Thanksgiving Service

If you click on the link you can listen to the mp3 of the the full Thanksgiving Service for Glen. Thanksgiving

This is not goodbye it is goodnight

Friday was the cremation and thanksgiving service for Glen in Liverpool.  It was a time of sadness and tears but also a time of laughter and hope, as we were reminded we were not saying goodbye to Glen but goodnight see you in the morning.

Often we hear such things spoken as a vague wish much as a child may make a wish when they blow a candle out on their birthday cake, but this was not a paper thin wish.  It was a hope with all the confidence and power of God Almighty behind it!  We said goodnight to Glen knowing with certainty that the almighty creator of the universe who by his mighty power raised his Son from the dead has promised that Jesus is just the first of those who put their faith in him to fall asleep before waking in his presence.  Our hope as we said goodbye was as concrete as the physical and historical resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Thankfulness to God is what marked the service on Friday.  Thankfulness to God for the gift of Glen to Anne, to his family and to those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, thankfulness to God for saving Glen by faith in Jesus, thankfulness for God's faithfulness in keeping Glen through his battle with cancer, and thankfulness that this was not a final goodbye but a hope filled goodnight see you in the morning.

Two passages from the bible which meant a lot to Glen were read:

Romans 5:1-11"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

1 John 4:7-21
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

 We love because he first loved us.  If we say we love God yet hate a brother or sister, we are liars. For if we do not love a fellow believer, whom we have seen, we cannot love God, whom we have not seen.  And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love one another."

There was a realism about the suffering Glen faced, a realism about the questions we are left with, and a realism about the need to grieve a life full yet short, and there was a realism about hope - the distinctive hope of those who trust in Jesus as their Saviour, a hope that is a confident expectation that this was not a goodbye but a temporary goodnight see you in the morning.

Knowing Glen and his passion for Jesus there is one last thing he would want me to ask.  Can you face death with that same hope?  It is not something you can summon or create within yourself but which comes through faith in Jesus, the one who died for us to bring us back to a God who loves us.  Why not explore that hope by reading one of the gospels and asking yourself who Jesus is?  Or by finding a good church where they teach the bible near you to go to and ask that question - who is Jesus who brings hope even in the face of death?

Therefore encourage one another with these words

Dear all this morning Glen went to be with his Saviour and Lord.  He and those with him had been listening to the words of John Newton's hymn Amazing Grace:

1. Amazing grace-how sweet the sound-
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.

2. T'was grace that taught my heart to fear,
his grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

3. Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe this far
and grace will lead me home.

4. When we've been there ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we've first begun.

I know that many of you will feel as I do a great sense of sadness and loss at the passing of a loved friend, one who warmed our hearts with his quick smile, funny turn of phrase and infectious sense of humour.  But I think what I will miss most of all is his passion to see others come to know his Saviour and his desire to help, spur on and encourage those of us who shared that love of Jesus with him.

Please in the midst of your grief remember Anne and the family.  I was reading these words of Paul this morning:

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words."  1 Thessalonians 4v13-18

Glen has fallen asleep in Christ and we who grieve have a hope that makes our grief distinctive, we grieve our loss but know that to die has been Glen's gain and that one day we will see him again when Christ comes or calls.  It is this hope which is the consolation of all who mourn those who trust in Jesus as their Saviour, and it is this hope we are to encourage one another with in our loss.

Prayer:  Father God we want to thank you for the life of Glen, thank you for everything about him which made him him.  His willingness to dive right in and enjoy life, his readiness to laugh and make others laugh along with him, his love and care of others, his passionate conviction and loving service of his Saviour.  Thank you that you have taken him home beyond all pain and suffering.

Father we pray for Anne, Ruth, Michael and the rest of the family we ask that you would sustain them with your word and by your Spirit through your people.  Thank you that they know they do not grieve without hope.

Amen

Update - Wednesday 1st June

Thank you for all your prayers, the transfer to the hospice went well and he is settled there and seems more comfortable.  It is also a good environment for family and friends as they say goodbye to Glen.

Please be continuing to pray for Anne and the family as they spend time with Glen, there have been moments of laughter even in Glen's final days which for so many of us will be the way we remember him.  It is a real blessing for them to have those moments in this situation.

In John's gospel and chapter 11 we see the authority and power of Jesus over death, Lazarus Jesus friend has died and as he speaks to Martha his grieving sister he says these words:  "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die;  and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Jesus then goes on to prove who he is by raising a four day dead Lazarus back to life again, but interestingly he comforts Martha not with a promise of what he is about to do but what he will ultimately do, what he does now for everyone who trusts in him.  Death is not the end for Jesus, so it is not the end for Lazarus and it will not be the end for Glen, because whoever lives by believing in Jesus will never die.

And that is the comfort for Anne and the family.  It is not a comfort that the pain will lessen over time though it may, it is the comfort that is found in Jesus words:   "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”  Which was true of Glen who believed even in the face of his living for Christ with cancer.

But notice Jesus ends by posing a question, how would you answer it?  How you do determines whether you have hope or not.

Prayer: Father God thank you that because Jesus is the resurrection and the life we can entrust Glen into your care knowing that he is falling asleep in you and will awaken into your presence.  Thank you that you have conquered every illness and even death itself in Jesus.  Father we pray practically that Glen would be comfortable and that you would take him to be with you where he will know that he is more than a conqueror in you.

Father thank you too that the comfort we have to share is the comfort of a hope that is certain because it is grounded in the life, actions, death, and resurrection of our Saviour.  And we ask that you would comfort Anne and the rest of the family with your word and your work in Jesus.
Amen.

Update - Tuesday 31st May

Glen is being moved to the hospice today and the family are travelling over to Liverpool to say their good byes.  In the midst of this sorrow God is still good and there are comforts for both Glen and them even in this situation.  Whilst Glen is unable to talk and is paralysed on his right side he is more settled and calmer than he has been and has enjoyed having the bible read to him and a visit from his pastor.  It is a great reassurance to know that he has hope even now.

I would ask you to pray today that the transfer goes well and does not cause any discomfort and that Glen settles quickly at the hospice, pray too for the family on what is going to be a very hard day for them, pray that they would know God's comfort and his strength.

Romans 8v31-39 says: "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  Who then can condemn? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

We are confident as Glen enters his final days that even now his and our Saviour is in heaven interceding for Glen, for the family and for us.  We are confident that nothing (not paralysis, not cancer, and not death) shall separate Glen or his family from the love of God that they have experienced, are experiencing, and will experience in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father God we pray for Glen this afternoon, asking that the transfer to the hospice would go well, and that he would quickly be comfortable and at peace there.  Thank you that even now your word means so much to him and we ask that he would continue to treasure your promises.  We pray for the family today as they go to say their good byes to a loved son and brother who has blessed them, encouraged them, spurred them on and so often made them laugh.  Father we know that those who hope in you grieve differently but we still grieve and we pray that you would be with them as they grieve and say good bye today.  Father, when that is done we would ask that you show mercy to our brother and friend and that he would suffer no more.

Hope in a Hopeless situation

Dear all, I've been asked to write this blog by Glen's mum.  The weekend has been hard, Glen had another fit and has been in hospital since, he has not really recovered from this second fit and has not been coherent since.  Yesterday a scan on Glen's brain revealed a number of additional tumours, including a large one at the front of his brain.  These tumours mean that no further treatment is possible and in all probability that Glen does not have long left until God calls to take him to be with him.

Glen is sleeping a lot, but seems to like to know that there are people in the room with him.  They are waiting for a hospice space to be organised so that he can be moved.  These are words that many of us had hoped and prayed that we would never have to write or to read, but they are not words without hope.

