The Lord has graciously given me enough strength to speak to you directly today. My first thoughts are all about your love and concern for me and my family. Your generosity has enabled my wife, Shelly, to be by my side here at Kaiser Moanaloa on Oahu. This has been a precious gift to me from you and for that I am forever thankful. "...two are better then one, for when one falls the other can help them up..." Ecc. As you know, we have taken an aggressive stance with the acute case of leukemia that I have. I could have decided to go home, receive some blood transfusions for a few months, but eventually, barring a miracle from God, go quietly into the night. But, collectively, we have all felt that the Lord can still use me...that 60 is to young to just lay it down...so we have taken the aggressive stance of a cure. Statistically, the only cure for what I have is Chemo/bone marrow transplant. As we all know by now, our first round of prayers that the initial chemo treatment would kill the cancer cells was answered with a disheartening "no." But, we have since rallied to attempt a second chemo treatment. The only problem has been a delay because of infection common to the reduced state of the bone marrow immunity production due to the chemo...it has been a battle of a lifetime, the depths of suffering to which I could not do justice with words. At each level of suffering, I found the Lord as my ultimate comfort, "...for when I am weak then HE is strong..." 2 Cor. I have come to the end of myself, yet as promised, the Lord has continually renewed my spirit. When we come to the end of ourselves, then we discover the faith hidden deep within our soul, a faith that has had years of a deep trusting relationship of the love that God has for us in Christ. My advice to all, is to continue laying your foundation deep into the ROCK, who is the lover of your soul, Jesus Christ, the living God, who gave his life for ours. My hope is in Him. Whether I remain for Him here on planet earth, or He takes me home, my life is in His hands. Today I will take some more tests to see if I am strong enough for the second chemo treatment.

My prayer needs are:
1. I would increase in neutraphyls
2. I would be healthy enough for the chemo induction
3. The 2nd chemo treatment would send the cancer into remission
4. I would be able to move toward the bone marrow transplant and being cured.

Regardless of the direction all this goes, I want you to know it has been my great pleasure and joy to serve the Body of Christ at Hope Chapel all these years! I pray for your continued growth in Christ, as you seek the knowledge of the Lord and as you serve Him with your lives.

To all my family, loved ones and friends, ...the sharing of your lives with me has been my life...I appreciate and love you for the unique creation God has made you to be, your laughter, concern, prayers, thoughts, your unique expression has enriched, fulfilled and really made my life experience absolutely wonderful! I am forever indebted to you for the life you have helped give to me. With absolutely sincerity of love and respect for you I run the course that God has set for my life with hope that I bring Him glory. For in Him is the gift of eternal life.

With great love and appreciation for all you continue to do for me and my family, I humbly thank you with all my heart!

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