Greetings again Family & Friends,
So much has transpired since I wrote the last post. I hardly know where to begin? I will have to touch on the very basics and hope later I will be able to go into detail. Please though if you have comments or questions, leave them or get a hold of us so we can share more thoroughly on these updates.
Today is Oct. 6th and we are doing the usual things like digging the sweet potatoes and winding up all things in the garden and such, but this fall things are very different and we are going in a very different direction from where it seemed we were headed in our Spring post.
On 6-29 Frank was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil & soft palate. This was a real shock to us as he does not live a lifestyle that would be conducive, physically to cancer of the throat. Immediately we began to research for the alternative therapies that would be appropriate for this diagnosis. He also began a rigorous nutrition and health regime, paying close attention to the needs of his body in regards to redirecting his immune system to do what it was created to do. By his overall appearance, he is a picture of health, lots of energy, eating well and sleeping well. In fact since this diet change and a very potent immune charging supplement that he is taking, I have noticed that his sleep is peaceful and he hardly snores anymore!!
Emotionally as you can imagine we've had our ups & downs, spiritually too. Satan is right there to insert fear into every situation possible, especially in the face of a diagnosis such as cancer. Just the word,"cancer", grips most people with fear, fear of death, fear of disfigurement, fear of being sick, fear of loss, fear, fear, fear! "For God has not given us the spirit of fear , but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 11 Tim. 1:7 Consequently most people make their decisions based on fear. As believers we are to make our decisions based on the Word of God, which is the absolute truth and Beautiful for all situations!
Those of you that know Frank, realize that he uses this condition as a "springboard" to share with others about the Hope of the Gospel. He has often ministered to folks who were sick themselves or with loved ones ill, now he is on the other side of this, ministering from the place of hope and peace that he is himself experiencing, and day by day is growing into a more perfect relationship with his "Abba" Father.
As Frank is a Vietnam veteran, he has jumped through the hoops of the doctors and diagnostic tests at the Va. hosp. in Nashville to understand the perameters of this thing, trying to get somekind of bench mark. As far as we know the supplements and diet he is on is "maintaining" him and strengthening him in some areas, yet by the pet/ct scans things are proliferating. We are about to talk with a surgeon who is a believer and skilled in trans oral lazer micro surgery to remove the primary tumor/lesion and we'll have to discuss what else to do concerning the lymph nodes in the neck that have been affected. We do not feel peaceful in any way about conventional chemo.
In Aug. Frank went to the boat in New Bern, NC. with Hannah Joy our 13 soon to be 14 yr old and 8yr old Christopher. He was thinking he would have to move it to a better place to weather a hurricane, he was still unsure what he was supposed to do with the boat and he needed to see the condition it was in after sitting in the marina slip for so long. Everyone at the marina from dockmaster to the diver that checked the bottom was amazed at its near perfect condition. The bottom of the boat was not all covered with slime and barnacles as expected! While he was there he was able with the help of friends and brothers in the Lord to do a bit of maintainance and repair. He met a marine electrician who was very interested in Frank's story and vision for using the boat in ministry. He offered to help Frank with the renovation of the boat's outdated system and donated 16yds of 60" sunbrella canvas for awnings and sailcovers! Frank was really encouraged while there and the "vision" to use the boat with the family was renewed. Many folks came to visit him there at the dock and he was able to share alot. An old friend of his from some 25-30yrs back encouraged him to rework the boat just enough to, meet our needs and take off with the family, as opposed to getting too detailed with restoration projects as some would do.
So as the Lord directs our steps little by little we are aiming in that direction. We were thinking to get aboard, do the neccessary things like putting in a propane stove and rebuilding the head. Another generous family that we have known for many years since our boat ministry days in Marathon, Fla. Keys, is donating, a boat refridgeration system! After these installations and preparation we would ,Yahweh willing, head south for the winter months! Now these are big plans and we always have to keep in the forefront that" the mind of man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps."Prov. 16: 9 .
We have registered our whole family for another conference at the "Be in Health"ministry out of Pleasant Valley Church , south of Atlanta. They have a great "equipping" ministry for the Body of Christ. We encourage you to check it out. Pastor Henry Wright also has a book called " A More Excellent Way" which covers the topics in the conference, Spiritual roots to disease and dysfunction in the body and relationships and as you all know, None of us is exempt!
On Sept. 9 our oldest Julia Ann departed Nashville for Tel Aviv, Israel. Her passport came at the 11th Hour. We picked up the overnighted passport at the Fed Ex building a few miles from the airport. Yahweh honored her faith in Him and her submitted attitude in His plan for her, however that worked out. We are learning alot about a life of obedience from our precious 18yr. old missionary! She is based out of Samaria,"the west bank" and they, the team is harvesting many tons of grapes! They have worked in some olive groves and in the homes of the Israeli's the are ministering to and in the homes of Jewish believers in that area. Presently they are celebrating "Sukkot" "The Feast of Tabernacles" from a rooftop in Jerusalem, with a view of the Temple Mount and the Tower of David. Today the went to the Souk, The open air market. Lord willing we expect her home Nov. 9th. What a great experience in the Land! Here is a link to her Blog,
http://www.loverofzion.blogspot.com/On the homefront, we are fellowshipping with 2 new families that have recently moved into our neighborhood. One family has 8 children and the other , 11! We gather for Shabbat, meals, work, worship and for studying the Word of God together from a Hebraic focus. We are always learning new insights into the scriptures that always help us to better appreciate the Love and Provision of our Heavenly Father, the Preciousness and relevance of His Holy Word, the dynamic ministry of the Holy Spirit and the depth of the atoning work of the Son of Righteousness, Yeshua Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord!
Frank has not been working his regular job of construction so he could better focus on taking care of his health. He has been going thru some old farm tools and selling them and also has taken on a temporary mini side business of buying old treadle sewing machines, cleaning them up and selling them. God has been very gracious to us through the gifts and supply from many in His Body. We are sooooo grateful for every kind word, helpful counsel, sharing of information, letters, calls and e-mails. The Father has lavished His love on us through His Saints for which we are humbly grateful. Thankyou for your faithful prayers, please keep praying for His abundant Mercy, We love you all!!!
Lesley for Frank and the whole Gospel Ship Ministry Crew