The Apostle Paul in Romans 5:1-11 "¹Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
⁶You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
⁹Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! ¹⁰For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹ Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

This is the hope that Glen, Anne, Ruth and the family have in this situation.  It is not a vague hope but one grounded in God showing his love for them in sending his Son Jesus Christ to die for Glen, so that he is made right with God (justified) can enjoy a relationship with God (reconciled) and a certain hope that he will see God face to face healed and liberated from every physical ailment.  The cancer will not win God will.

I would ask you to pray this evening for Glen, that God in his mercy would ensure that he does not suffer and take him home.  I would ask you to pray to for Anne, Ruth and the rest of the family, that they would know the certainty of their hope in Christ.

I know Glen would want me to ask this of those for whom death is a terrifying thing.  What is your hope?  You can know the same hope that Glen knows by trusting Glen's saviour for yourself.

Prayer:  Father God we come to you with heavy to hearts and bring our loved friend Glen to you.  We pray that you would be merciful to him and take him home to be with you.  We pray for his family may they know your strength at this time we ask, may the hope that Glen has and they share sustain them.  And may they know your love for them by your Spirit and through your people.  Amen.

Saturday 28th May - A journey

Hi this is Glen's mum posting the blog. Glen came out of hospital this morning, after Anne staying with him. They were both tired and ready for the comforts of their own home and bed. Majority of the day has been sleeping, showering and bathing. This afternoon one of Glen's very good friends, Niall, has called into visit him.

Anne has just called me to say that she left Glen sleeping upstairs, went up to check on him and he was having another fit. So off to hospital again. The Doctor has sent him for a another brain scan and they are concerned again that something is happening.

Bible Reading - Psalm 62 Vs 5 -8 - 'Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God, he is my mighty rock; my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge' As we walk this journey with Glen and Anne pray that God would be both theirs and ours rock and salvation.

Pray - Please pray especially for Anne as she loves, cares and supports Glen. Pray for her as she has to make decisions for both of them whilst Glen is ill. Give thanks that God brought them together and how they illuminate God's love for us through their marriage. Pray for wisdom for the medical staff as they treat Glen. Pray that they would also be sensitive to Anne's needs and health. Pray for Glen's health, which over the last few weeks has changed. Pray for the Dr's meeting on Tuesday. As his mum please pray for both Glen and Anne's family as we walk this journey with them. Pray that we would encourage and bear with one another.

Friday 27th May - God is listening

Hi this is Glen's mum writing the blog tonight. It has been another difficult day for Glen and Anne. This morning Glen had a small fit and Anne rang the ambulance to take him to hospital, as he was slow in coming around. There was concern that this meant that his brain, which had been stable a few weeks ago, had changed and that he might also have a chest infection. The Dr's sent him for a chest x-ray and for a brain scan.

God has yet again answered our prayers as the brain scan shows no difference to the one undertaken a few weeks ago. Glen is staying in hospital overnight, and they have very kindly arranged for him to be moved to a side room so that Anne can stay with him tonight. If he has no further fits then he should be able to come out tomorrow. They are also starting him on meds to make sure he has no further fits.

The last few weeks has been quite a rollercoaster for Glen and Anne, but through the fiery furnace walk they have kept God at the centre of their lives and He has been faithful in answered their prayers especially for medical support this week.

I know that they count it a priviledged that so many people are walking this journey with them, and the prayers that are offered on their behalf.

Isaiah 54 vs 10 reminds us that even though everything around us seems to be difficult God still loves us and shows us compassion. 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfalling love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed. says the the Lord who has compassion upon you" God's love, hope and promises are the one constant in our lives.

Bible Verses - Psalm 23.

Prayer:- Give thanks for Glen and Anne's faithful witness of God's love, hope and promises. Give thanks that through this fiery furnace we can see God at work. Pray for a restful night for Glen and Anne. Pray for the meeting with the Dr on Tuesday. Pray for the medical staff Glen and Anne meet, that as in 1 Peter 3 they would always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks them the reason for the hope that they have. Pray for Anne as she loves, supports and cares for Glen.

Thursday 26th May - Trust in Him

Good evening we have had a mixed day and will continue to be on our knees praying for the consultancy meeting we are having on Tuesday. Anne has popped out here and there and we also had a visit from the district nurse to see how we are going. The sleeping tablets I have been taking have meant I have been sleeping for most of the day too, therefore we going to stop these so please pray for sleep. I have been stronger physically in lots of ways but still need prayer to sleep well and be able to deal with what every day life brings.

Psalm 13 says 'Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say 'I have overcome Him" and and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise for He has been good to me.' Praise the Lord we can always trust in Him.

Verse for today: Psalm 13

Prayer for today: Pray for sleep and continued strength. Pray for God's will to be done at the meeting on Tuesday and for the right medication to be available. Thank God He is our sustainer and rock. Pray for our families too.

Wednesday 25th May - Praise Him

Good evening we have had a slightly improved day. We both slept well and ended up having 8 hours sleep. We have then taken things slowly and we had a visit from a cancer consultant to see how best to control the pain I have been having. This afternoon I have slept lots, watched TV and generally tried to relax. Anne has once again pottered around the house and looked after me very well. We would really value prayer again for the pain treatment we have been given and for us to sleep well again.

Psalm 9 says 'I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all you marvelous works. I will glad and rejoice in you: I will sing praise to your name, O most high. Have mercy on me O Lord, consider my trouble from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death. That I may tell of all your praise. In the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in your salvation'. We are to sing to the Lord and put our trust in Him. He is our shield and defender and walks with us as our strength.

Verse of the day: Proverbs 3 v 5-7

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for all He has done for us and we have a place of refuge in Him. Praise the Lord I have had help to get the pain under control and ask him to continue to aid us in our sleep and physical state. Pray for the drug treatments to be available and for God to open the door(s) He wishes us to walk through. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their strength. Pray for people to come to faith in Christ.

Tuesday 24th May: Everlasting hope

Good evening we have had a very difficult day and one in which the cancer seemed to really take hold of my body in numerous ways. We both did not sleep well; with us being awake at 1,3,5 and then eventually getting a few hours of sleep at the end. Our community Macmillan nurse came today and has increased my pain relief, she has also arranged for a consultant from the hospice to visit us tomorrow. Hopefully this will help us get the right level of medication, so I am more comfortable. My mum came for the day which was really nice and a good support.

Peter in his first book declares to the world 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.' Thank the Lord we have an eternal hope.

Verse for the day: 1 Peter 1:3


Prayer for the day: Please pray for wisdom tomorrow as we review my medication. Pray for sleep this evening and renewed strength for tomorrow. Pray for our families as they walk this difficult road with us.

Monday 23rd May - A move in the right direction

Good evening. We have had a much better day today and one where I am feeling much better and stronger. I slept much better than I have over the last few days and this helped me to be much more refreshed and relaxed when I awoke. I have enjoyed a body strengthening day and friends came around to visit this afternoon. I have also been out for a bit of light retail therapy. Anne has been out here and there and was also entertaining our guests. Praise the Lord I am feeling better just need to be on our knees asking for this blessing to continue.

Paul says in Romans 8 v 28-29 'and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers or sisters. We were chosen by and God and for the service of His name amazing. God loves us so much, even death on a cross.

Verse of the day: 1 John 1 v 4-10

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for my return of strength and ask Him for this to continue due to His mercy. Pray for news from the hospital and how we are going to move forwards. Pray for sleep and a continued reliance upon the Lord. Pray for me to be able to lead and go to target camp next week. Pray for the upholding of our families. Pray for us having eyes only for Christ and for Him being the rock on which we build all things.

