Update #41

Jewel has now had 3 of her 25 radiation treatments. She continues to struggle with tiredness and nausea. We continue to be blessed by the highly professional yet warm and caring team at the Cancer Clinic.Yesterday at the clinic we ran into some friends we had not seen in quite some time. They were accompanying a family member who was also being treated for cancer. There is an immediate bonding that takes place at a moment like this.

As we conclude this year and prepare to enter a new year we recognize that our journey takes some expected turns. While we live complex and often complicated lives our experience of these last few months has driven us back to simple faith in Jesus Christ.

As we prepare for 2010, I am reminded of the following story. (It’s a bit long but I think makes a profound point.)

A man at LAX was worried about missing his plane. He had no wristwatch and could not locate a clock, so he hurried up to a total stranger and said,

Excuse me; could you give me the time please? The stranger smiled and said, Sure. He sat down the two large suitcases he was carrying and looked at the watch on his wrist. It is exactly 5:09. The temperature outside is 73 degrees, and it is supposed to rain tonight. In London the sky is clear and the temperature is 38 degrees Celsius. The barometer reading is 29.14 and falling. And, let’s see, in Singapore the sun is shining brightly. Oh, by the way, the moon should be full tonight here in Los Angeles, and...

Your watch tells you all that? The man interrupted.

Oh, yes, and much more. You see, I invented this watch, and I can assure you there’s no other timepiece like it in the world.

I want to buy that watch! I’ll pay you two thousand dollars for it right now.

No, it’s not for sale, said the stranger as he reached down to pick up his suitcases.

Wait! Four thousand. I’ll pay you four thousand dollars cash, offered the man, reaching for his wallet.

No, I can’t sell it. You see, I plan to give it to my son for his twenty-first birthday. I invented it for him to enjoy.

Okay, listen—I’ll give you ten thousand dollars. I’ve got the money right here.

The stranger paused. Ten thousand? Well, OK. It’s yours for ten thousand even.

The man was absolutely elated. He paid the stranger, took the watch, snapped it on his wrist with glee, and said. Thanks as he turned to leave.

Wait, said the stranger. With a big smile he handed the two heavy suitcases to the man and added, Don’t forget the batteries.

As we enter this New Year, we want to be careful about the excess baggage we take with us. Our lives are stripped back to the basics of faith and trust in a God that brings hope and meaning. So while we face another year of twists and turns we do so knowing that God goes before us.

Happy New Year!

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff and Jewel

Update #40

As we begin this Christmas Eve day it feels good to be home and wind down from the last few weeks of busy travel and activity. Unlike other years, I only have a little shopping to do instead of doing most of my Christmas gift buying the day before Christmas. :-)

I am particularly grateful that in spite of the major snowstorm on the East coast, I was able to get in and out of New York City for some very important meetings hosted at the Salvation Army’s International Center for Social Justice. I also had an opportunity to visit with some young colleagues who are doing some amazing things for the Kingdom on Wall Street.

Everywhere I have travelled in the last few weeks, whether Korea, China or New York, I have been asked about Jewel and told that we have been prayed for very much. This is so encouraging.

It has now been four weeks since Jewel had her last chemo. It seems as the cumulative effects of the treatments has produced daily exhaustion. Jewel is very grateful that the chemotherapy is now completed.

Even though Jewel gets very tired she has been able to engage in some light activity. It was great to see Jewel pick me up at the airport when I returned from New York. This feels like a little of our normal activities are returning.

We continue to pray that Jewel gains strength. This is particularly important as she prepares for her daily radiation treatments that begin on December 29^th.

Tonight we are looking forward to going as a family to the Christmas Eve service. It will be the first time in months that our family has been able to go to Church together. On Christmas day we will keep it pretty low key. I will work with Natasha on preparing Christmas dinner. We will then have a short visit with some of my family.

On this Christmas, we want to live in the reality of God’s love for us. I am reminded of a quote of Barbara Brown Taylor

LET US REVEL in the light of that star beneath which the ordinary becomes holy and the holy ordinary, beneath which it becomes exceedingly clear that there is nothing more we must do or be to be loved by God.

