Two weeks ago, we spent some time at New Passion focusing on Isaiah 7:14, where Jesus’ birth is foretold. It says that His name will be Immanuel which means ‘God is with Us.‘ Some of you may have been following the story of Matt Chandler, the lead pastor of the Village Church in Texas. He had a seizure on Thanksgiving morning and since then brain surgery where he found out he has a malignant tumor.
I was thinking today that the very hope that Matt needs rests in the simple promise of Jesus’ name…Immanuel, God is with us. I know that God is with Matt and his family, and by following his videos, tweets, and blogs, though this is an extremely difficult situation and trial, Matt continues to express his desire that this situation serves to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I thought on this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we could pause for just a moment and pray for Matt, has family, and his church; along with the medical team that will be carrying out the upcoming treatment (to begin in just days). Here is their battle plan and the team who will be working with Matt…I pulled this from their most recent blog post: Read over it and take a moment out of a busy couple of days to pray for them:
Let me start by saying, Thank You! The outpouring of love and prayers for my family and me has been so overwhelming that it has moved us to sobs. To see the tangible love of God for us in the saints has been overwhelming and a great comfort…Thanks.
Prognosis: Anaplastic oligodendroglioma
Battle Plan: Radiation and chemotherapy start on Dec. 29, bolstering my system with some homeopathic means.
Dec. 29 at 1 p.m.
Start radiation. This will continue every day for six weeks.
Chemo will be happening right along side of radiation and will go through February, and then we’ll take a four-week break, get an MRI and see where we stand.The players:
Dr. Karen Fink, neuro-oncologist – Dr. Fink is the quarterback for my team, and she happens to be the Peyton Manning of neuro-oncology. Please pray for her as she monitors my treatment and vitals through all of this. Pray for her wisdom and insight.
Dr. Scott Cheek, radiation oncologist – I enjoy Dr. Cheek very much. He has a refreshing and encouraging personality with a great sense of humor.
Dr. David Barnett, neuro-surgeon – David performed my brain surgery, and it was an amazing success. He is a man of great faith, and I have enjoyed getting to know him as a surgeon and a brother.
Dr. Hammon, homeopathic doctor – He’s working with my other doctors. I have been moved by everyone’s humility and willingness to hear from each other
Prayers:
- My doctors
- That God might glorify Himself in amazing ways through all of this
- The Village Church and our elders
- Complete healing
- Healthy appetite
- Protection from side effects of radiation
- Protection from side effects of chemotherapy
- Peace for my family…specifically my children and their salvation
- Audrey 7 yrs. old
- Reid 4 yrs. old
- Norah 6 ½ months
Christ is All,
Matt Chandler
