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It was January, 2003 when a Colonoscopy procedure revealed that I had Colon Cancer. On February 14 a cancerous tumor and 12 lymph nodes of which four were malignant were removed at the Texas Cancer Center of Arlington, Texas where I spent over two weeks.
A serious infection made a second surgery necessary. Another week was spent in a hospital, this time the Medical City of Dallas where longtime family friend Dr. Ramón Quiñonez picked up my case during some very trying times. I have since been improving and it appears that we can look towards the next several days for my incision to heal. I will then submit to a Chemotherapy program consisting of six months once the program is begun. I will be free to minister as the Lord allows when I am not undergoing therapy and my strength permits. Our sincere thanks go to the Medical team that has been diligent in attending to my needs.
His right hand has sustained me for which we give thanks. The journey has been challenging. Your prayers, visits, calls, email letters and other contacts have been a source of encouragement to my family and me. Some have sent love offerings for our ministry. Our few regular contributors have been faithful in sending your regular gifts. These have been a blessing during these times when we generate little or no income. I must tell you that we have wanted for nothing. Our church and pastor Domingo Ozuna in Grand Prairie have most graciously been by our side. Men in the church have assisted me in my daily exercises and other personal needs and the ladies have assisted my wife in her home needs. Those with whom I had been committed for meetings have been understanding as we made quick adjustments with the least inconvenience to all concerned. Thank you all a thousand times.
We have been blessed with Contacts from the SBTC Staff, the SBC Executive Committee and agencies, from Lifeway Christian Resources, from Seminary Presidents, from long-time friends as well as new friends, from brethren related to the BGCT and who are dear to our hearts, and many others, have sustained us during these trying times. To my colleagues in Evangelism from Texas and throughout the SBC, my, what a blessing you have been to us. Thank you dearly beloved.
Easter Sunday another miracle occurred when I was able to return to the pulpit for the first time in four months. Although I have been homebound, I recovered enough strength to preach under our tent in Bonham to a crowd representing Hispanic Baptist churches from throughout the North Texas area. At altar call 16 year-old Eilene Reyes, daughter of Mrs. Gracie Reyes who had volunteered to serve as my private nurse during the Crusade asked Christ into her heart. Although Mrs. Reyes had been a Christian only two years herself, she delivered a powerful testimony prior to my message. Had Eilene been the only convert during the meeting it would have been worth it all. Yet others had come as our son Ruben preached the first two services in my place prior to flying to China on Special assignment. Mario, taken to the Crusade from Durant Oklahoma, also accepted Christ. One doesn’t know how far the Lord will reach out to bring men and women to himself.
Please continue to pray that I might be able to respond to the different aspects of the recovery procedure.
Thank God we can anchor ourselves on THE ROCK. Our love for our precious Lord has increased during these days of prayer and reflection. He is what he says he is and does what he says he will do. I cannot but bow down in lowly, yet manly reverence before him who paid the supreme price for our redemption. And we thank him for giving us brothers and sisters like you, especially during these challenging times.
We thank those of you who, having heard of our physical challenges have stayed in touch with us during this journey. Your contacts have been so much appreciated. It would be impossible for us to personally write each of you as you deserve. Please accept this as our grateful response to your many expressions of love and commitments of prayer on our behalf.
