The Lord who Rescues “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.. Psalm 107:2 In 1987, Debbie & I had been married only 6 years and our son Russell was four, when we were shocked to learn I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After 50 radiation therapy sessions the cancer went into remission. Debbie & I were overjoyed with the life-giving news. In early 1988, I returned to duty as a Manhattan Beach, CA Police officer as Debbie continued as Manager with the Animal House pet shop in Torrance. Debbie & I and Russell received a second chance at being family. Yet the restlessness which began in me at diagnosis of cancer continued after the news of remission. Debbie & I decided we would get a fresh start at life by moving. In December 1988, Debbie & I and Russell moved to Poway, CA, and into an historic ranch home on 4 wide-open acres of beautiful land. Debbie, 3 months pregnant with Trevor, immediately secured employment at a local animal hospital. Three months later I continued my Police service with the City of Escondido, CA. On May 24th, 1989 Debbie & I and our son Russell were thrilled at the birth of our 2nd son Trevor. And within one month Debbie & I received devastating news the cancer was back. I began Chemotherapy, treatment I had falsely understood was given only to allow cancer patients to live a few extra months, and I therefore grew depressed. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” Isaiah 42:3 Meanwhile, the Lord was working powerfully to show Himself to Debbie & I even though we weren’t acknowledging His presence in our lives. Seeing Debbie was under the great stress of caring for her ill husband and two young children all while working full-time, a Disciple who was a co-worker of Debbie’s began reaching out to her. This as Debbie was having those ‘I feel like running away’ thoughts. Thus Debbie prayed to God: ‘please take this heavy burden from me‘, and I’ll follow you for the rest of my life. The next day at work she told her co-worker she was coming with her to Bible Talk and church. Debbie immediately began to attend Bible Talk and Sunday services, bringing with her our sons Russell & Trevor. Concerned about leaving me home alone in my depression, Debbie soon began bringing me along too. During this time members of the Bible Talk continued to unconditionally love and serve our family. In December 1989, I was deemed to be in remission. The news of remission was bittersweet. For many months of cognitive therapy and taking anti-depressants hadn’t been successful in lifting my dark depression. Simultaneously Debbie continued to study the Bible and she was Baptized, March 10th, 1990. Debbie now armed with the Holy Spirit sought out the counsel of her Brothers & Sisters in Christ. They agreed with my Physician’s recommendation that ECT (Electro-Convulsive-Therapy) was the only option left to lift my life-threatening depression. Thus I underwent ECT. Within weeks I had what Debbie & I call ‘an awakening’; the depression was gone. I soon began to study the Bible. Then on June 28th, 1990 I was Baptized into Christ. Debbie & I were overjoyed to be united in Christ. Looking back Debbie & I see clearly how God demonstrated His unfailing love by relocating our young family to San Diego County, guiding us through our experiences with cancer and providing a group of Disciples of Christ ready and willing to share with us not only their lives, but the gospel as well. Debbie and I are grateful for the many times the Lord has rescued us and how he saved of our souls. “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 17:35:10 +0000
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