Merry Christmas to everyone. Thanks for your love and care.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update #39

It is now day sixteen since Jewel’s last chemotherapy. While she has had some days that have been difficult with pain and nausea overall she has come through this bought of treatment with no major side effects. Exhaustion now seems to be her biggest struggle.

On Monday, Jewel will return to the Cancer Clinic for a CT Scan and prepare for her radiation treatments that begin the week after Christmas.

Yesterday I was able to go with Justin and Natasha and pick out our Christmas tree from Chung’s – our town’s ‘famous’ provider of pine, balsam and spruce trees. It was fun for Jewel and I to work with our kids in dressing the tree. Although Natasha decided we should not hang all the hand-made ornaments that she and Justin had made since they were three years old. She mentioned something about not wanting to be embarrassed by tacky handicrafts.

This has been a bit of crazy week. I had to make a quick trip to Korea for 3 days to speak at the 20^th Anniversary of the Christian Council of Korea. This council, which became a member of WEA earlier this year, represents about 12 million Christians in Korea. Along with speaking at this celebration, I was able to meet with some key leaders to discuss staging a major global event. Lot’s to think and pray about.

I’m looking forward to spending this week at home. Lot’s of meetings at the office planned. Also, lot’s to do on the home front, including looking for a car for our daughter so she has transport to get to college in January.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update #37

It is day 4 after Jewel’s last chemo. While there have been no major problems there have been several reactions to the treatment. These have included leg pains, some nausea, numbness in hands and feet, and the loss of her voice. In addition, Jewel is very tired. In spite of the physical impact of the chemotherapy, Jewel continues to have a positive spirit.

I am making plans for a couple of short trips this month. These were not the trips I had originally planned, but I have been reminded today of the old saying”

"Life is what happens when we're working on what we had planned."

I have also been thinking about my visit to China last week with 23 other WEA leaders.

http://www.worldevangelicals.org/news/article.htm?id=2710&cat=press

Lots to work on for the future.

However, I’m learning to take one day at a time.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

update # 36

Today Jewel completed her third and last chemotherapy treatment.

It was a long and grueling day at the Cancer Clinic. The caring medical team slowed down the speed of the intravenous drip so that Jewel would experience less pain while the chemo was administered. After six and a half hour of treatment the process was complete. A huge smile of thanksgiving came across Jewel’s face as the IV needle in her hand was removed.

Throughout the day, several other patients came in and out of Jewel’s treatment room. As the strangers in the room shared their courageous stories there was an almost instantaneous bonding. There was the Vietnamese man who has been receiving chemo for 2 ½ years and is now getting an experimental drug as a last resort. There was a 39 year-old woman from the Philippines battling advanced cancer. Another woman travels regularly to Vancouver from another city to receive treatment for ovarian cancer. Then there was a man who seemed to keep a smile on his face the entire time even though it was his 28^th cycle of chemo. Each of these cancer fighters came with their own story, their own journey. On the way home, Jewel prayed for each one of her roommates for the day.

As we arrived home, Natasha had prepared a wonderful turkey dinner in respect for the American-side of our family. Lots to be thankful for today. In particular, we are thankful that Jewel’s chemotherapy has come to an end and that the Lord has given great strength for this often unclear journey.

As we end this day, Jewel is extremely tired but is resting well. She now has four weeks to recover and gain strength before she begins her 5 weeks of radiation.

But today is not the day to think about the next treatment but rather be thankful for how far Jewel has come along.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 35

This week is filled with medical appointments and treatments for Jewel. Yesterday we were able to go the Cancer Clinic and meet with 2 specialists to discuss the radiation treatment following the completion of her chemotherapy. Once again we were very impressed by the diligence and sensitivity of the medical team. They gave a clear explanation of the treatment as well as any potential side effects. They thoroughly answered all our questions.

The course of action seems very clear. Jewel will begin radiation treatment four weeks after her last chemo (which should be this Thursday). There will be 25 sessions of radiation that will be given over a time period of five weeks, five days a week. So we anticipate the radiation treatments beginning the week after Christmas.

As we entered the Cancer Clinic yesterday the verse that was on Jewel’s mind and heart was …

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Jewel found this verse very encouraging as we continue the next step of this journey.

Jewel had another appointment today to deal with the pain in her leg. Tomorrow we go back to the Cancer Clinic for her pre-chemo treatment appointment. If the results her blood work is acceptable tomorrow, she will have her last chemo on Thursday.

