Faith vs. Cancer

Faith vs. Cancer

I would like to share my experience of being diagnosed with colon cancer in November, 2007. I was on a short vacation in Colorado when I noticed blood in my stool. I kind of brushed it off until I noticed the symptom a couple weeks later. I visited my primary care physician and was immediately scheduled for a colonoscopy. I wasn’t thrilled with going through that procedure. I must say that it was not as bad as I thought The result was a real shocker. I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. My wife and four daughters became very emotional. I felt a strange feeling come over me that I had never experienced before. An inner-voice told me that everything would be OK. I attribute this to having Jesus Christ as my Savior and my Lord.

I was referred to a surgeon who explained the surgery and all the pros and cons to me. Again, I heard this inner-voice tell me to trust in this surgeon. I went through some additional tests as my cancer was located at the base of my rectum. There was a good possibility that I would have to wear a colostomy for the remainder of my life. Again, I heard this inner-voice say: trust me.

After the surgery, the surgeon advised that he had removed the infected area of my colon and some polyps around the infected area. I asked him if it was gone and he said yes. The surgery was successful and the colostomy was not necessary. As a precautionary measure, he advised that I should visit with an oncologist for follow up. I agreed, with reluctance.

My meeting with the oncologist was anything but encouraging. She advised that I needed to take both chemo and radiation treatments for six months. I informed her that I would consider her advice. I immediately began research on my options. Since I considered my health very good, as the only problems I had were sinus infections occasionally, I declined the treatments. Again, I heard that inner-voice say to trust in Him.

I began researching natural ways to treat my condition. I found that there were several natural treatments other than chemo and radiation. The most important was trusting in Jesus Christ. I want to be explicit in stating that doctors are important and we should listen to what they tell us. I believe that doctors were put here by God for our benefit. On the other hand, Jesus is known and was known as the Great Physician. Much of His ministry here on earth was healing. He still heals and I am walking proof of that. It all comes down to faith and believing. The Bible says that if you have faith it shall be done. First, you must invite Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior into your life. I received Jesus as my Savior when I was 19 years old. When I was 43 years old I rededicated my life to Him. It has been 7 years this November since my surgery and I feel great. By the way, I am 78 years old.
Dean Stuyvesant

DO YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE GIFTS?

DO YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE GIFTS?

 
Most of us enjoy receiving gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, graduation and many other occasions. As we approach Christmas, many will look forward to receiving gifts. The sad part about Christmas today is our society has forgotten that we have received the greatest gift anyone could receive. That gift is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of the love of God, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ down to us as a gift of redemption for our sins. This is the true Christmas story. Down through the ages, people have commercialized and diminished the true meaning of the season. As early as October, we see the advertisements for Christmas which now has been transformed into Happy Holidays. I believe that the main reason for this is “greed”, a tool of the devil. Just look at the scenes of what is referred to as Black Friday. This is what happens when you take “Christ” out Christmas and “Happy” out of Holidays. Either way it is a loser. Look at what dominates the season, Santa, cartoon characters and other objects. It is rare if you see manger scenes or religious signs of the real reason for Christmas. I see more and more eliminations of the what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. Today, Halloween ( a pagan holiday) is getting more and more participation and attention. Christmas in the end has a lot more to offer.
We can ignore the true meaning of Christmas and the eternal gift God sent to us sinners or we can receive His gift and enjoy an everlasting love, peace and joy. Will you consider receiving the only true gift a person can receive, Jesus as your personal Savior? Believe me when I say there is no better gift for it is a gift that is eternal.
Love to all and Merry Christmas.
Dean Stuyvesant