Sunday 22nd May - Strength for each day

We have had a very difficult day. I awoke after a moderate amount of sleep but yet still felt drained and tired. I have spent most of the day on the sofa falling in and out of consciousness and trying to get some rest. Anne has been to Church and out with friends which she needed and helped with her frame of mind. I have been sick this evening and in pain and so we had to call out the local GP and try and sort out my pain relief, sleep and general physical state.

All this makes life incredibly difficult and hard to deal with each day. Our mind frame is such that we know God is in control but we most certainly don't rely on our strength but that of the Lord. Psalm 20 v 6 says 'Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His Holy Heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.' Isaiah 12v2 also declares this saying 'Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for Yahweh, the Lord is my strength and song. He will also become my salvation.' We have to trust even in the depths of despair as He is the only strength we need or will help.

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 1 v 1-5

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord His strength allows us to walk through the darkest valley and to see our salvation. Pray for the cancer to be healed from my body and for the Lord to restore it to its former state. Pray for our bodies to be physically upheld and to be made stronger by the hand of the Lord. Pray for sleep. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their strength also.

Saturday 21st May - The love of God

Good evening. It has been a day of what you would call rest. I did not sleep well last night at all once again getting just 4 hours sleep and so making my body feel very rough. This meant I took a sleeping tablet resulting in sleeping from about 1pm until 7 on and on and somehow when your body gets the rest it has to feel worse before it gets better. Anne has caught up with people on the phone and well generally been amazing looking after me. Please can you pray for both of these issues as they do prevent us from doing so much, especially sleep.

1 John 4 v 16-17 says 'and so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we may have confidence on the day of judgement: in this world we are like Jesus. In all things if we have the love of God we need not fear and can have confidence in Christ our Lord.

Verse of the day: Romans 8 v 38-39

Prayer of the day: Pray for sleep and for me to be physically well enough to complete each day. Pray for us to know more about the treatment and for God's will in it all. Pray for our families and how they deal with the news. Pray for our hearts to look to Christ in all things.

Friday 20th May - Merciful Prayer

Good evening. We have had what has probably been in some ways the hardest day in this process so far. I did not sleep to the best standard only getting 5 hours sleep due to back pain. This then had knock on effects on Anne and how my body coped when I awoke. We have rested this morning and completed some menial tasks around the house. Anne has been to Bridge to sort out camp areas and meet with a friend. I had an afternoon to catch up TV. Late in the afternoon we received a call from the hospital. This was to inform us that most of the doors being pushed to gain the drugs needed have been closed and they were not sure if any of them would be opened, so Mr Heggarty there may be no options left.

This left us a bit drained and battered but there is still hope! Your probably sat their saying, what! What hope! Well pick up the word of the Lord and from Genesis to Revelation there is hope and it NEVER fades. 1 Corinthians 13 says 'and now these 3 remain; faith, hope and love...' 2 Corinthians then says 'therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all'. We have an amazing hope in our Lord Jesus Christ and this life which is but a blink of an eye and so points to their being so much more.

We have a sovereign and mighty God who is able to do so much more that we can imagine. Philippians 4 says 'do not be anxious for NOTHING but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding , will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' Acts 1 says 'they all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brothers'. All through the process I have struggled to know what God's will for myself is. But I do know His will is for me to follow Him all the days of my life and for us to continue to pray in our situation. I will be praying for the doors the hospital are still pushing to be opened, if God's will and I will also be on my knees petitioning for the mercy of the Lord. Can I ask you to do the same? I am not worth it but please as the Lord hears the cries of His people.

Verse of the day: Romans 15 v5-6



Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for the heavenly hope we have that does not perish, fade or spoil. Pray we may live each day as it comes. For the peace, strength and Holy spirit to be with us at all times and directing us to the Lord. Pray for the couple of doors the hospital has left to push (if His will!) to be opened or for the mighty hand of Christ to take this disease from me. For our physical and mental state to be upheld enough to cope with the news we have heard. Pray for our families as they will feel helpless and downbeat also and pray for them to look to the Lord for strength. Pray for people to come to Christ because of our situation.

Thursday 19th May - He hears us

Good evening. We have had a really nice day and another one where on the whole I have been well. I slept well again which meant I awoke a lot fresher than I have previous days. My dad then came for a visit in which we had a walk around the docks, went for lunch and generally caught up, which was a real blessing. We have then both relaxed this afternoon, with me having an afternoon nap and Anne gardening. We have then had a peaceful evening enjoying the free time we have. God is answering prayer every day as I am sleeping better, we have a peace and are trusting in His word.

1 John 5 v 11-15 says 'and this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him'. God never leaves our side and He carries us when life becomes too hard. He hears our petitions toward Him and God's will is always the best for our lives.

Verse for the day: 1 John 3 v 14

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord He wants to hear our thoughts and requests and that we have a personal relationship with Him. Pray for God's mighty hand to take the cancer from my body and restore it to full health. Pray for our bodies to be physically well and to sleep really well most nights. Pray we will hear from the hospital soon and God will guide us through His will. Pray for our families and for God's strength to be their strength and their peace to be from God.

Wednesday 18th May - Relationship

Good evening. We have had a really great day but one which some people who read of it will not understand why. I slept really well last night and got 8 hours sleep. We have therefore been able to do so much more. Trips to the shops, cook tea, have visitors and enjoy each others company so much more. By the end of the day though the devil has entered for the last couple of hours. I feel like I have been thrown off a cliff and I am trying to get to the top and just can't see a way there.

You can become incredibly selfish and just focus on the cancer going and you living the life you want to lead. God does not dish out cancer or say we do not love him lets give Him AIDS. God is not a punitive God but one who walks with His people and gives them peace and strength beyond human capacity. David is such a powerful bible character because he loves the Lord so much but yet wrestles with the injustice he believes he witnesses. In psalm 95 v1 he says 'come let us sing joy for the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation'. Go back one Psalm though and in v3 he enquires of the Lord 'How long, Lord will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?' David though is the greatest human king the Israelites had and He loved the Lord with all his heart. He says in Psalm 18 v 2 'The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold'.


Being a Christian is an amazing gift and one which is a relationship. God is in relations with us and we have to open our heart fully to experience this amazing gift. Whatever God's will is for my life, we can cling to the truths His word provides and the love a personal relationship brings. Once again thank you for all your prayers and support but most importantly if you are reading this blog and don't 'know' Him, make every effort to do so. I am more than happy to answer questions on nofearindeath@hotmail.co.uk and ask people around you as life may be shorter than we all expect.

Verses of the day: 1 John 1 v 4-10

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for all He has done and that we can have that personal relationship with Him. Pray for the Lord to heal the cancer from my body and restore my body to full health. Pray we seek the Lord all the days of our lives and we will know His vital presence. Continue to pray for sleep, rest and my body's physical state. Pray for God to continue to minister to our families and friends. For those who seek the Lord that He shall be found and for them to find a biblical church.

Tuesday 17th May - Our current sufferings

Good evening. We have had a good day overall. I did not sleep well again, just getting 2/3 hours. This meant the morning had to be used for recovery to try and restore my body. After lunch, I have completed some Target camp tasks and we went for a walk around the block too. We are having tea and are then spending the evening relaxing in our house. Within our situation the person who has the hardest time is the person looking on (wife, parent, relative), these are the people who need the most prayer and I would ask for this now regarding our situation.

Paul was a very wise man seen as a well respected intellect of his day. He also has been given such biblical wisdom and you can just imagine his face as He is telling this to people. You know Paul loves the Lord. This is no more evident than in Romans. He says in Ch8 v16 - 18 'the spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the present sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us'.

