Terminal Cancer had Other Plans (Part 1)

“Cancer sucks” is a phrase most people have have heard by now in one way or another. “Cancer sucks” is seen online, on stickers, on bracelets, t-shirts and so on. But for those of us who have been affected by a loved one with cancer, it is more than just a phrase!

Imagine finally being able to do what you have always dreamed of. The one you have contemplated on for months, years, decades. All the second guessing, self doubts, and uncertainty have been put to rest and you decide to go for it full force. Whether it be that vacation you have always wanted to go on, the job you have wanted to leave so badly, or the relationship you have been putting off until the “perfect timing”. You finally decide to go for whatever that is, and it’s starts out like a typical day driving on the highway. Everything is going “smooth ride” the weather is nice and calm, you are driving in a great satellite area to hear all your favorite songs, you are well ahead of schedule on timing, and you are about to grab your favorite lunch. And then you get this gut feeling. Something just seems off. But you brush it off and continue to drive. Now all of a sudden the sky looks dark and the wind has picked up. The further you drive the worse it gets. It is looking ugly as far up and as far back as you can see. And BAM! In comes the hurricane without any warning or heads up and all of a sudden you are holding on to the steering wheel as tightly as your hands allow, fighting for your life. That is what I observed Cancer to be like for my father.

For decades he dreamed of becoming a pastor. That was just one of his many vivid dreams he hoped to one day live out. He served as a minister for over 20 years at the church he grew up in and he never hesitated to be there for anyone who was in need of his kind, encouraging words or prayer. In late 2015 he was able to finally become pastor and founder of He is Risen Worship Assembly. As soon as the doors opened he shared with the small, genuine congregation of all he had planned for He is Risen Worship Assembly. Plans to reach and teach the young of not only God’s word but of the importance of the life and energy of the youth. Plans to take trips together to build the congregation’s bond outside of the church and plans to get the youth and elderly working together to teach each other. All those plans sounded great and excited each one of us. We all played a part to make the small congregation work together week after week. We started up a women’s Sunday school which met twice a month before service. We spent our first Christmas going out for breakfast eating and laughing together. Our first trip was planned to soon take place at the Ark Encounter.

However in just one short year, life or more specifically Cancer, had other plans. Plans that would put all his dreams to final rest and instead cause him to fight for his life for the final time!