As Jewel and I have talked about the time I was recently away she told me about one day was particularly challenging. On that very day, Jewel received a care gift in the mail from a wonderful Christian ministry for Cancer patients. http://www.cancercomfort.org/ The gift box filled with hats, scarves, creams, and testimonies of cancer survivors came just at the right time. It gave a great lift to Jewel’s Spirit.

One of the great quotes on The Cancer Comfort Ministry website is:

"Cancer is so limited! It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot eat away peace. It cannot destroy confidence. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot shut out memories. It cannot silence courage. It cannot invade the soul. It cannot reduce eternal life. It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection."

-Carol Morgan

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 34

It has been an intense couple of weeks since my last blog.

It was so good to have Jewel’s Aunt/Nurse Jean to stay with Jewel for 8 days after her last chemo. It gave both Jewel and I a great sense of peace as I travelled.

While the chemo caused a lot of tiredness and significant leg pain, we were grateful that there were no other major side effects of the treatment or her medications.

While I was in South Korea for World Evangelical Alliance’s annual International Council and Leadership meetings, I was so encouraged by the love and concern for our family expressed by so many leaders across the world.

Originally, I was to travel from Korea to China for a historic visit of WEA leaders with Church leaders in China. However, because of Jewel’s illness, I decided to curtail the trip. When I was in Seoul, Jewel felt that she was able to manage the post-chemo OK and I should continue the trip to China as was originally planned. While it was a difficult decision not to come home, it was confirmed in several ways to both Jewel and I that I was meant to travel to China.

I feel so blessed to have a wife who has spiritual insights and a Kingdom focus.

While there were a few “bumpy” days for Jewel because of the pain and swelling in her leg she has been able to make it through. In fact, yesterday Jewel was able to attend church for the first time since she became ill. With the help of friend she was thrilled to be able to slip in and out church to hear Natasha’s 10- minute presentation on her mission to Rwanda.

Yesterday, I got back home from Asia. It was SO good to see Jewel and the kids. Jewel has a new array of headgear. I was able to bring home a special hat from China. Although, our kids felt it makes Jewel look like Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians.

During our meetings in Korea the International Council asked me to extent my term for another 5 years, until 2015. This process of reappointment began several months ago. I was very humbled by this offer. Jewel and I believe it right for me to continue. For more details you can read the following press release. http://www.worldevangelicals.org/news/article.htm?id=2697&cat=press

The trip to China was one of the most challenging visits I have made to any country. The complexities of the situation are immense and the opportunities for spiritual impact are incredible. For more details you can check out the links below:

http://www.worldevangelicals.org/news/article.htm?id=2700&cat=press

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091119/wea-leaders-visit-china-s-fastest-growing-church/index.html

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091117/wea-leaders-meet-with-china-church-officials/index.html

Today, Jewel and I are heading to the Cancer Clinic to meet with the Oncologist to discuss the radiation treatment that is recommended after Jewel finishes her last chemotherapy treatment. We continue to look for God’s healing and wisdom.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 33

Jewel was able to have her second of three chemotherapies on Friday. It was good to be able to have a Skype conversation with her from Korea after her visit to the Clinic. While she was quite tired and was a little nauseous from the chemo, Jewel felt the impact of the chemo was significantly less than the first treatment. Jewel was grateful to have a good friend with her during the six hours of treatment and really appreciated some of the conversations she had with some of the other patients at the Cancer Clinic.

Just after she arrived back home from the Clinic, Jewel’s Aunt Jean arrived for 8 days to stay with her. I am really thankful for the support of so many in caring for Jewel.

Here in Korea, I was able to officiate at a lovely wedding for the son of a dear friend. It was very international. The groom is Korean and the bride is Chinese and they both live in Australia. The service was translated into both Korean and Chinese. The whole event was a fascinating combination of cultures and styles. Like all weddings there was a very excited (and perhaps slightly nervous) groom and a beautiful glowing bride. I particularly enjoyed wearing the white gloves.

Now I am getting ready for our board and leadership meetings. Over 200 pages of reports to review. It is exciting to see how God is at work in so many places in the world. Today is also the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. This annual event sponsored by WEA and some of our members will mobilize millions of Christians around the world in prayer. www.idop.org

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 32

I am now in Korea. It’s a busy and vibrant as ever. I’ve been encouraged by the contact with some of my Korean colleagues.