There are some amazing truths in this passage such as we are co-heirs with Christ. Us viewed by God in the same light as Christ and we are glorified because of the cross and love of our Lord. Paul had such a longing for eternal life. I was listening to a preacher the other day and he said Paul must have been the devil's nightmare. In prison, an earthquake happens and Paul brings the jailer to Christ, chained to a roman solider and so Paul tells him the gospel all day. Paul is in prison and he prays for the advancement of the gospel, he is beaten, whipped and eventually killed. All the way through He loved the Lord and stood for the gospel.

Thank you for all your prayers, they mean so much and are a real blessing and comfort to us both.

Verse of the day: Philippians 1 v 3-5

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord we are co-heirs with Christ and the glory to come is greater than the suffering we endure on earth. Pray for God to heal the cancer from my body and He would hear our cries for His mercy. Pray for my sleep, that I would overcome my anxiety of needing sleep and rest. Pray for my body to be upheld, specifically my back and stomach. Pray for our families to be strengthened by the Lord and for Him to provide a peace that passes all understanding. Pray for us all to grow in our knowledge and love of God.

Monday 16th May - His ways are truly wise

Good evening. We have had a relaxed day and in which I have had lots of sleep and just needed to be able to rest. I once again had a good nights sleep but then fell ill again this morning and have needed to stop. Anne has been shopping and has done things around the house and she is out at the church members meeting tonight. I am feeling physically tired but trusting in the Lord and asking for His peace to be upon us.

I was looking at Romans this morning and ch11 v33-36 says 'oh the depth of the and wisdom of the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and how inscrutable are His ways. For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been His counsellor? Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever.' We have an awesome God and who are we to question the mind and actions of our God. We rest though in His wisdom and that all his ways are perfect.

Verse of the day: Hebrews 13 v 5

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for His unmatchable witness and how His ways are perfect. Pray for the cancer to be healed by the mighty hand of the Lord. Pray for my physical condition to only get better so I am capable of having the treatment and spending time with Anne. Pray for our families and for the Lord to uphold them in all this suffering. Praise the Lord for all He has done for us and so many over the past 8 months.

Sunday 15th May - Foolishness

Good evening we have had a great day but one in which I have seen myself for a fool. I had the best sleep I have had all week although was still awake earlier than needed. My body was a little sore from the night before though and so Anne went to church and I stayed at home to rest. We then had lunch together and friends came around this afternoon to catch up over coffee. We have then been to church which was a real blessing but showed myself to be a fool.

The last 2 weeks I seem to have focused upon myself, the medical statistics, saying ' if ' and 'but' forgetting my need to lean upon the Lord. Church or The Spirit changed this; God is the only one to rely upon. We have a God who all His promises come true and He walks with us. 1 Corinthians 2v5 says 'that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of man but in the power of God'. We should find rest in Him and one day we will find permanent rest with Him.

Verse of the day: John 14v 15-16

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for His rest and that we have a helper here on earth. Praise the Lord we are able to do more and see more people. Pray for the cancer to be healed from my body though a miracle or by medical treatment. Pray for renewed strength, sleep and peace from the Lord. Pray for our families. Pray for our world and the blind people in it.

Saturday 14th May - Lean upon God

Good evening. We have had a really nice Saturday. I was able to sleep much better and felt more refreshed than any other mornings. We had a relaxed morning and Anne has cleaned the house (what a ledge!) and I sat and watched my favourite cooking programs. We then had some lunch and went to watch Beauty and the Beast at The Empire, which was fantastic and was a blessing to spend time like that with Anne. I am looking forward to a good nights sleep and would value again prayer for this.

Proverbs 3 v 4 says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding'. We have had to do this lots and the Lord has never failed in His dealings with us.

Verse of the day: Romans 8 v 28

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord we have the hope of heaven and that this world is not all there is. Pray for God to take the cancer and for Him to restore my health. Pray for physical strength, sleep and for my wife who has to walk with me in pain. Pray for our families.

Friday 13th May - Walking together in affliction.

Good evening, sorry there was no blog yesterday but the blogger website had technical problems all day and so could not type out my blog as could not have access.We have had a good day and I have grown much stronger throughout the day. In feeling like I am saying the same things I did not sleep well due to placing so much pressure to do so upon my shoulders. We had a visit from a friend this afternoon and Anne has met a friend for coffee too. Anne has then gone out to youth work and I am planning on going to Target for half an hour or so. I have grown physically stronger and have been able to do a bit more each day.

Paul in 2 Corinthians 1 v3-6 encourages us by saying 'Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort which you experience when patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer'. I know through our sufferings the Lord has been our rock and comfort and really has been our peace in times of affliction. We have also had so many friends supporting and caring for us; walking our footsteps of affliction too. Paul talks of sharing in Christ's suffering and as followers of Him we should walk with brothers and sisters in affliction also.

I know I have not said it for a while but thank you so much to everyone who prays for us, it really is a source of comfort from the Lord.

Verse of the day: Joshua 21 v 45

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for His comforts and being our rock during our time of affliction. Thank the Lord for our salvation, which if we did not have would cause us to walk in despair. Pray for the cancer to be healed from my body whether through medical resources or by a mighty miracle from the Lord. Pray for my back, pray for our sleep and pray for us to have a good level of life. Pray for our families and for the Lord to continue to provide people around them who will be their comfort and walk in their affliction.

Wednesday 11th May - Sleep

Good evening we have had a good day and have been able to do a lot more than last week. Our biggest issue at the moment has become sleep. For the past 2 nights I have not slept well and so consequently Anne has not slept well either. We would really appreciate prayer for this to change and for us to be able sleep well. I am feeling physically much stronger and have been able to cook lunch and dinner and have a friend for coffee (a real blessing). I am also mentally so much more positive and continuing to trust in the Lord.

Romans 8v1-5 says 'there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh. In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit.' Lots of people say "how does God have a relationship with you?" This is by the Holy Spirit and we should set our minds upon these things. He guides us in the ways of the Lord and intercedes for us before the Lord.

Verse of the day: Mark 2 v 5

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord we have the Spirit to guide and intercede for us. Pray for our sleep to be long and consistent and for my back to hold up during the night. Pray for us to be able to gain access to the Braf drug and for God to heal the cancer. Pray for our families and for the Lord to meet all their needs. Pray for soul to be saved.

Tuesday 10th May - From darkness to light

Good evening. We have had a good day overall and are continuing to take each day as it comes. I did not sleep amazingly well and was awake from 5 30 but have had a good day physically going out for lunch and a walk around the shops. We have then had a couple of visitors this afternoon and have relaxed this evening and looking forward to The Apprentice tonight. We are continuing to trust in the Lord and He has blessed myself today with well being and we are going to continue to pray for it.

1 Peter 2 v9-11 says 'but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.' We have received the mercy of the Lord and His compassion extends to all. We are chosen by Him and we are now to live in the wonderful light and live for Christ alone.

Verse for the day: John 1 v 1-9

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for His goodness to us and for His sustaining of my body. Praise the Lord for the real hope of heaven and we have been brought into the light. Pray for the the cancer to be healed and for God to restore my earthly body. Pray for God to uphold my body (especially my back) and for me to have a pain free night/week. Pray for God to be the strength, peace and love our families need during this difficult time. Pray for the salvation of souls and for people to walk into the light.

Monday 9th May - Praise the Lord

Good evening. We have had a mixed day but one which has ended positively. We went for the scan this morning but I was not feeling very well. I came back and slept and also contended with a visit from the district nurse. We were then called back to the hospital and this made myself and Anne very nervous but the meeting with the consultant was a real answer to prayer. The brain scan showed no development and the swelling around the small tumour has gone which is fantastic. The other scan showed a slight progression, so proving the chemotherapy is not working but this allows for a compassionate application for a drug which has shown early signs of excellent results. I do though need to be physically very well and would really love prayer to this end.

