One more thing for this newsletter:
I have just finished a series of tests that have determined I have prostate cancer in my 65-year-old body. On a scale of 1-5, I am a 3+, which means I need to deal with its presence.
So I am reading up on all of the information, talking to those who have gone through this before me, praying and listening to God's Word, the Bible, for direction during this pivotal time in my earthly life.
In the 21st century there is a 98% success rate in overcoming prostate cancer.
I am leaning towards having my prostate removed because one of the top prostate doctors in America is located here in Nor-Cal. He does the robotic surgery, which is very high-tech.
My insurance covers the procedure.
I am having a great life on earth, but also have a sense of desiring to enter the Gates of Heaven when the Lord is ready for me. He promised me He is building me a mansion and I don't want any renters moving in before I get there.
I have to admit that the first verse that came to my mind as I got the news was, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
My faithful wife has told me not to joke or downplay this next chapter in our lives, so I am trying to keep a somewhat serious tone.
However, for the past year during the deadly Chinese flu attack, I have watched how fearful of dying people are, especially in the Christian world. This has bothered me the most and I want to be focused on right thinking on these kinds of issues, like cancer, that affect all of us.
I have a good friend who recently died quickly from the China flu and he was positive and confident with his loved ones concerning the whole experience. He was an inspiration to me and left a legacy on how to face possible death. I hope to live next door to him in Heaven when it's my turn.
Of course, I don't want to leave my family and eight AWESOME grandchildren. Yet I desire more to be a role model to them and show them how to live and die in Christ, whenever that is to come.
When my excellent urologist sat me down to give me the news, I asked the Lord to give me the right mindset for others to see the "Hope that is in us."
I responded to the doctor's news with my testimony and assured him of my confidence in all things, even possible death as a great change of address.
The doctor looked at me and told me I had just made his day because "people don't usually respond to me with such a positive attitude." He seemed moved by our time together.
Mission One accomplished.
So as this next chapter is being written, I ask you to pray for God's will to be done and for strength of mind and focus to always do the righteous thing so that Christ may be lifted up.
Pray that this will just be a bump in the road and there will be more earthly years for me to kick at the darkness till it bleeds the Light.
I and my team are about the Gospel ministry each week and don't want anything to slow up "fighting a good fight."
If I do the robotic surgery soon, it will take a month to recover. That's very good. My awesome team will cover the outreach while I get well.
Thank you for your effective prayers and may God's will to be done.