It’s good to have Skype so I can easily stay in touch with Jewel.

Jewel was at the Cancer Clinic yesterday to meet with the Oncologist. The doctors seem very pleased with her healing from the surgery. The blood work indicated that here white count is high enough that no adjustments need to be made to the chemo and she can go ahead with her next treatment on Friday, November 6th. While I wish I could be home for her next treatment, I am grateful that a good friend will take her to the clinic and stay with her for the day. It is also comforting to know that her Aunt Jean from Pennsylvania will arrive late Friday afternoon and stay for 8 days.

While I am here in Korea for our board and leadership meetings, I will also have the privilege of officiating at a wedding ceremony for a close friend’s son. Since my friend’s son will be marrying a Chinese girl the service will be in Korean, Chinese and English. I hope nothing get’s lost in the translation. :-)

I know Jewel would particularly appreciate your prayers, as would I, while we are away from each other.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 31

We are grateful for the Lord’s ongoing care in our lives.

After a one-night trip to speak in Montreal last week, I will now be leaving for Korea tomorrow. Later this week, Jewel will receive her second chemo treatment. We are very grateful that one of Jewel’s loving Aunts will be coming to stay with her most of the time I am away.

While it will be hard to be away from Jewel during this time, we are both of the opinion that I need to begin to resume some of my normal and particularly critical activities.

Korea is hosting our annual leadership team meetings for World Evangelical Alliance. For 6 days our International Council (board) and our International Leadership Team (The leaders of our Regional Alliances, Commissions, Global Partners and Task Forces) will meet to discuss our 3-year strategic plan and how we can build more synergy and collaboration within the global evangelical family. In addition, we will have a joint meeting with the Christian Council of Korea, which represents the 12 million evangelicals Christians. A visit to the Blue House (the presidents residence) is also in the works.

For an update on current WEA activities you can go to our website:

http://www.worldevangelicals.org/

From Korea, 25 of our leaders will travel to China to meet with Church and Government leaders. I will travel with the group to Shanghai for two days, so that I can engage in a strategic meeting with the China Christian Council, the body that represents the official church in China. This will be a historic first time summit. As you can imagine we need much wisdom and insight as we interact with the Chinese leaders about very complex issues.

I will then return home and the team will continue to other parts of China to meet with other officials.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 30 on Jewel

A few days ago my friend and colleague John Pearson, gave me a transcript of a speech that had been given by a Christian lawyer about a trip he had taken to China. John thought I would be interested in the section of the transcript about his visit to China. While I found that fascinating, what really got my attention was a section of the speech that included a quote from the author Brennan Manning’s book Ruthless Trust.

Over the last several weeks Jewel and I have been thinking much about the questions of faith and trust in times of personal crisis. Manning seems to articulate so well what we are feeling.

He writes,

…"In order to grow in trust, we must release the demand for clarity and understanding."

Manning tells the story of a man who travelled to Calcutta to work with Mother Teresa in search of answers. She asked him what she could for him. And he replied that he would like her to pray for him.

“For what?” she asked.

“For clarity.”

She refused. “No, I will not do that.”

Undoubtedly surprised by her response, he asked her why.

She answered, “Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of… I will pray that you trust God.”

Manning says:

“The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity…[It is] the life of the pilgrim who leave what is nailed down, obvious and secure, and walks into the unknown without any rational explanation to justify the decision or guarantee the future.”

In the face of our obsession for answers, for some explanation of why we’re going through this, Solomon counsels us, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.” Proverbs 3:5 (The Message)

While we don’t have all the answers, we are learning to trust.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 29 on Jewel

It was really good to have Jewel’s sister and father visiting from California this week. Time spent with family doing familiar activities, like doing jigsaw puzzles, is always fun and encouraging. One challenge this week was to keep Jewel’s dad warm. His Southern California blood circulation his just not used to the cool Canadian fall weather. Cranking up the heat, a woolen poncho from Paraguay and a warm toque seemed to help.