Psalm 30 v 4-5 says 'sing praises to the Lord, O you His saints, and give thanks to His holy name'. Psalm 34v 1-3 also sings 'I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.' The Lord blessed our meeting today and has given us positive news. We want to praise Him not only today but every day for our salvation and our relationship with Him. Praise Him you heavens and all that's above.

Verse of the day: Psalm 106 v 1

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for Him never leaving or forsaking us. Praise Him for the meeting today and for the positive news we received. Pray for the cancer for God to heal it from my body and restore it to its full health. Pray for my body that is would grow physically stronger each day and I would sleep well every night. Pray for our families and their strength to be from the Lord and for Him to give them His peace. Pray for the salvation of others.

Sunday 8th May - Reconciled

Good evening. I have once again had a mixed day. I slept better than I did the night before but when I awoke both my back and stomach were in quite bad pain and so needed to stay at home and miss church which was a disappointment. I am feeling much better this evening and both areas have settled down. We have had a relaxed day and Anne has met a friend for coffee and been to church. We have a full body scan tomorrow to check whether the cancer has spread or not and whether to carry on with chemotherapy. This obviously needs a lot of prayer and we are trusting in the Lord for this.

Paul in Colossians 1 v 21-24 says 'And you who once were alienated and hostile in the mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him. If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven and of which I, Paul, became a minister.'

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 15 v 16

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for walking this road with us and being the rock we need. Pray for the Lord to take the cancer from my body and for the scans to be a blessing not a burden to us. Pray for my physical condition not to be so up and down and for me to be able to sleep well. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their peace and strength. Pray for the salvation of souls.

Saturday 7th May - More to life than this.

Good evening I have had an OK day physically feeling stronger this evening than I did this morning. We travelled down from the Lake district earlier than planned due to me not being up to physically much. We have enjoyed a relaxed afternoon and a couple of friends popped in to see us. We have rested this evening and I am going to have an early night ready for church tomorrow. Going through all of this every day only serves to reinforce that there is more to life than this.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 9v24 talks of our heavenly hope. He says' Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize'. We have to be ready and looking towards the prize. We need to give ourselves to Christ so as to not miss out on the gift of grace.

Verse of the day: Revelation 3 v22

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord we have a prize to look toward to and its a free one. Pray for God to heal my body from the cancer and for the scans I am having to be a blessing not a burden. Pray for our sleep and for our physical bodies to be upheld by the Lord. Pray for our families, for them to know the peace, strength and love of the Lord in their daily walk. Pray for the salvation of people reading this blog and for others who are walking without Him.

Friday 6th May: Heaven

We have had a mixed day; starting slowly this morning we just chilled out in our room watching TV and listening to a sermon by Matt Chandler, as Glen felt rough and had not slept well. We then headed out to Lakeland for lunch and a walk round the store, it was nice to just take things slowly and not to rush. Next we walked down to lake Winder mere and had an ice-cream, before heading to the spa. Heading back to our hotel, Glen started to feel tired and his back began to hurt. We went out for a quick tea, which Glen had to leave early as his back hurt too much. He has had a bath and is now sleeping (hopefully this will last), therefore I'm writing the blog as a change.

I've really been stuck with how much we live for earthly gain rather than heavenly. We need to look towards heaven and realise our mortality. As in Philippians 3 v20 Paul reminds us that 'For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.' Our real home is in heaven.

Thank you for all your prayers, we have really felt God's peace and continue to trust in Him.

Verse for today: Philippians 3

Prayer for today: Please pray for a good night's sleep and for Glen to feel stronger. Pray that we will continue to know and feel God's peace at this time. Pray that God will heal Glen from this cancer, restoring his body to full health. Pray for our families that they would also know and feel God's peace too.

Thursday 4th May - Praise Him

Good evening. We have a had a good day and packed a lot in. We took it slow this morning and Anne went to the doctors and was granted a further 12 weeks off work which was a weight off our shoulders. We have then had a scan of my brain and have been praying for God's blessing in this. This afternoon we have relaxed and have then come away to spend some time together for a couple of days. I am feeling much better physically and my back and chest infection has settled down lots which is fantastic.

Psalm 71 says 'for your righteousness, O God, reaches the heavens, You who have done great things; O God who is like you?.... I will also praise you with a harp, even Your truth, O my God; To you I will sing praises with the lyre, O holy one of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you; and my soul, which you have redeemed.' God is worthy of our praise and we should do it always.

Verse of the day: Romans 8 v 28

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord I am feeling stronger and we have been able to come away. Pray for both scans to be a blessing and clear. Pray for us to be able to carry on with chemotherapy and for God to take this cancer. Pray for our families and their strength. Pray for people to come to Christ. Pray for us to be able to enjoy our time away and not think or worry about the cancer.

Wednesday 4th May - We are unworthy before Him

Good evening. When I was 17 one of the biggest questions for me was there has to be more than just this world? How true that has now been proved to me. Without the hope of heaven we would not have been able to cope with any of our situation. We are having a brain scan at 12 20 tomorrow and will probably be having the body scan also. My heart today has been crying out to God for a miracle, for a God intervention and for the cancer to go. I pray for this not to lead to desperation. Its hard to think I am going for life/death scans and everyone is carry on with life and I can't even contemplate being here in 6 weeks.

God I know has and will continue to be with us and He can do the impossible. I love Job as a book and He is faithful and also justly questions God and God restores him from ill health. Job after God has shown His amazing power in 38-40 says 'I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Hear,now and I will speak;I will ask You and You instruct me.' Job realises his place before God and repents and realises he is so unworthy. I have been praying for God to end our situation in the same way as Job's and I continue to pray for this but if this is not realised then I pray I know my position before the Almighty God.

Verse of the day: Joshua 21v45

Prayer of the day: Pray for God to be our strength, portion, peace and hope at this difficult time. Pray for the scans tomorrow that God would heal me of the cancer and when we go for results they would be a blessing and not a burden. Pray for our hope to ALWAYS be in God and for us not to fail to trust in Him. Pray for our families and their strength to be from the Lord and their hope will be in him. Pray for the salvation of people and for them to realise their need of Christ. Pray for our witness to the hospital staff and nurses.

Tuesday 3rd May - Destiny

Good evening. Where to start tonight. We went to see the consultant this afternoon and we received more hard news. I am going to have a scan this week to determine whether the chemotherapy is working and then will go back next week for the results. The tumours will have to shrink by at least 30%. I have some new lumps and the consultant said this is not a good sign. If it is not working then there will be nothing they can do for the cancer. Death is before me and is very prominent presently. I know we will be on our knees this week praying for a miracle and the news made me angry, sad, disappointed and just wanted to punch a bag or kick a wall. I don't want to die at 25, leave my wife and family and have a painful end but know of the supremacy of Christ.

I then read Lamentations 3 v 22-26. It says' The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease. For His compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion" says my soul, "therefore I have hope in Him." The Lord is good to those who wait for Him. To the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord.' I have a hope that is certain and even conquers death. I know that even if next week turns out the way we do not want it too, I have Christ and He died for me. We will all die at some point maybe even tomorrow but we have that hope to cling to.

Verse of the day: Romans 5 v 25-26

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord He has been with us today during this difficult time. Praise the Lord that this world is not all there is. Pray for the scan next week for God to take the cancer from my body by His mighty hand. Pray for our families who have to deal with this difficult news and also support us. Pray for our sleep and for our bodies to be refreshed. Pray for people to come to Christ and know the hope of heaven.

