Breast Cancer
Last Sunday at church, my friend Kathy told me that someone in her Sunday School class had just announced she had Stage 0 breast cancer, and her name is Laura. *I have to add that Kathy is an ICU nurse who works Friday &/or Saturday nights and doesn't get to go to Sunday School very often. But she was there last Sunday to hear Laura's prayer request! Only God!
Anyway, I was able to find Laura in our church directory and get in touch with her. After exchanging some e-mails and a lengthy telephone conversation, we got to meet face to face at church yesterday!
Laura got her diagnosis a week before me and already has her surgery scheduled. She has been able to share so much information with me. We are going to the same group of surgeons. I know that God has brought us together for "such a time as this." ONLY GOD!!!
Please pray for Laura and her family as they travel on this journey.
And speaking of surgeons, I originally had an appointment with a general surgeon in RH connected to Piedmont Medical Center. I did some research and really wanted a surgeon who specializes in oncology and breast surgery. I had recommendations from people (who have dealt or are still dealing with cancer) for several different surgeons - at least one from each of our 3 closest hospitals. So, I thought my insurance coverage would be the deciding factor. Surprisingly, my insurance covered all of the recommended surgeons!
I began to BEG God for wisdom. While checking on my insurance coverage via the computer, a particular surgeon's name, Dr. White, kept showing up. I noticed it but didn't think much about it. Then, the nurse at my OB/GYN's office called to give me the names of 2 surgeons my doctor recommended.
Since, my cellphone does not get clear reception at my house, I could not understand the 1st name she said. I asked her to repeat it. She did. I still could not hear her clearly. She gave me the 2nd name, and it was clear as a bell! It was the same surgeon whose name I saw several times while looking up my insurance coverage on the computer - Dr. White at the Blumenthal Cancer Center at CMC!
I called the cancer center to make an appointment with Dr. White and was told he had a very busy schedule so it may be difficult for me to see him now. But, the nurse assured me if I could not see him, she would get me in to see another surgeon in his group. She promised to call me back by the end of the day.
I hung up the phone and started fervently praying for wisdom again - James 1:5. Selecting the right surgeon is a BIG decision and the responsibility falls on me. So, I asked God to show me His will - like a sign on the side of a barn in Ohio! If Dr. White was the surgeon for me, then let him have an open appointment. If another surgeon in that group was God's will for me, then let Dr. White's schedule be full.
Twenty minutes later, my phone rang again. It was the nurse calling from the cancer center to say, "I was actually able to call you back a lot sooner than I anticpated. You have an appointment with Dr. White on Monday, November 8."
Wow!!! God graciously answered my prayer - immediately!!! He is so faithful and trustworthy! So, I should have more details and a date for surgery after my meeting with Dr. White next Monday. I'll keep you posted and you keep praying!
Ecuador
Back in September, I called my doctor's office to schedule my annual visit. The young lady I spoke with, Ms. C, was from Quito, Ecuador!!! She has not been to Quito since she was about 3 years old. I told her about my upcoming mission trip and promised to call her when I got back. Well, I made that call last Monday.
Ms. C was actually surprised I called her back and very excited to hear how God is working in Quito. She said she has shared Christ with her family there repeatedly, but they just don't get it. She was really glad to hear about all God is doing there. She also told me about her aunt in Quito who has become a follower of Jesus Christ and now has no support from her family. She is trying to work it out so I can talk to her aunt and encourage her & possibly connect her with some folks I met in Quito.
Ms. C is also VERY interested in going to Quito with us next year. She is the 4th person in the past few weeks who has said they want to go to Ecuador next time!!! HUGE answered prayer!!! Not to mention, 2 out of the 4 speak Spanish! (*Several of us from our team are also looking into taking Spanish lessons before our next trip*)
God is doing a mighty work in the hearts and lives of the people in Ecuador. May we continue to remember them and pray for them daily.....
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38
Loving HIM with all my heart,
Nancy
Praying now for tomorrow.
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