Today marked my first day of chemo in combination with proton radiation treatments. We will be taking chemo once each week and proton radiation treatments each weekday at 6:30am. Amazingly, the longest and hardest day at the hospital was our best day of ministry. The light always shines the brightest in the darkest places. I would have never chosen this ministry, but am humbled that God has called me to pray for and witness to those battling cancer and the medical staff of these hospitals.
Today we had the joy of witnessing to a hospital volunteer that distributes magazines for those on Chemo. He said he received such joy in giving to others and got somewhat emotional about it. I shared with him, this was the love of Christ he was experiencing and God sent His son to show His great love for us and to save each one of us from our sin. I had the joy of sharing the Gospel with him and praying for him to know why he feels such joy in serving others. He was moved and blessed and prayerfully we will see him again in the coming weeks.
It was our joy to pray for several nurses, sing ‘this little light of mine’ with one of the other nurses and talk to many patients. While walking the halls, looking for people in greater need than me, I saw a staff member who looked very sad and was leaning against the wall. She is probably an aid, and is from Nigeria. I asked if I could pray for her and she said thank you because she was “just hanging on”. After I prayed the Lord led me to give her all the cash I had in my pocket. She was overwhelmed and kept saying rather loudly in the chemo ward, “God bless you”, to which I replied, “He already has.” I shared with her that someone else had given me the money for our expenses and that it was truly from the Lord, in direct answer to her prayers. After I passed her my nurse, who is from India, came back and asked me why bad things happen to good people. I had just preached this message this past Sunday and I shared with her that we can always trust our loving God, who is accomplishing His plan in ways we can’t always understand, to advance His Kingdom and Glory for our Good. She was comforted about the sudden death of a friend of hers, in India, who was killed in a car accident, after having just finished Bible College in preparation to be a Pastor. Shortly after she left, another nurse came in who is very strong in the Lord, and just wanted to visit. We eventually asked where she lived and what areas of the city were in greatest need. She was quick to tell me the third ward and that she lives near this area. She then offered to go with me any time I wanted to go and gave me her number so I could meet her in the community. We look forward to walking the streets of the city to pray and share the gospel with the least.
Lastly, while leaving, I had the opportunity to meet another patient from Oklahoma who is on chemo. His wife had seen Laura in the hall and was clearly looking for a friend. This led me to stop and pray for them. They are going to call us today, as this is all new for them. I told them that nothing is impossible with God and to keep their eyes on Jesus and not on the cancer.
I was overwhelmed with the opportunity to worship, teach the Word, pray, give an offering, and share the Gospel! May we never forget that we are the church! You may be the only church someone ever attends. Live ready, your day is coming when it will be your turn to Have Church! Thank you for your fervent prayers that are enabling us to be used by God. We give God all the Glory!!
Mike Fechner at MD Anderson
What a blessing and encouragement this post was to me! I pray to be as bold in my sphere of influence. Praying for your healing and your mission trip! May God be glorified!!
Sally Allen
This is so touching and such an encouragement! It really puts our everyday little struggles into perspective and reminds us what is really important and that we should all be focusing on witnessing and helping others!
Blessings,
Cindy Figg
Psalm 41:3
The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health
Mike we ‘re praying for you and your family!
Thank you for your words in this blog. May we have church everywhere we go. Praying for you and the family as you have church in Houston for a few weeks.
Your faith is such a blessing. Kim and I continue to pray for your healing and ministry. Your blog just continues to demonstrate how our God continues to shine in places where the Light is needed.
Blessings,
Jody & Kim Hinkle
What wonderful stories, opportunities are everywhere. How we pray the Lord richly blesses your life and health so that such ministry can continue for a LOOOOOONG time here in this place!!! Love, Doug & Kelly Blankenship
Sounds like Mark’s Gospel. “You will do greater things than these.” We love you Mike and thank you for your example. Our King is able.
So touched by your humility and love for the Lord by giving it to others so “well”. God bless them as I know he blesses you. Praying for your healing. Thankful to the Lord for your witness. Sending a hug!
Mike,
What a great reminder. Anywhere anytime!
I wished there had been someone like
You combing the halls when my father was
Going through his cancer battle. And I wish
I had been more mature in my walk to have realized anytime anyplace back then! Thank you for sharing this with us!
My husband and I just got home(today) from MDA! He has lung and brain cancer and I have Parkinson’s. I believe wirh all my heart that I was “blessed” with Parkinson’s disease in order to be a better witness. As awful as these two dreaded diseases are, they have presented many opportunities for me to witness to others. Praying for you as you walk this journey,
Praying for you, your family & those you come in contact w/ that God is touching through your life. Jeff & Leigh
Lifting each of you up to our Heavenly Father. “Lord, in YOU, we walk in Victory…..even in the valleys!” Thank You Jesus for the valleys for in them we see YOU more clearly, we learn of YOU more than we ever could & we can share with others how much YOU love each of us!!!!
Mike,
One of my close friends used proton therapy in his battle with prostate cancer and the results were very positive. He felt a bit tired during the treatments but had very few other side effects. It’s a blessing to have access to it and those in the hospital are being blessed having you there as we read! Thank you for your example, testimony, and encouragement as we pray for your complete healing.
Hello Mike,
Your message was such a blessing to me today! As a sister in Christ, as a fellow cancer warrior, and a 13 year survivor, let me say that I am so excited for the people who will come to know Jesus because God has placed you in this battle simply to bring Him Glory! I prayed for you this morning, and I will continue to pray that God keeps you strong to bring His message to those who need Him so much, and that the enemy will be kept at bay. You are so right when you say that we are the church! I am thankful that God is blessing you through all of this and I am excited to see the miracles He will make happen through you! Hang on, for the enemy will try to attack you but you know that greater is HE that is in YOU than he that is in this world!
In Him,
Kelly Webster
Powerful….just plain powerful..
Wow! I’m at a loss for words…….this really blessed my spirit! You are an awesome example of how to go through. Bless you man of God!
I never saw so many people searching for something to believe in as I did when I was in chemo and in treatments. So many people need the hope and peace of Jesus Christ nothing else can fulfill that need for void. You are exactly where God can use you. I believe it is one of more richer fields that really needs a strong and loving shepherd..
Praising God for YOU always! Thank you for your faithfulness to have Church wherever you go. We love you & are praying & thinking of you all the time. Keep the posts coming. Joy & James