While most of us in SC were sleeping last night, in Germany the sun was coming up and our daughter was going into surgery. Jacqueline’s surgery went as planned and she is doing well. The doctors feel good that the margins of the tissue removed will be cancer free, but as always we must wait for the pathology report to confirm it. Monieca stayed with the grandchildren while Evan accompanied Jacqueline to the hospital.
As I mentioned in last night’s post regarding Sunday’s highlights, countless people have communicated to me that they are praying for Jacqueline and our family. I received several messages via text and email during the night from people who were up praying because they knew she was in surgery at that very moment. Each and every prayer is appreciated.
Jacqueline still has a difficult few months in front of her with chemo and radiation, as well as adjusting to her new reality. On top of that is the move early next year from Italy back to the USA. While she is happy to be coming home, she will miss Italy and will not be able to say goodbye the way she had hoped or do some of the things she had wanted before leaving. On top of that is the stress of packing and moving, all while recovering from surgery and facing upcoming treatments. Liam is five and his year of kindergarten has been interrupted. Your continued prayers will be greatly needed and appreciated.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege of watching God’s people be there for one another so many times. It never surprises me. I’ve also seen people experience sickness and death who were not part of God’s family and were not plugged into a local body of believers known as a New Testament Church. Those persons don’t realize what they’re missing.
In I Peter 2:9-10 the Bible tells us that God has made those of us who follow Jesus Christ to become a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession… for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God.” Each of those is a beautiful analogy describing the reality that we are family and He is our Father. Not because we are fellow human beings, but because we are spiritually born again into the family of God. Our bond is deeper than mere flesh and blood. It is animated by more than mere sentiment and emotion.
If anyone reading this is not consistently plugged into a Sunday School class or Connect Group at FBC I urge you to get out of bed next Sunday morning in time to make it to both Sunday School and worship. You need to strengthen your bond with your Family of Faith. You never know when you will need your Christian family. So don’t be a stranger.
God bless you.
Pastor Steve Hogg
Frankie McConnell says
I have been praying for Jacqueline and your family since I first learned of her cancer. Just wanted you to know those prayers are continuing! God bless and comfort all of you during this stressful and trying time. I truly know how He can give you a supernatural comfort and sense of peace in the worst of trials and I pray that for all of you, especially Jacqueline.
Love and prayers, Frankie
Pam Allemeier says
Praying for you all during this time but especially Jacqueline for her healing and adjustments she has to get use to. So glad Monica was able to be there with her and the grands. Continued prayers as she has to come back to the US and undergo treatments.
Jillian and Jeromy Young says
Steve- this is the first I have heard of this. I pray for healing for Jacqueline and your entire family.
Whitney Gilley says
Love and prayers sent your way! So glad to hear good news!! Praying for strength and a quick recovery! The Lord tells us he will only put on us what he knows we can endure. Jacqueline is one of his beautiful warriors and I know she will fine.
Cindy Davis says
Praying for all of you. I still think you of Jacqueline as that young teenage girl that spent a weekend with us along with four other girls and slipped into our bedroom to scare us. She is dear to my heart as is your entire family.
John Davis says
Prayers for your family in the days, weeks and months ahead during so much transition. I know that you’ll be bathed in prayer and God’s comfort.
Tim and Debbie Ivey says
So happy to hear that Jacqueline’s surgery went well. It is so evident that your family is loved so much and even though we are new to the church we can understand why. We will continue to lift Jacqueline and the family to our Lord in prayer. Hugs from Tim and Debbie Ivey
Sherry McElrath says
Steve and family – prayed for your Jacqueline and all the family several times yesterday, but especially at midnight last night. We love you all and are trusting with you for good results from a mighty God.
Janet Hall says
Praying for Jacqueline and all of you!!! I had no idea until this very moment.
Debi Gilley says
Praying and thanking God for a successful surgery and healing.
Carol Powell says
So glad to hear the surgery went well. Praying for jacqueline and her healing.
Sue Lewis says
You know our prayers are for each family member in this. So glad to have the confirmation that all is well from surgery. Prayed last night since she’d be going into surgery before we awoke this a.m. Love you and family members in Jesus Christ. Tuesday is HER day so you’d better believe she’ll have extra love in tomorrow’s prayers. Know Monieca is blessed to be there helping Jacqueline, Evan and the children get through this time.
Janie Collins says
Steve, so thankful that surgery went well. I know I am 2 hours away but I now am an 8 year survivor and if I can help at all please let me know. I also did chemo and radiation and would love to share or listen if Jacqueline needs someone who has gone through the same thing. God is good!
Kathy Troutman says
The Troutmans were praying and continue. Thank you for the update. We love all of your family. Let others support you and yours as you have always been there for others
Linda Herring says
So happy to hear the surgery went well! Our whole Sunday school class is praying for the whole family!
Gary and Janet Morris says
Prayers continue for all of you.
Tina says
Prayers for healing, strength, and peace. If there is anything I can do once back home, please let me know.
Kenny and Teresa Blackmon says
We have been praying for the entire family from the moment we heard about Jacqueline’s diagnosis. Please know that we will continue to lift the entire family up in prayer every day.
Debbie & Phil RIne says
Steve and Monieca,
I had already heard before reading this that the surgery was a success and was relieved. I know you both are glad this part of the journey is behind you. Cancer is a word we never ever want to hear regarding ourselves or our loved ones, but we all know it hits us and is never expected. Phil and I pray for you daily and feel so blessed to be a part of the FBC family of faith. Give Jacqueline a hug and let her know she is being prayed for by many brothers and sisters in Christ. With love….
June Hull says
So sorry to hear about Jacqueline’s diagnosis but glad to hear the surgery went well. As a cancer survivor, she is especially in my heart and prayers during the difficult days of treatment ahead but we Know God can bring her through this.
Jim and Chelsa Herron says
We continue to pray daily for the entire family.