Monday 2nd May - Lift your eyes to Him

Good evening. Today has been a difficult day as I once again did not sleep well last night due to back pain. I only managed 4 hours sleep which has left me needing to completely stop and sleep all day. It has been a tough week in terms of being able to get out and do things. Anne has been out to see friends for a couple of hours and I have listened to sermons and music using my ipod touch (Thank you Nathan). I awoke this morning with a change of attitude. I have become a bit obsessive with my body and symptoms and found myself becoming more complacent in my relationship with God and relying on the success of treatment as opposed to just trusting in Him. We are meeting my consultant tomorrow to discuss new lumps and symptoms found, what successful chemotherapy is and to find out the results of the BRAF test completed a few months ago. I am not sure what to expect but surrounding it in prayer and trusting the Father. Please can I ask people to pray earnestly for this (Thank you so much for all your prayers).

I was reading Isaiah 40 v 26 - 31 today and it really encouraged me of the Lord's control of our situation. I have found this hard in the last week or so but Isaiah says 'Lift your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God" Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary and tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired and vigorous young men stumble badly. Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary'. I am sorry it is so long but was such an encouragement and gave me such peace of things to come.

Verse of the day: Psalm 71 v 19

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for His spirit being with us and giving me a refreshed trust in Him. Praise Him for His strength and how He uplifts His people. Please pray for the meeting with the consultant tomorrow, for God to go before us and for the consultant's words to be God's also. Pray for a renewed body strength and for me to be able to sleep well so Anne can too. Pray for our families to have the peace of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit with them always. Pray for the salvation of people we meet, speak to and are reading the blog too.

Sunday 1st May - Strengthend by the Spirit

Good evening. We have had a really lovely day and have enjoyed the sunshine and time to relax. We went to church this morning and had a real blessed time of fellowship. It was great to be able to worship the Lord and hear His word preached. I went out with the Target age group (11-13yr olds) and it was really good to be able to spend time with them too. I slept much better than I had the night before and which helped me be able to get on. We have rested tonight and taken time for one another. We watched 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' which was a real encouragement of what kingdom is to come.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader ends with the children going back to earth with Aslan (Christ) and he says I am with you on earth. He was talking about the Holy Spirit. Colossians 1 v11-14 talks of the this when it says 'being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the holy people of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.' We are able to cope with the situations we find ourselves in, through the strength of the Spirit and the Lord being everything we need.

Verse of the day: Philippians 4 v 12-13

Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord that He does NOT leave us on earth alone. Praise Him for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for God to heal my body of the cancer. Pray for God to help us sleep well and our bodies to be upheld physically by Him. Pray for our families to be also strengthened by the Spirit. Pray for people to come to know Him.

Saturday 30th April - Strength

Good afternoon. We have had a lovely day and really enjoyed the time we have had with family. I slept much better last night, a real answer to prayer and means I am physically much stronger than I was yesterday. We have had a slow morning and rested whilst watching TV. We have then had a nice lunch and played games this afternoon which was a real blessing and I enjoyed very much. We are spending tonight with family again to celebrate my birthday and will then rest up ready for church tomorrow.

Habakkuk 3 v 18-19 'Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength and He has made my feet like hinds feet and makes me walk on high places'. Isaiah 12v2 also says 'surely God is my salvation;I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.' We have salvation in our Lord and He is our strength for all situations. He walks with us in every situation and will be our wisdom and peace when we need it to be.

Verse of the day: Matthew 5 v6-7

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for our salvation and for His character of walking with His people. Praise Him for our church family and for the support they give. Pray for God to take this cancer from my body by His mighty hands. Pray for our families as they deal with the cancer to trust in the Lord and for His peace and strength to be with them. Pray for people to come to Him and trust God for their salvation. Pray for our bodies to be physically upheld and for continued good sleep.

Friday 29th April - The Heavenly Wedding

Good evening I have not been very well today and have rested for most of the day. I did not sleep well and was in bed for the royal wedding. Anne has been out to friends and my family have come up for the weekend and we have played games. I have taken it steady and enjoyed a day of catch up on the sky box.

Today has been the royal wedding and lots of people (3 billion) have been really excited and really got behind it. There is though a greater wedding we need to be interested in, the biblical one. John 3v29 says' The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegrooms voice. Therefore the joy of mine is now complete'. We are in a marriage with Christ and the banquet will be when we get to heaven. We are in a marriage that will never fail or end and we have a great hope.





Verse of the day: Revelation 1v21





Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for our relationship with Him and for our salvation. Praise the Lord for His promises always coming true and for Him being a faithful God. Pray for my cancer that God would take it from my body and would restore it. Pray for us both to sleep well and be well rested for tomorrow. Pray for our families and for their strength coming from the Lord. Pray for people to come to faith in Christ and for people to walk with Him.

Thursday 28th April - Promise Keeper

Good evening we have had a lovely relaxed day and have achieved lots within it too. We both slept really well, which is an answer to prayer. Anne has cleaned the house and has sorted lots out ready for the weekend. I have completed some tasks for Target camp and sorted through some emails. We have then been into town and I am going to a Target Camp meeting tonight and Anne is going to relax. We are both physically better and looking forward to the weekend. We have a meeting with my consultant on Tuesday and this is in the back of my mind.

Psalm 73 v23-26 says 'Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?And there is nothing on earth I desire but you. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.' God is our strength and portion, He is our guide and will uphold us in all we do. There are times when I am not sure of my place in heaven but God's word reassures me as in Psalm 73 that He will receive me to glory and I have a sure and firm hope. God always keeps His promises and we have to cling to that in times of hardship.

Verse of the day: Romans 8 v 28

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord He keeps His promises and that His love endures forever. Praise Him for heaven and for all it holds for us. Pray for the cancer to be healed by the Lord and for Him to restore my body to full health. Pray for both of our families as they walk with us and see the pain we are going through. Pray for Theresa's husband Stephen and for Theresa as they walk through the same situation we do, for the Lord to be their strength and all they need.

Wednesday 27th April - Simple Instructions

I am pleased to report that I am much better and feeling stronger than I did yesterday. I have enjoyed a leisurely but enjoyable birthday and have received many thoughtful and loving cards and gifts. We have enjoyed the day together and have been out for tea and then on to the theatre to see a production. I am physically stronger but need more prayer for this to come with chemotherapy impending next week. I slept well and have taken time to rest also.

Paul gives simple advice in 2 Corinthians 13 v11-14. He says' finally brothers and sisters rejoice. Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God's people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy spirit be with you all'. Simple commands we must obey but don't always. Pray our hearts may change in this.

Verse of the day: Psalm 73

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for all He has done and will do. Praise Him for all answered prayer and for Him walking with us so far. Pray for God to take this cancer from my body for the glorification of Himself. Pray for both me and Anne to sleep well and be rested in the morning. Pray for our families as they walk with us. Pray for all those in the same situation as myself (including Steven) to know the ever present strength and love of God.

Tuesday 26th April: A hard day

Today has been a hard as Glen has not felt well all day, spending most of the day sleeping on the sofa. I've offered to do a quick update to keep you informed. We have another doctor's appointment tomorrow as Glen's chest is still not right, please pray that this will clear up. We continue to trust in the Lord and look to Him for our strength.

Passage for today: Proverbs 3 v5-6

Prayer: Please pray that we will both sleep well tonight and Glen will feel stronger tomorrow, enabling him to enjoy his birthday. Pray for the chest infection to clear up and for no further complications. Please pray that God would heal Glen from the cancer and restore his body to full health. Please pray for our families too.

