On a Personal Note... SURGERY scheduled for Tuesday, January 15.

Thanks again to all of you prayer warriors, who have been diligently offering up the 'prayer of faith' in agreement with my family and me for a miracle.

In my last update I passed on the not-so-encouraging information from my surgeon, who, in his professional opinion, will likely be unable to remove the tumor from my colon, due to the amount of tissue to which it has likely become attached. His only recourse is to perform a 'colonostomy' eliminating the immediate danger of severe restriction and perforation of the colon, but leaving me faced with yet a 'terminal' condition.

Please understand... My wife and I, along with several prayer partners, are praying AND BELIEVING for much better success, as we have much more to rely on than the professional skill and noble efforts of the surgeon. We do believe the "report" of the Lord so wonderfully spelled out in Isaiah 53---that He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquity, chastised for our peace, and by His stripes, we are healed. We have no problem with the team of surgeons and staff who have been, and continue to use, all their learned skill on my behalf, and that with much compassion as well. As a matter-of-fact we have much confidence in the accuracy of the surgeon's report, which simply states the details of my physical condition, along with the limitations of his ability to make me well. He has expressed no doubt that I CAN be healed... He only doubts his own ability to accomplish that feat. I have no problem with that, and my wife Joie and I are both very confident that this doctor will do what he promises and use all the time necessary and skill available to him to better explore his possibilities once surgery has gotten underway. And once he gets a better look at the situation, he will do absolutely everything he can, to completely remove the cancer.

Hospital staff from two major medical facilities tell me I have the best surgeon available for the task. He is a very successful colon specialist with an impeccable reputation. Still it comforts me even more to know that he will be dependent on the power and abilities of the 'Greatest Physician' and expects Him to be at his side as he fights to save my life. Of that, Joie and I also, have no doubt.

As for us, it doesn't really matter whether this turns out to be a completely successful removal of this demonic invader by the hands of the doctor, or the Lord simply removes it first, and the surgeon is but a mere witness, qualified to document the event... In either case it's going to take a miracle. But, once again, let me go on record... That is EXACTLY the kind of God we worship, serve, and believe in--the miracle working kind! The One who 'sent His Word and healed them, delivering them from their destruction!' And we are praising Him for that even now, with every fiber of our being (even that which will soon be removed)!

I want to add a special note of appreciation to those who have gone out of their way to come, visit, and personally lay hands on me--and for those who have stretched themselves financially to bless us that way as well. All of our needs are being met miraculously--never too early it seems, but always on time... Glory to God!

Another special thanks to our special friends, Bill and Janny Grein, who recently came all the way from Dallas, Texas (a very difficult trip for them as they face their own time of trial). Our visit with Bill and Janny was wonderful and refreshing, beyond words. God is so good!

May Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, richly bless all of you who have reached out to minister to one of 'the least of those, His brethren' according to the Word.
In doing so, you have ministered to Him. He will return abundantly!

God bless you! Thanks for being in agreement with me and believing with me. And "Thanks be unto God who ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2:14)

Eddie and Joie