Recently while talking to Velma, the co-founder of our ministry, she told me how she sees the stress of so many people who are not used to depending on God daily to provide their needs by faith. Velma is clearly a woman of great faith. Our ministry has existed and survived much like the nation of Israel by God providing daily manna from heaven. I marvel at the faith of many of the residents of the inner city who daily depend on God to provide their every need. Truly the poor are rich in faith. Velma has taught me so much about faith in God and His Word. She is like the biblical characters in Hebrews 11 who pressed on in obedience to God regardless of their circumstances.
Today we went to the doctor carried by God’s grace, the fervent prayers of His people and the infused faith of Velma and others of the inner city who depend on God daily to meet their every need. Whether it’s Bogdon in Romania, Thelma in West Virginia, or Velma in Dallas, each has shown me how much I plan on what I will do today or in the future based on my resources, network, intellect, and ability. This, the Bible says is sin. I am prayerful that whether you’re facing cancer, a broken relationship, a prodigal child, or financial need that you would learn from some of God’s greatest faith warriors, His remnant of believers in the heart of our cities.
So, with this wonderful gift of living daily by faith, we continue to do the ministry God has called us to. Saturday while in Bonton, I was touched by a man that is living in the streets and is sometimes very hard to love. He is demanding, loud and never seems to be moving forward in his desire to know Christ. One of our faithful volunteers, David, comes to Bonton every Saturday at 10 AM and serves the community and this man. Recently, David told me he believed God was going to do a miracle in this man’s life. Saturday this man asked me how I was doing and I said fine but that I was battling cancer. The most amazing thing happened, this hardened man of the streets began to weep. He said this can’t be true, I need you Pastor Mike. I began to weep seeing that this man despite all his faults, loves me and knows he still needs to know Jesus as Lord. I am grateful that even with all the uncertainty of my cancer that we can serve daily those around us in our home, community and businesses with the love of Christ. Please pray for this man to come to know Christ.
Finally, after meeting with the doctor, we are thankful to God that the cancer is contained in my lungs. The mass in my upper right lobe is adenocarcinoma but the bottom mass in my lower right lung does not appear to be cancer. In order to confirm this diagnosis of the lower mass, I will have a biopsy on Thursday. Please continue to pray that the cancer is contained in my upper right lobe and can be surgically removed. Thank you for your love and prayers. We invite you to come with us to the city and build a relationship with these faith warriors. I can assure you they will be one of your greatest advocates in your time of need. Remember, “this is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