Thanks, Anne

Monday 25th April - A suprise passage

Good evening we have had a good day again and taken time to rest and enjoy the day we had before us. We awoke and had breakfast. I then took time to watch Match of the Day and sort through mobile phone contracts up for renewal. We then had lunch and went out to Shrewsbury and I had a Starbucks coffee with my brother in law. I then applied for Olympics tickets as we only had until midnight tonight, I went for a full range and can't wait to see what I get. I am physically well and we both slept well too.

I was listening to the radio this morning and they were talking about the fact that Jude in the Bible is Jesus' brother so I went to Jude and it was a good read. Nearer the end it says 'But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy spirit, keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring to you eternal life.' We must build each other up in the faith and we must also work to preserve our own faith in Christ too. We should regularly pray with the spirit interceding and realise the extent mercy claims sinners like us.

Verse of the day: Philippians 1 v 21

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for His mercy, for our fellow brothers and sisters and for the eternal life that is to come. Pray for God to heal my body of the cancer and restore it to full health. Pray for our faith to be strong whilst we walk through the valley. Pray for our bodies to be upheld by God and for me to not analyse every little change in my body. Pray for our families strength in the Lord and for Him to be their rock and fortress too. Pray for salvation in others.

Sunday 24th April - He is Risen.

Good evening we have enjoyed our Easter Sunday with family and being able to worship the Lord on His day. We both slept really well and have woken up refreshed. We then went t0 church for a really nice service and to reflect on what Easter Sunday is about. We have then this afternoon spent some time with family and enjoyed the sunshine that eventually came. We are watching TV and playing games this evening.

Today is Easter Sunday, the day the cross makes sense. Can you imagine if the story stopped at the cross and Christ died and then nothing? The resurrection makes sense of the cross as it shows Christ is God, Death is no longer and we can have eternal life. John 11v25 says 'Jesus said to her I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;and whoever lives believing in me will not die.' Christ died for all and the tomb was empty. He appeared to His disciples, 500 people and the women. Amazing He did it for me and you even though we were mocking Him at the cross.

Verse of the day: Romans 8 v 28

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for what He has done for us and that we can have eternal life. Pray for God to take the cancer from my body. Pray for our physical and mental state that God upholds both by His spirit. Pray for our families as they walk the journey with us. Pray for people to come to know Christ.

Saturday 23rd April - The Shepherd

Good evening, we have had an excellent day enjoying time to rest and relax with family. I did not sleep overly well last night due to my back and so took some time to rest this morning and have spent most of the day sitting and resting. Anne has been out and enjoyed the sunshine with family. We have had another barbecue this evening too and are now relaxing by watching TV. We are both still in good spirits and know God is with us in this.

It is Easter weekend and a time when we reflect on what God has done for us. I have really enjoyed growing with the Lord over the past few months. God really does answer prayer and He truly is with us. Hebrews says 'Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep equip you with everything good for doing His will and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever'. He is the shepherd that guides us through life and He deserves all the glory. Praise Him for all He is and for His character.

Verse of the day: Isaiah 41 v 10

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for all he has done and for his promises never failing. Praise Him for the answered prayer so far and for him to answer the ones to come. Pray for God to heal me of this cancer. Pray for a better nights rest and for us to wake up feeling refreshed. Pray for our families as they walk this path with us and for them to cling to the Lord. Pray for people to come to Him this Easter time.

Friday 22nd April - The cross

Good evening, today has been such a blessing and I have really known the presence of the Lord truly with me. This morning we got up and took things slowly and went to church. Church was a real blessing and a great time to reflect upon what Christ has done for us. I loved singing the praises of the Lord with His people. We have then come to Anne's parents for a few days and we have enjoyed spending time with family and having a relaxing evening. We are both feeling quite tired and so an early night is in order. We are physically well and mentally feeling excellent and trusting in the Lord.

Good Friday reminds us of the sacrifice Christ is for us and we can gain eternal life. I loved the song we sang at the end of church and want to quote this instead of a verse. Its called 'When I survey the Wondrous Cross' and says 'see from his head, His hands, His feet. Sorrow and love flow mingled down, Did e'er such love and sorrow meet or thorns compose so rich a crown. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small, love so amazing, so divine. Demands my soul, my life my all.'What a sacrifice Christ was and what a response we need to give.

Verse of the day: 1 Peter 3 v 18

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for the grace and sacrifice He has given us. Praise the Lord for our sins being dealt with and the hope we have. Pray for the chemotherapy to work believing and humbly by the mighty hand of God and for Him to heal me of this cancer. Pray for a good nights sleep and for us to be able to feel refreshed in the morning. Pray for God to take the chest infection. Pray for our families as they walk with the Lord through this. Pray for people to realise their need of Christ this Easter.

Thursday 21st February - Praise the Lord

Good afternoon. We have had a really lovely day and have been able to enjoy the sunshine too. We went to the doctors this morning to have a few things checked. The doctor said I have the start of a chest infection and so I am on antibiotics. The other day I found floaters in my eyes and new lumps and these really worried me but the doctor said she thinks the lumps are glands due to the infection and the eyes although she cannot totally rule anything out she thinks they are not serious. I had prayed God would speak to us through her and this really reassured me. We have then this afternoon been out for lunch and shopping with my mum and bought birthday presents for next week.

Psalm 9 says 'The Lord reigns forever; He has established his throne for judgement. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the people with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed and a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing the praises of the Lord enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what He has done.' I know today has been a good day and so may seem easier to proclaim His name but I want to praise the Lord and all that He has done. I am sorry for not being the servant I should or could be.

Verse of the day: Ephesians 6

Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for all He has done and for the grace we have. Pray for God to take the cancer from my body. Pray for our bodies to be upheld and for us to be able to rest. Pray for our families that they would know the strength of the Lord too. Pray for people to come to Christ.

Wednesday 20th April - Death has lost it's sting

Good evening we have had a good day and have done lots during the day. We both slept well and woke up feeling refreshed. Anne has been in work just for a day to see her colleagues in the new school building they have got. I have started my target talk, had a friend around for coffee and also we have done a BBQ this evening with some friends, taking advantage of the nice weather. I have found the last couple of days quite hard after finding the new symptoms and would really value prayer for the strength of the Lord.

Paul in 1 Corinthians says 'I declare to you brothers and sisters that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep but we will all be changed in a flash, in a twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed and the mortal with immortality then the saying that is written will come true "Death has been swallowed up in victory.' Death no longer has the sting it once had and in believing in Christ I have been clothed with immortality, praise the Lord. I am sitting here and I really just want people to give their lives unto Christ, I plead as this life will end at some point.

Verse of the day: Romans 8 v 38 - 39

Prayer of the day: Pray for God to be with us continually and to give us the strength to deal with the situation we are in. Pray that 'death has been swallowed up in victory' to be real in our lives. Pray for God to take this from my body by His mighty hand. Pray for our families that they would know the tangible presence of the Lord at this difficult time. Pray for people to be saved and for them to come to know the Lord.

Tuesday 19th April - Fulfilment

Good evening we have had a mixed day and one where I have really needed to trust the Lord. We both were up early and got on with things. We were able to take things slowly and Anne really took advantage of the sun and has done lots in the garden. This afternoon we both spent time relaxing in the garden and I listened to a sermon. We then went shopping and have spent the evening relaxing. I did though find a new very small lump and awoke with coughing up phloem. I have also had some eye problems. I found all these really hard to deal with and emotionally felt like we have lost the battle.

God has used people and His word to keep me strong though. I was listening to a sermon on Habakkuk 1 today all about how our culture does not fulfill what it claims too, yet God's word fulfills what it says. Peter in 1 Peter says 'therefore with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.' This world offers so much and yet delivers so little whereas people are so ignorant of the Lord yet He offers so much.

