Testimonials

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April 20

“When the forty days began, Brian was taking a ten-day course of antibiotics for a supposed abdominal infection. During the kick-off evening, Steve encouraged us to think about what we wanted God to do in us during the fast. I could think of any number of things God could accomplish. But I had no clear conception of what might at the top of His agenda. I just asked Him (not without some trepidation) to do whatever was needed to make me more like Him.

Five days later, after dropping Brian off at the ER, I sat at home praying they wouldn’t send him home without discovering the cause of his ongoing abdominal distress. By a series of seemingly divine interventions, a CT scan revealed a spot on Brian’s pancreas. The ER doctor referred us to Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, where the father of one of Brianna’s former classmates—a Christian—is an oncologist. I e-mailed his wife Sunday morning, just to let the doctor know we’d be contacting the cancer center on Monday. Sunday afternoon Dr. Lee called us at home and, over the next two weeks, ushered us through a series of tests and procedures at breathtaking speed.

The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was extraordinary in its early detection. Most people at this stage of the disease (somewhere between 2 and 3) have no symptoms; we thank God for the debilitating discomforts that led Brian to seek treatment.

Throughout the process we have been embraced and fortified by the love and prayers of our Ekklesia community group and the larger church family. I’m sure God could have accomplished the same things at any other time—nothing is outside His capabilities—but it has not escaped my notice that the people of Ekklesia were praying more than ever before during the time of Brian’s diagnosis and initial chemotherapy.

Far from knocking him down or shaking his faith, this experience has galvanized Brian’s determination to live intentionally for God’s glory. He has shed pursuits he perceives to have been distractions and seized opportunities to share his hope and help others grow in their understanding of God’s Word. He says he has not experienced a moment’s anxiety since receiving his diagnosis, and I can attest to that. Despite sleeplessness, ongoing discomfort, and fatigue, he has been more patient and good-natured than ever—and he has not lost his sense of humor.

As for me, various aspects of the forty days experience have led me to ask God to give me eyes to see. I don’t want to be blinded by trivialities to the colossal, transcendent story of which we are a part—one that encompasses and exceeds all of time, space, and history. Perhaps, like the universe, it is too big to see, but it is there—everywhere—nevertheless. I pray God will strengthen my belief in that truth and my earnest desire to be His instrument, even in small things, alongside all those engaged in advancing His kingdom.

Thank you to all of you—Ekklesia staff, leaders, and church family—for your comradeship and for spurring us on in this epic endeavor.”

March 14

“During this fast I have turned off and turned down distractions. So much peace! The peace and quiet has allowed me to hear what God has for me. He has told me to pray daily for my husband and to get up early (I am not a morning person) and pray for my family daily.
Thank you church for the weekly fasting emails. The worship has been so beautiful. To God be the glory!”

March 14

“God is helping me realize that He is truly in control, and that Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life. No matter the situation over these past couple weeks that others or I have faced, I have chosen to trust in God. While praying for the situation, I've chosen to give any doubt, worry, or frustration to God. In doing so, I have accepted that if things turn for the worst, it will all work out and be okay, because God is in control.
In Genesis God saw the world He created, and said it was very good. God has revealed to me how good this world truly is. He has given me the ability to see the goodness of His creation.
God is so good.”

February 27

- “We so quickly want out of our trials, even though it is producing faith and giving us more of Jesus.
- Know your Shepherd’s voice and hear what He has to say.
- Believers are a free people regardless of what worldly leaders do - He is using them to move His plan forward!
- Despite our feelings, God’s praise on our lips prepare us for the victory He wants to bring.”