I just wanted God to be glorified throughout it all. He sustained me always.
I know my knowledge of the Bible doesn’t come close to your own but these two verses gave me peace during the most troubling of times.
I am the LORD, who heals you” Exodus 15:26
“Joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
I will be praying with you and your family in the upcoming weeks.
In His Service,
Dawn Baird
San Antonio, TX
Hi Pastor Andy,
Just a brief note to say that I found your church website and your personal message of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
May God touch you, your family, and your congregation with His Almighty Hand of mercy, healing, grace and peace through Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Your brother in Christ,
“Pastor Dean”
J. Dean McNamara, D. Min.
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church
Sedan, Kansas
(former hospital/hospice chaplain; 7 yrs.)
Pastor Andy:
I just checked out your website and read your note.
Stan & I will be praying for you and your family and for every divine appointment that God will give you to witness along the way. Who knows, there may even be a Jewish doctor waiting to hear about the Messiah. May our great physician Y’shua give you His Shalom during this time.
Hopeful in Y’shua,
Holly Meyer
Jews for Jesus
Andy,
When I read this I hit my knees and asked God to be with your family. I know that your love and loyalty for the Lord will only grow during this time. I will continue to pray for strength that only the Lord can provide, and for God to be glorified as a result of this situation. My family and I love ya’ll so much and will pray and pray and pray.
> Love ya’ll,
Ashley and Justin Kelly
Jack and Cindy Meredith