Verse of the day : Habakkuk 1

Prayer of the day: Pray for God to be with us in the midst of our situation and for Him to be our rock. Pray for my mental attitude towards the Lord will be to rely upon him alone. Pray in His mercy that the Lord would take this cancer from my body and restore me to full health. Pray for our rest and for us to sleep well leaving us physically refreshed. Pray for our families that they would also know the presence of the Lord during this difficult time. Pray for people to realise their need of the Lord and this world will leave them fruitless.

Monday 18th April - Daniel

In going through what we have you realise what becomes important and essential to life. We all read newspapers that show how people live for 'the lottery win', sex, power and for themselves. When death is placed at your door you realise your true need of one thing alone, Jesus Christ. People since I became a Christian have said to me "how can you believe that?", "what a crutch", "I will do it when I need to". I would say "is this it?". If life on this earth is all there is then we are living a very sad existence. This week is the lead up to Easter when Christ died for our sins. That is what life in this world is for, the next life. I am doing a talk at a camp in a few weeks on Daniel 2. I love Daniel's attitude, no matter what he serves and loves the Lord. In the middle of the passage Daniel in v 20 -23 says 'Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power.' Daniel has his life threatened by a fiery furnace, lawmakers and a lion's den, yet he still says praise be to God and he still trusts Him. I want to do the same and have the same attitude. Verse of the day: Daniel 4 (Nebuchadnezzar realises the might of the Lord) Prayer of the day: Pray for our attitude to be like that of Daniel and for us to praise the Lord in our circumstance. Pray for the Lord's peace, strength and Holy Spirit to be with us during this time. Pray for my body that the Lord would take the cancer from my body and for us to be patient if this is His will. Pray for our bodies to be upheld and for us to be able to enjoy each day we have. Pray for our families who are walking with us during this journey. Pray for people to come to Christ during this week of Easter.

Sunday 17th April - Palm Sunday

Good afternoon. We have had a really nice day so far and we are enjoying the sunshine. We both have once again slept well and the Lord has really answered prayer over the last few days. It has meant I am feeling much better physically than at the start of the week. It was a real blessing to go to church this morning and be with God's people and then Anne's brother and wife came for lunch and it was great to be able to sit outside to eat. We then have enjoyed a restful Sunday afternoon. I was listening to the radio this morning based around Palm Sunday. Jesus knew he had to go to his death. Matthew 26 v 17- 20 says 'Now on the first day of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus saying "where will you have us prepare for you to eat the passover." He said, go into the city to a certain man and say to him, The teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the passover at your house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus directed them and they prepared the Passover.' Jesus knew arriving in Jerusalem would mean He would have to go to the cross, He is the light that destroys the darkness and He will once again come back and will be accepted as king like he was on Palm Sunday. Verse of the day: Philippians 3 v 9 - 11 Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for Jesus Christ and Him being the King of Kings. Praise the Lord for the family of God and for the church. Pray for the Lord to take this cancer from my body by His mighty hand. Pray for our rest and for us to be wise in when we do things and when we don't. Pray for our families that they would know the peace of God during this difficult situation. Pray for this week that people would come to see what Christ did for them at the cross.

Saturday 16th April - Christ is alive.

Good evening. We have had a really nice relaxed day and we are feeling a lot better physically and mentally. We both slept really well and have had a nice relaxed morning pottering around the house. We have had Anne's brother and wife come for lunch and the afternoon. We were well enough to go for a walk and play games. We then have watched some sport, had tea and are now relaxing watching TV. We are looking forward to church tomorrow and praying for another restful night's sleep. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 v 19 - 23 says 'If in Christ we have hope in this life only we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death by a man has also come the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die so in Christ also shall all be made alive. But each in his own order : Christ the first fruits then at His coming those who belong to Christ'. A lot of people say this life is all there is but how futile and disappointing it would be if our world was all there is, the pain, suffering and sin. Christ has provided a greater hope and we can have eternal life if we believe in Him. Believe in Him! Verse of the day: Revelation 21 v 19-21 Prayer of the day: Pray for us to have the hope of Christ in our hearts and for His spirit to be our strength and minister. Pray for the Lord to take this cancer from my body and for Him in His mercy to hear our prayers. Pray for our sleep and rest to be excellent and for us to be able to go to church tomorrow. Pray for our families and the strain my illness places upon them. Pray for people to turn to the only living hope - Christ.

Friday 15th April - Justified by God

Good evening. We have had a good day and are both feeling a lot better both mentally and physically than we were at the start of the week. We both slept most of the night through, awaking this morning well rested. We have both met people for coffee this afternoon and have then had friends for coffee and dinner this evening, which was lovely. We are now resting this evening and are going to take it slower ready for Anne's brother coming to visit tomorrow. Paul in Romans 3 v21 -27 says 'the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the the one who has faith in Jesus.' As Paul says we are all sinners and need the cross of Christ to give us the righteousness of God. He has dealt with our sins and we are justified by the act of Christ. We can only gain righteousness through faith and our faith leads to eternal life. In this fallen world we need a hope to cling to and a reason to live during this life. Verse of the day: Romans 2 v 12 Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord for His justifying of our faith and for our sins being dealt with through the cross of Christ. Pray for the success of the chemotherapy, radiotherapy and for the Lord to take this cancer from my body. Pray for us once again to sleep well and for our bodies to be well rested. Pray for our families as they walk this path with us and for the Lord to be their rock in all they need. Pray for our witness to other people.

Thursday 14th April - He is risen

Good evening. We have gone through the second bout of chemotherapy today and it seems to have gone well. I am feeling strong and have started a new drug for my back which seems to be working as I slept very well last night. I was once again sick before the chemotherapy but I am feeling much stronger now. My mum came across to support us and it was really great to catch up and also tell her about Disneyland and the fun that we had. We are going to try and rest tonight and have a an early night in bed to rest. Hope in the Lord and the salvation He brings is one of the most important things. Mark 16 v 4-6 says 'But when they looked up they saw that the stone which was very large had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side and they were alarmed. 'Do not be alarmed' he said you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.' There is so much evidence of Christ's resurrection and He is risen. He died and rose again for us. Verse of the day: Philippians 1 Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for Christ and for His death and resurrection. Pray for the success of the chemotherapy and for the Lord to take this cancer from us. Pray for our bodies and for us to be able to rest and recuperate. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their strength and rock during this difficult time. Pray for people to see Christ for who He is.

Wednesday 13th April - All knowing Lord

Good afternoon. I thought I would write the blog earlier than I usually do to update people about how we are feeling and to let people know the time of my chemotherapy tomorrow. We are both feeling better today not 100% but we have both slept well and have rested this morning and so we are feeling stronger. My chemotherapy, round 2 is tomorrow at 2:15pm and this will again last just over an hour. This afternoon we are going to rest, we have to go to the hospital for a blood test to see whether I am OK to undergo the chemotherapy - please can people pray this test comes out OK. God has been with us and us feeling better is an answer to prayer again. Psalm 139 says 'You have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty to attain'. God knows all things before we do and His will is a blessing and we should pray for it in our lives. He sustains us and keeps us. Verse of the day: Romans 2 Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord for His character and for Him protecting us and sustaining us. Pray for the chemotherapy tomorrow that it goes well and that it kills the cancer cells through the Lord via a miracle. Pray for our bodies to continue to recuperate and for the rest we have to be blessed by the Lord. Pray for our families that the Lord will strengthen them and sustain them through this process too. Pray for people to realise their need of Christ and to put off their own desires.