So, many of you know about my husband's cancer situation, so I won't bore you with the details of that. I am having a party for him, prior to his surgery, so folks who know and love him can come and visit, party, just have a good time. I have asked a couple of folks to hold a healing prayer for him during the party. THIS is my dilemma: The two I asked, independently, both e-mailed back, saying they were honored to do this for him. This was a couple of weeks ago.

Wednesday they called him to meet with them, and then told him they wouldn't do the prayer, because it would be "a spectacle". Yes, a "SPECTACLE". Dave was in the middle of his 3-day chemo treatment at the time, and carrying his treatment pump with him, but did they care about that? No. Did they care that he was in the middle of terrible side effects and feeling horribly physically? No. They were more concerned about THEIR potential embarrassment at having to say a prayer for him publicly. They not only insulted Dave by saying this, but also every single soul that has ever and would ever say a healing prayer publicly, including Christ Himself. These people are supposedly Christians, as elders and councilmen for the church I attend.

Did they come to me and gracefully back out, stating uncomfortableness? No. Would I have had a problem with it if they had? No. Not a bit. There are lots who are uncomfortable with public speaking. Instead, they chose to drag a sick man to them, insult him, repeatedly saying how much of a "spectacle" this would be. You can imagine how hurt Dave was over this. It is not enough he must deal with this cancer and all the "joys" that go with it. They must corner him, then nail him.

I have since asked a couple of other folks to lead the prayer, who have graciously agreed, and will provide an awesome experience. I cannot thank them enough for this.

Now tomorrow is Sunday, and I am trying to decide whether to go to church and call these two souls out on this. I have yet to see them or talk to them, and I have to admit I am LIVID. The church as a whole has been invited to participate in the party, and they prayer has been offered to all who would like healing. This prayer is a simple, heart-felt offering by whomever wishes to speak, asking for healing for the afflicted, who are present. That's it. Period. Simple. Why has it become about these two people? I will not allow them on my property, for fear of them hurling more insults at my husband.

So, what do I do, if anything? I feel the church itself should know what is going on, and that these two are representing it. We do not have a pastor, they have fired the last one. I need help with this, I am beyond words. I am afraid if I speak, all kinds of horrible things will come out.

So many of you have blessed me with your words of wisdom and kindness, maybe you can offer some advice. The party is on the 8th of this month, so there is only one Sunday, tomorrow, in which to call them out publicly. I am also concerned if I don't show up tomorrow, they will say the party is called off, or something else that is untrue. As it stands now, neither my husband or myself wish to continue attending this church as long as they are in charge.

If you can offer any suggestions, please do.

Also, our party starts at 4pm Pacific Time, would you please offer up a prayer for healing of my husband, if you are so inclined? We would be most grateful. Again I thank all of you for your heart-felt support and love. I will forever be in your debt.

Jenifer

@Kate_UK@borg/assimilated

Ok. You did it again. Get the tissues....... unmentionable sound.

You guys are soooo awesome. Just so awesome. Thank you!

So the party went very well, and even the 2 "rudies" were well behaved! And quiet and respectful, for the most part, even though they were too chicken to face me! We had about 25 folks, young and old, who came and had a great time, a few tears, lots of food and fun with the yard games...including "combat croquet"...you gotta try it!!!!

Dave's last chemo before surgery is this coming week, and he has a bad hand infection. Hopefully we can get that addressed tomorrow morning. Then, come September - and we don't yet know the date - is the surgery. He's doing well, but frail-looking, and, of course, fatigued. This last chemo will have one less drug, so maybe that will ease up on some of the side effects. Hope so.

I thank you all for your continuing prayers, and VERY helpful advice! I will keep you up to date as things progress. May the Good Lord truly bless all of you and all you do.....love, Jenifer

I'm late to the party, and can't think of a thing to add to all the advice you've already received. I did want you to know that you and your husband continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and will continue to be. Praying without ceasing.......

Thank you, you are so sweet! Dave's last chemo treatment until after surgery, began this morning. His white blood count is on the low side of normal, so he will have a shot for that on Friday, after the rest of the chemo is finished. His blood pressure is higher than we'd like, but that may be "white-coat" syndrome. Little nausea (YAY!), and it appears the Avastin causes the dryness which in turn causes the nose-bleeds. None of that this treatment, as he needs to stop that one 4-6 weeks prior to surgery (for the bleeding). We're on board for scheduling the PET scan and meeting with the surgeon in the next 2 weeks. We head to Montana for his annual law enforcement refresher next week, so a little break for me!!! I get to go with!!! YAY! House and dog sitter are in place, and Lord willing, all will be peaceful and calm!!!

I got him some dark chocolate covered walnuts and WOW are those good! He has a huge milkshake everyday, and is thoroughly sick of them! Gotta find fattening treats for him, but it is a challenge. He is maintaining the weight he is at, but it is hard! I don't seem to have that problem! I am happy to stay where I am at. These next couple of weeks will be crazy, so I'll try hard to keep in touch. Thanks, all for your prayers, we sure appreciate them!!!