Today was a pretty big day for Jewel. Since the chemo is now beginning to have an impact on her hair, Jewel asked Justin and Natasha if they would be willing to shave her head. So the deed is now done and Jewel looks lovely in her red stocking cap.

Jewel is getting stronger every day. This is good news as she prepares for her next chemo on November 6^th.

This week, I was also able to take my first trip since Jewel became ill. I had the privilege of speaking at the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s Presidents day gathering held in Montreal. This is annual gathering of the heads of Canadian denominations and ministry agencies. Many of these folks are good friends so it was a great safe place to have my first speaking engagement in almost 2 months. It was especially encouraging to connect with our former pastor from Ontario, as well as Brian Stiller and Gary Walsh, two of my life mentors.

While the trip was just for one night it was pretty hard to leave Jewel. It was a great comfort to know her Dad and sister, as well as our kids were with her. It was good to be able to test the waters of travel again. It helps in getting our minds set for a much longer trip next week.

We continue to be encouraged by so many friends from around the world. Jewel was deeply touched, as was I, by a special website that was developed by colleagues in San Francisco and New York. The website is filled videos, photos, music and prayers to help comfort Jewel during this time of trial.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 28 on Jewel

It has now been one week since Jewel had her first round of chemotherapy. While it has not been the easiest week, Jewel seems to be doing OK. Today Jewel was able to take her longest walk since her surgery. It was nice to see a let up in the rain so that she could walk with her friend to the end of the street and back. After a couple of other visitors Jewel is now pretty tired. We are encouraged that Jewel has no more nausea and her pain is under control through the use of medication.

The Cancer Clinic team told us the first 7 days after the chemo would be the most challenging. So we are hoping these next few days will bring greater strength and prepare Jewel for the next treatment on November 6^th.

This seems to be a time of waiting at the moment. Waiting for the next treatment. Waiting for the results of the treatment. Waiting to understand the implications of Jewel’s sickness. Waiting…

Waiting is not always easy for me. In fact, I don't like to wait! God seems to be teaching me new lessons these days.

Isaiah says, "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength." Isa 40:31

This is a great reminder for me in these days of waiting.

Pastor John Ortberg writes about this verse…

“If I can wait on God, which means if I can wait with patience, which means if I can wait and keep hoping, which means if I can wait and not give into despair, which means if I can wait and not give into sin, which means if I can wait and keep being faithful to God, if I can wait and bring joy to people around me, then God is doing something good inside me.”

I don’t know about you, I want God doing something good inside of me. So maybe waiting does have a deeper purpose in our lives.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 27 on Jewel

It has been a couple of days since my last update.

We have been monitoring the response to the Chemo that Jewel received on Saturday. While there have been no major adverse reactions to the treatment, Jewel has had several issues to deal with.

On Sunday, Jewel developed a major migraine. The Cancer Clinic recommended a trip to the ER in our local hospital. Because the doctor in the Cancer Clinic called ahead to the ER, Jewel was immediately taken in for an evaluation and given medication for the pain. A CT scan was ordered for some further evaluation. (We are now awaiting the results of that test.)Also, Jewel seems to have developed some sort of infection from the surgery. Once again the medical team responded quickly to this situation.

We continue to be impressed with the pro-activity and care being provided by all the medical professionals assisting Jewel.

It is good to have our close friend Joan come and stay with us again for a few days. She has been really busy in the kitchen taking care of the canning fruit that Jewel was not able to get to.

We are grateful Natasha is recovering well from her Bronchitis. It is good to see her getting active again.

For me, I am trying to respond to urgent ministry issues as well as prepare for our upcoming international leadership meetings in Korea next month.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 26 on Jewel

Today was Jewel’s first day of chemotherapy at the Cancer Clinic. The medical staff was very kind and gave a full explanation of the treatment and the potential side effects. Then over the course of 5 hours the 2 different chemo drugs were administered through I.V. along with other medications to help alleviate any reactions.

We were very grateful that there were no immediate allergic reactions to the chemo. Jewel strongly sensed God’s presence during the therapy. She had a great sense of peace in her heart.

On the way home, Jewel wanted to take a brief stroll along the waterfront. It’s funny how little things can bring a sense of deep satisfaction and appreciation. We are now home where Jewel is resting. While not experiencing pain, she is very exhausted as the chemo begins to work.

