Dad, Cancer, Suffering and Healing

When talking with a close friend today about some of my recent Christian journey, my Dad briefly came up in the conversation. I was reminded of my Dad's recent battle with cancer, and how he allowed this season of suffering to transform his relationship with God and others. The following excerpts - taken from a sermon delivered in August 2007, after Dad's cancer had cleared - illustrate how Dad responded to the challenge of living with cancer. For me, these excerpts reveal a man of deep character, who has faithfully walked with God for about sixty years; and whom God has used to touch many lives. When God brings all things to fufilment in Christ, many will be eternally grateful for this man. Dad - you have been (and still are) an awesome father, mentor and friend. I love you! Nathan.

If there is one word that would describe my response and personal feelings in this whole experience [of having cancer], it would be the word GRATITUDE. Gratitude first of all to God and then gratitude to people. Hence this service today to express that gratitude.

I thank God for the privilege of having had this cancer. In particular that it was Lymphatic Cancer, for as the surgeon explained, if it had been any other type, I would have been dead within two months. I didn’t think I would ever be saying, “Praise God, I’ve got Lymphatic Cancer.” Let me explain. The bible sees suffering for a Christian as a gift, a privilege. Paul writes in Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but suffer for his sake.” A Modern paraphrase of the bible puts it like this, “There’s also suffering for him. And this suffering is as much a gift as the trusting.”

Why has it been a privilege for me? There are several good reasons. First of all, the actual suffering has made more real to me the goodness and power of God. Secondly, God has made me see afresh the importance of people. That people are more important than things. To see people, including members of my own family, in a different light. To appreciate their ‘positives’ far more, and how God is working in and through them. Thirdly, to appreciate in a deeper way my own mortality, and the reality for the Christian of life after death.

I have a profound gratitude to God for Chrissie in this experience. Because in a very real way this journey along the Lymphatic Cancer Road, has been as much her journey as mine. To be frank, the journey without her companionship, emotional and practical support would have been extremely difficult. Sadly, for other cancer sufferers, their spouse or partner, for various reasons, has been unable to support this, and their journey has been a lonely and difficult one. I’ve been very fortunate.

I’m so grateful to God for a whole range of people, here, and in other parts of the world, who have helped Chrissie and me in our cancer road journey. Family, friends, fellow parishioners, ex-parishioners, nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, fellow model engineers, and a whole lot of people I don’t even know about. Each one of you here this morning has been part of that journey and I want to say a sincere thank you.

Two bible verses have meant much to me in my cancer journey. The first one says, That God will do exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think. Certainly that has proved true as regards my healing from cancer. The other verse is a promise given to Joshua when he took over leadership from Moses who had died. “As I was with Moses so I shall be with you.” I’ve claimed that as God’s promise to me too.

I’ve been journeying with Jesus almost sixty years. Apart from marrying Chrissie, the most important decision was to bring Jesus on board into my life. I can honestly say in all situations he’s turned up trumps. It doesn’t mean life has always been rosy, but it has meant he’s always been with me and seen me through. Peter Marshall of Man Called Peter fame had a prayer part of which goes like this:- “Our Christianity is no insurance policy against trouble but rather the guarantee that you will always be with us in the trouble.”

Let me close with a quote from a friend who has cancer. “I want to live while I’m dying. Not die while I’m living.”

Nathan's Birthday

A lovely week was capped off celebrating Nathan’s birthday. The pictures speak for themselves! He was truly blessed. Thank you to those who sent birthday wishes from NZ.

Now the “fun and games” begin as we enter the final weeks of the semester, finishing assignments, preparing for exams, etc. Please pray for us and our Regent friends!!!

Bronwyn's scrummy eats

Friends celebrating...

Trying to get a kiss on camera...

We did it!

Church and lunch with Bronwyn, April and Claire

US Thanksgiving

Thursday 22 November was US Thanksgiving. We were very privileged to be invited by our dear friend April from Regent to share Thanksgiving with her and some of her extended family.

On Wednesday we drove from Vancouver to Yakima, Washington. Along the way we stopped for lunch in Mount Vernon with Marq and Marlene (April’s friends), read some of the Old Testament (required reading for one of our courses), engaged in good conversation (talking is never difficult for some of us…), and admiring the scenery (which at times was breath taking). When we arrived Wednesday night we were a little tired, but started the festivities with a lovely dinner.

The next morning Bronwyn and April awoke early to cook the Thanksgiving turkey. In between bastings, we watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV. We then had a beautiful Thanksgiving lunch, with 23 people around the table! Amazing! (Mum McLellan – think those huge family Christmas Dinners!). As if the Thanksgiving Dinner wasn’t enough, before hitting the road on Friday morning, we were fortified by a scrummy breakfast! We would later need this for the longish border crossing

Such a treasured time for us both! People graciously opened their hearts and homes to us, especially Don and Julie (April’s Uncle and Aunt) with whom we stayed, and Florence (Don’s mother) who graciously hosted the festivities. We were so blessed to have been invited by April. We hope to one day return the blessings when she visits us in the Land of the Long White Cloud (NZ).

Here are some of our favourite pictures from the trip. The rest of the pictures can be seen on our web album: http://picasaweb.google.com/n.b.mclellan/ThanksgivingInYakima07

The Rev. Natasha Glenderran

Deacons in the Church of God serve in the name of Christ, and so remind the whole Church that serving is essential to all ministry. They have a special responsibility to ensure that those in need are cared for with Christlike compassion and humility. When called upon to do so, they may baptise, preach and give instruction in the faith. When the people are gathered for worship, deacons are authorised to read the Holy Scriptures, lead the prayers, and distribute the bread and wine of Holy Communion.

These words from the NZ Prayer Book would have been said to our friend Natasha, as she was ordained a deacon on Saturday 24 November. Because we both feel Natasha's journey to ordination has been partly our journey as well, a journey in which she has had to hold tenaciously on to God, we both felt sad that we were unable to be there. But we did share in her joy from a distance! We were also very pleased to see that someone had updated the name plate on her door to reflect her new 'reverential' status!

The other day in class, I (Nathan) took my pocket New Testament from my bag (yes - theological students do read the Bible!), where it fell open at the 'presentation' page. I was reminded that Natasha gave me this New Testament as a birthday presentation in 1999. This got me thinking about all the immense ways God has blessed Bron and me through Natasha. Natasha - you have been a loyal, wise, open and loving friend. We are both deeply grateful to God for you! And we both pray that as you enter this new phase in your ministry, that God will continue to richly bless others through you!