Message to Grace Staff: November 27, 2009

Hello all!

I'm sorry to have to tell you about this as I'd rather sit with each of you personally and will as time permits. But I love you all and tears come as I type. About two months ago I started to notice that things weren't working right on my right side, I would stumble occasionally and drop things. My driving foot wouldn't press the brake or accelerator properly and would brake suddenly or slowly. I chalked it up to perhaps a pinched nerve or something simple. Last week I met with both a chiropractor as well as Keith, both noticed significant weakness in my leg and diminished motor skills Keith scheduled an MRI which I had the day before Thanksgiving which revealed a probable brain tumor about an inch big on the left side of my brain. It is hemorrhaging a bit and it's pressing on the part of my brain that affects the motor skills on my right side. It's also possible that it's an infectious mass I picked up in Africa. I'll know more next week as a host of neurosurgeons have look. I think next week will be a primarily diagnostic time and a battle plan laid out both spiritually and medically. After the initial shock all my kids were coming over for the holidays in the evening and it was pretty hard to tell them both for me and for them. I spent most of what should have been an enjoyable night just holding them as they cried. Thanksgiving morning I woke up rested with afresh perspective from the Lord. He seemed to tell me that how a person lives through adversity is more important than bow they live a normal life. It's is a testimony of what they truly believe and have taught others throughout their life. Is it true or not. Is Jesus truly enough?

I remembered a few scriptures that I told my family about that morning as the Lord brought them to mind. First was James 1:2-3 to somehow consider the trial joy based upon how God is transforming and conforming through this thing. The second was 1 Peter 4 that those who suffer in the flesh are finished with sin. In my case, the apathy of living more in the present than with an eye towards the more important day. Also I'm cognizant of all the people that the Lord
has given me through the years to influence both family and the Body. I want whatever comes next to show them that everything about Jesus is true as best I can as He gives me strength.

This morning I'm feeling some progressive weakness and know things are moving fast. I know some things are going to be have to rearranged while this is dealt with and will work hard to make the best calls I know how with all the capable leaders in my areas. I love you all and either I or Janice will keep you up to speed as best as possible.

Your brother and friend,
Tim