Over the next few days we will closely monitor Jewel to gauge her response to the chemo. We were told that her hair would begin to fall out after 2 weeks. Jewel plans to use the book she picked up on headscarf folding so she can begin using the fancy scarves I have brought her from several different countries.

As we end this day, we have been reminded of God’s hand each step of the way over these last several weeks. It is hard to believe that in just over a month since the doctor first had an inclining of the mass, Jewel has had surgery and is now into chemotherapy.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 25 on Jewel

One again we are thankful for answered prayer. The Cancel Clinic called today to say that the doctors wanted Jewel’s chemotherapy moved up from October 26^th to October 17^th (This Saturday). We are very thankful that the next phase of Jewel’s treatment will begin earlier rather than later. We expect to be at the Cancer Clinic for 6 hours while the chemo is administered.

As Jewel prepares for her chemo we would ask prayer for following:

• For physical and emotional strength as Jewel receives the two different chemo drugs.
• There will be no adverse reaction to the drugs.
• For strength and energy for Jewel in the days following the chemo.
• The chemo will be effective in accomplishing its purpose.

As you pray for us we would ask you to remember our daughter Natasha who has come down with bronchitis and the flu. She is trying to keep herself isolated from her mum. As you might imagine we are helping keep the antibiotic soap companies in business.

We are deeply grateful for all those who continue to help us around the house and provide us with wonderfully healthy meals. We are blessed.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 24 on Jewel

Today was a full slate of appointments for Jewel at the Cancer Clinic. This was the first visit to the clinic since Jewel was released from hospital. More tests were conducted. Then we had an extended appointment with the Oncologist to review the results of the surgery and the pathology report as well as discuss the recommended therapies.

The doctors reiterated that they were pleased with the results of the surgery catching the cancer in its early stages. However, the diagnosis is stage 2 clear cell ovarian cancer. This is one of the most aggressive kinds of cancer. While the pathology reported that no cells were found beyond the removed tumor, there is still a concern that there are undetected micro-cells.

We were then given the stats. Without any further treatment there is a 50/50 chance of survival. With treatment it goes up to 70/80 percent chance of survival.

The treatment they have found most successful with Jewel’s kind of cancer is three sessions of chemotherapy (3-4 weeks apart) followed by five weeks of radiation (5 days a week.)

While Jewel is officially booked for her first chemo on October 26^th we are anticipating the first treatment starting any day as she is currently on a “wait” list in anticipation of a cancellation.

It is easy to get caught in the statistics and the rates of survival. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are reminded that our lives are in His hands.

Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

What a great promise in which we can trust! Today we rest in this truth.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 23 on Jewel

What a blessing for our family to sit around the Thanksgiving dinner table. We continued our annual tradition of sharing our individual thanksgiving lists. This year our lists seemed to be longer than usual. It’s amazing how a health crisis can bring life into sharp focus.

Our Thanksgiving dinner was great. Some great folks from our Church lovingly provided the entire meal. It had to be the easiest turkey I’ve ever prepared.

Jewel gets stronger every day. Yesterday, Jewel took her longest walk yet since she became ill. While our little jaunt was only the length of few houses it is great to see her recovering well from the surgery.

We are now looking forward to some visits from Jewel’s family. Her dad and sister will come for a visit later in the month. Then in November, her wonderful Aunt Jean will come from Pennsylvania while I make my first overseas trip to Korea.

We continue to take the advice of many and take one day at a time. This Wednesday, we will go to the Cancer Clinic for a series of tests and discussions about Jewel’s treatment. Then on Friday we are hoping for her first chemotherapy.

We appreciate your continued prayers.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 22 on Jewel

This is Thanksgiving Weekend here in Canada.

Beyond the Turkey and Pumpkin pie what does it mean? For our family, Thanksgiving this year takes on special meaning. In spite of Jewel’s recent cancer diagnosis we have so much for which to be thankful.

In thinking about Thanksgiving the apostle Paul wrote some great words to help us. Paul knew about suffering. He knew about problems, he knew about hardship. While he is in prison, he says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

Paul says in every circumstance...give thanks. How do you do that?

Pastor John Ortberg gives some helpful insights in response to this question.

It is not just that life is kind of a roller coaster and sometimes circumstances are good and we ought to be grateful. It's not even just that being grateful is a more fun way to do life than being ungrateful; although, it is.

