A Feeling

One of my family’s favorite movies is Lord of the Rings. It begins with these words: “The world has changed. I feel it in the water. I sense it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost.” In regard to my health, at this point, I think I could say something similar: My body has changed. I feel it in the water. I sense it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost.

Up until now, most of my cancer symptoms have not been major. But with 2 large, growing tumors and multiple cancer metastasis, it’s hard to foresee how much longer this can continue. There have been indicators in recent weeks that my body is on the verge of experiencing significant complications. I may be wrong, but “I feel it in the water…” Much of what I used to do, is lost. My anemia and compromised lungs limit my breathing and endurance. My eye disease limits my vision. My large tumors limit my movements.

But I’m not complaining. When I returned from the Philippines exactly 4 years ago today, I didn’t think I would live another 4 months. But, like an old car about to run out of gas, I’m still sputtering along, doing what I can to help others along the way. My eagerness for heaven has grown. My love for the Lord has deepened. My joy in the Lord has increased. I can still sing with anticipation, “When I die, Hallelujah by and by; I’ll fly away.”

One thing I still feel, that has not changed, is my burden for the lost - those who don’t treasure Jesus Christ. I still remember a pivotal Sunday afternoon in 1981. I was a single volunteer on the Philippine island of Mindanao, on my way to share a gospel message to a group of farmers. The day was hot, the road was dusty, and the walk to the farm was long. As the dirty, smelly farmers entered the little bamboo house, the Lord spoke to me, “Mark, this is what I want you to do the rest of your life.”

My body has now changed but my calling has not. It’s frustrating for me not to have the strength and means to express my calling in more meaningful ways. I miss my brothers and sisters in the Philippines and the task of church planting. About the best I can do now is challenge each of us to remember that the Great Commission Jesus gave wasn’t just for His disciples, or for missionaries, but for all of us – God’s Church. Please click and watch this 2½ minute video and welcome the opportunity to pray, give, and/or go as the Lord leads.