“I believe that I will live to see the LORD’s goodness in this present life. Trust in the LORD. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the LORD.” — Psalm 27:13-14
There is a Nigerian proverb that my wife and I learned while working with partners from that country providing audio Bibles to people in remote villages:
“God is good all the time. All the time God is good!”
I was diagnosed on July 4th of 2021 with Stage III esophageal cancer. Needless to say, even though I am a retired pastor, I thought I was in fairly good health. So, naturally, I was shocked! “Lord, where are you in all of this? Will I survive? How much time do I have left to serve you? Will I be able to physically remain relevant and active? Are there treatments that are effective? What are the side effects? How will my family process this?” I needed a response from our heavenly Father.
Well, I believe it came just two days later through a reading from God’s word of a well known psalm of David which starts out triumphantly, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid” (27:1), and it ends in the same manner, “I believe that I will live to see the LORD’s goodness in this present life. Trust in the LORD. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the LORD” (27:13-14). We have held on to those promises every day.
After six weeks of chemotherapy and 28 radiation treatments, a scan revealed that the tumor in my esophagus, where it attaches to the stomach, had been reduced 85% and the accompanying cancerous lymph nodes that made the cancer Stage III, were destroyed and there was no sign of metastasis. Yes, “God is good all the time!”
Why am I telling you this? Because not only do we want you to know how great our God is so that you can rejoice with us, but to let you know that our desire as a retired Pastor and his wife, is to begin a ministry to bring hope and encouragement to those around us who may also be facing the threat and fear of cancer. Empathy, we believe is better than sympathy.
My wife Dorothy is also a cancer survivor, as is our middle daughter and we know the many thoughts, questions and emotions that commonly go through the mind, soul and spirit in such circumstances. We believe we can be a support in someone’s life “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). But we need your help.
First, if there are those in your sphere of influence who are facing the challenge of cancer, would you forward this message to them or, with their permission, let us know who they are and we will gently contact them and stand with them by offering our help and excellent Christian resources in their area of struggle. We know from our experiences that having someone come along side can make a tremendous difference.
Second, perhaps you also know of individuals who have experienced cancer and are now survivors. We would love to encourage them to help us, for the need is great.
Third, if you would like to join our intercessory prayer team for those who have cancer, please let us know. Prayer is our greatest weapon against this disease.
If any of the above would like to contact us directly, here is the information to do that:
Pastor Don and Dorothy Kimbro
dokimbro@aol.com
505-228-4038
Thank you for considering our request. Time is of the essence. We would also appreciate your prayers for this ministry of outreach and assistance to those who would welcome our help, at a most difficult time in their lives. God’s richest blessings to you and your family. Maranatha!
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through
Him who loved us. — Romans 8:37
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