He goes on to say,

Whatever you're going through, your loneliness, your darkness, your sin, your regret, your sickness, your dying...God knows. God has been there.

That little phrase...in Christ...is the foundation for all our gratitude. Every other gift, every other blessing, every other good thing, every other piece of good fortune, comes and goes.

The reason gratitude makes sense in all circumstances is that our foundation is not in our circumstances; it is in Christ. God has suffered from and triumphed over every circumstance in Christ; therefore, gratitude is the greatest opportunity in life, and it's good to tell God. It is a terrible thing to be grateful and have no one to be grateful to so we are grateful to our God. It is His will for us in Christ Jesus.

So as we sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, which has been kindly provided from some of our Church members, we will focus on the Jesus the foundation of our faith source of our grateful hearts.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 21 on Jewel

Just a quick blog to say that Jewel had a good day. She is getting stronger with each passing day. She was able to walk as far as the neighbours driveway today. We are grateful for her good progress.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

update # 20 on Jewel

Today Jewel and I celebrated 32 years of marriage. It was fun to share a French Baguette and a little cheese. It reminded me of the day I proposed to Jewel at a little picnic on the French side of the Alps.

As a husband and wife, in the midst of our current reality, we have so much for which to be thankful. We recognize that our love for each other finds its foundation in God’s character.

And where do we go to discover God’s character? We go to His Word. God’s character is revealed through His commandments. And our love for God is demonstrated through our obedience to them. Our obedience shows that we trust Him to know what is best.

“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him:(John 14:21).

We can rejoice in knowing that when we love Jesus He delights in opening His heart to us. And when we do this He reveals His love to us and through us.

As we look back on our journey together we recognize that some of anniversaries stand out more than others. For our thirtieth anniversary we were blessed to be standing at the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of South Africa. Or there was what we thought was our twenty-fifth anniversary in Australia. (We discovered it was not our twenty-fifth but our twenty-forth. I am so glad we both got it wrong.) Then there was our first anniversary. We were living in the Caribbean where I came down with a terrible case of typhoid from which I almost died. Jewel gently helped nurse me back to health. Certainly our latest anniversary will be etched on hearts and minds.

We look back at all the valleys and hilltops, the twist and turns of life together. Through it all we see God’s faithfulness and grace. In spite of all our weaknesses and failings we can say that our love for God and love for each other has deepened and grown. And while we don’t like to admit it, a lot of the growth has taken place in the tough times. It’s funny how that works isn’t it?

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

update # 19 on Jewel

Great news today! We had a conversation with Jewel’s Oncologist Surgeon late this afternoon. The results of the pathology are now in. We could not have asked for a better report. Even though it was confirmed as clear cell cancer (one of the most aggressive forms of ovarian cancer.) the pathology report showed that there was no spread of cancer beyond the tumor attached to the ovary. In other words, the cancer seems to be contained.

So tonight we are rejoicing in God’s goodness and His grace. Will you join us in giving thanks to the Lord for this positive news today.

Even with this positive report Jewel will still receive chemotherapy. The plan at this point is to tentatively begin her first treatment on October 16^th. This will be followed five more treatments of chemo 3-4 weeks apart. We will also have a discussion about introducing radiation into the mix.

We are also encouraged by the progress that Jewel is making every day from the effects of her surgery. The concern at this point is her very low blood pressure which causes dizziness and impacts her energy level.

While the doctor was very positive about the pathology results she was pleasantly surprised there had been no spread of the cancer.

The verse of Scripture that jumped into our minds this evening was Psalm 139:14

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

update # 18 on Jewel

This is going to be a really short blog.

Today we took an early morning trip to the doctors where Jewel had her 21 staples removed. (Can you imagine how the buzzers would have been set off at an airport security.) Please continue to pray that Jewel would rest well at night and for continued healing.

Thanks for your ongoing love and concern.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 17 on Jewel

Last night was a tough night. Jewel had an adverse reaction to some new medication around 10 pm. However, through some fast medical intervention she was stabilized. Again we are grateful for caring friends. Jewel was able to get seven hours of sleep. It has been a long time since she got any where close to the amount of sleep. Jewel awoke this morning more refreshed. She really enjoyed being able to walk completely around the garden with more energy.

Today was the first day I went into the office since Jewel’s health took a turn for the worse. It was not easy being gone. I’m thankful that Natasha “held down the fort” while struggling through her re-entry and adjustment to life back in Canada.

I am also so grateful for our staff who have covered so many bases for me during this time of crisis.

Today we began to look at the future calendar. What appointments should be kept and what should be postponed, cancelled or passed on to someone else? Not easy decisions. I hope to have some clarity by the end of the week.

As I think of the decisions that have to be made, I am reminded of some reflections by Pastor Joe Stowell, He wrote:

It’s easy to think that Joshua and God’s people in the Old Testament were unusually blessed because God promised to be with them (Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Joshua 1:9). But we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the same promise is given to us in the New Testament (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus Himself promised that He would not leave us as “orphans” but would send the Holy Spirit to be in us and with us (John 14:16-18). In fact, if anybody has an edge, we do! God dwells within us in the person of the Holy Spirit to convict, comfort, guide, and encourage. His 24/7 presence is waiting to be tapped and used no matter where we are or what we are facing. We have the full revelation of Scripture that the Holy Spirit uses to teach and direct our lives. No Bible hero had the privilege of having a Book that could be carried, read, memorized, and used in transforming ways to tell them everything they needed to know about God and themselves—but you and I do!

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 16 on Jewel

Justin and Natasha went off to Church this morning while I stayed home with Jewel. I think Natasha is pretty happy to be driving again after I put insurance on our car yesterday. It was real encouraging to see Jewel taking a short walk in our garden today. Jewel just loves to see the roses, which she has cared for so well.

Today, I made a ‘Sunday roast’ for dinner. (It’s been a while since I did that. :-) ) It was kind of fun doing it. Hopefully it was as enjoyable for those eating as it was for me making it!!!

While Jewel did not sleep well last night, she was not discouraged. She had a beautiful encounter with the Lord. As Jewel explained to me her worshipful experience she radiated this deep sense of joy and peace. The Lord is teaching her new and profound lessons as we continue this journey.

This afternoon we had a wonderful visit with my spiritual father Maurice and his wife Lois. As I look back on my life they have always been there at every key moment and crisis point. We are grateful for their loving support and encouragement.

Today I have been contemplating about some thoughts sent to me a couple of days ago by my good friend, Doug Birdsall, leader of the Lausanne Movement.

“Yesterday I preached in chapel at Gordon-Conwell on endurance, taking the passage from Hebrews 11:23-27, "Moses persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." As I was reflecting on the life of endurance, I was also re-reading Romans 8:28. It struck me that the "all things working together for good" is not so much about the "happy ending" to every challenge in life as it is about the fact that adversity serves to conform us more and more to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).”

For Jewel, our children and myself in spite of our current challenges it is our prayer and hope that people will see the authenticity and depth of our trust in the Living God. While the depth of our struggle is deep, the grace of God is even deeper.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 15 on Jewel

Jewel has had another good day. While she has not done a marathon yet she has made several laps inside the house. Although she continues to tire easily she does seem to be getting stronger. She also continues to adjust her medication to manage her pain. We are all encouraged to see her appetite returning.

As I looked at my calendar today, I realized that Jewel and Justin should have been in Thailand visiting Justin’s sick friend, Natasha should have been in Rwanda ministering to street kids and I should have been in Hungary speaking at global conference of College president’s and deans. Yet today we all gathered in our family room at home reminding ourselves that in spite of our circumstances, God is still in control and he His faithful in keeping His promises.

God filled our bible with over 7,000 promises of His love, care, and protection. These are part of the promises God gives us:

GOD IS OUR PROTECTOR

"The Lord is my light and my salvation: Whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1,3)

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble. . .for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

GOD IS OUR PROVIDER

"Do not worry then, saying what shall we eat or what shall we drink" . . .for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:17)

THE LORD PROMISES US PEACE

"Peace I leave you; My peace I give to you; not as the world give, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27)

THE LORD IS FAITHFUL TO US

"The Lord ís loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF OUR LIFE

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)

GOD PROMISES US A FUTURE AND A HOPE

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Thank you Lord for these great promises.

On the Journey,

Geoff