Tuesday, April 22, 2008


We are heading in the right direction towards getting a hold of the infection. The fever has subsided...please continue praying for no fevers and increased neutrophil white blood cells.

My dad says, "All of your generosity and love has enabled Shelly to be here by my bedside at Moanalua...and when you have been with someone for 38 yrs that is a great comfort and a wonderful gift shown through the body of Christ, which is a display of God's love and glory."

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

My dad is determined to fight this thing all the way for his family, friends and church :-)

Love Always,

Maisha and the Lauers

21 comments:

michaelandciara said...

Dear Uncle Kit, Shelly and Maisha,
We so love to see the pictures of you all. We miss you greatly. We are praying without ceasing for you all, and rejoicing over "no fever". We LOVE you sooo much! Always in fervent prayer ~ciara, michael and mikaela

Eeyore99877 said...

Jen and I are going to get together and pray tonight or tomorrow morning.

I continue to pray as often as I can--will focus on many neutrophils and no fever.

What an amazing thing it is to have you all helping out--God Bless each and every one of you.

--Lisa E.

lorensaved77 said...

Shelly
What a praise to see you at Kit's side, I know it must be draining on your spirit, but we will continue to lift you up for stregnth and endurance during this time...Matthew 5:16 right back at you my Friend! We sure miss you guys!
Praise God For the answer to our prayers...NO MORE FEVER OR INFECTION AND INCREASED #'S OF NEUTROPHIL WHITE BLOOD CELLS!!!!
Love, Blessings, and Aloha,
The Loren Family
John, Nancy, Jonathon, and Michelle

Anonymous said...

We here in Nebraska were very happy to hear that your fever has stayed down and that the white blood cells are increasing. Praise the Lord! Keep up the good work. We check the blog daily and it is so good to be able to keep up to date. Our prayers are continually with you Kit. Keep the Faith!

Nancy & Lanny Goering

Cassandra said...

Hi Kit and family!
So about 2 or 3 months ago I signed up to help with Relay for Life which is invovled in raising money for the American Cancer Society. This event holds special meaning to me as I've been touched by many people who have had cancer(indcluding you Kit!). I wanted you to know that on Saturday March 24th I will be walking for you also along with my Mother(Marina). You can go to the site to see why I relay and Kit I have put your name in there :) We continue to pray for you daily!
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/zautner
~Cassandra Zautner

Anonymous said...

Hey Shelly,

No wonder Kit loves you so much! You look cute even with a mask on!
So glad you two are together. The prayers for you are unceasing.

Love,
Vickie Hinton

Anonymous said...

Dear Kit, Shelly, Maisha & Mikey,
It's Pam & David Michael here in Arizona, wanting you to know that we've been praying for you since we found out about the cancer. I've also sent you a letter on both yours and Shelly's email, that I pray you will find very uplifting and encouraging. We love you guys, and we're standing with you in prayer. Love: Pam & David & Shaylee Grace.

Anonymous said...

Tues. evening, April 22nd, 10:35 PM

Dear Kit, Shelly, Maisha and Mikey,

This is Pam Michael writing to you, pouring out my heart to you, on behalf of both my husband David and me. It was late last night when I received the news from Bonjo, by way of email. I was getting ready for bed, and just happened to take a look to see if I had any new news since the last time I checked my computer. Never in a million years would I have expected to read the words I read from Bonjo … regarding your Leukemia, Kit. NEVER! I immediately ran upstairs and woke David up (who had been sleeping for quite some time by then), as I knew he needed to know so we could both be praying for you and your family. And that’s what we’ve been doing ever since receiving the news, and that’s what we’ll continue to be doing.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a repentant heart; these, O God,
are precious in Your sight.”
~ Psalm 51:17

Kit, J. Vernon McGee once said, “I believe that at the appearing of Jesus Christ, we will THANK GOD for our trials & sufferings – in fact, we may wish we had experienced more of them because, when we are in His presence, we will see the value of them.”

I thought of YOU, Kit, when I reread these words I copied out of a J. Vernon McGee book, in preparation for the Women’s Bible College class I gave a message to entitled, “THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SUFFERING”. Let me tell you why. I just got off your “BLOG” (which was a new experience for me), and I was very encouraged in the journaling you’ve been doing, etc. One of the days that really caught my eye was the day I read how you were kind of “glad” that you were going through this health trial as through it, you’ve felt closer to God and to your loved ones than ever! And I know, Kit, that you’re also being conformed into God’s image more and more, and becoming more like Him.

Another thing I picked up immediately as I continued to read your notes, Shelly’s notes, and Maisha’s notes … “JESUS IS BEING REVEALED TO OTHERS THROUGH YOU (and your family) AS YOU SUFFER.” It’s an amazing thing, really. But when I think of it, that’s what scripture tells us will happen in 2ND Cor. 4:8-10 which says, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.”

I can see that you’ve been asking the Lord to help you see this incredible “obstacle” as an “opportunity” to share JESUS with others; the nurses, the doctors, family members, friends, etc.! Praise the Lord, Kit. Another quote I’d like to share with you is out of Charles Swindoll’s book entitled, “Paul, A Man Of Grace & Grit” … “SUFFERING is not about ‘identifying the cause’; it’s about focusing on the response. It’s about willingly accepting God’s plan, no matter what the circumstance. It’s about finding contentment in God’s grace, regardless. God’s goal is not to make sure you’re happy! That may be hard for you to believe, but the truth of it is, life is not about you being comfortable and happy and successful and pain free. It’s about becoming the man or woman God has called you to be! Our lives are NOT about US ... they’re about GOD! He doesn’t exist to make us happy. We exist to bring Him Glory! To be made HOLY!”
This was another quote that made me think of you today, as I was doing my Study in preparation for the Beth Moore Women’s Study I’m leading called, “To Live Is Christ ~ The Study of Paul”.


Kit, since giving my heart and my life to JESUS on Maui about 18 years ago, I’ve had to endure my share of trials, believe me. Some you may know about, others I’m sure you don’t. But I, like you, have come to the conclusion that my life is NOT my own. If God is more glorified in me and through me as I go through sufferings, then I CHOOSE to willingly surrender to them (like Paul’s thorn that was never removed). Besides David losing his job in ministry a year ago, and all the heartache and hardship that’s gone along with that, the Lord also saw fit to allow me to be diagnosed with MELANOMA SKIN CANCER. In fact, I found out on my 42nd B-day, and had surgery on my upper right thigh one week later, to try and remove all of it before it spread into my blood and killed me. I almost died right after my surgery, as the doctors gave me med’s my body couldn’t handle, and after sending me to the emergency room and the doctor’s there NOT being informed of what I was allergic to, they gave me more (poison to my body), and I passed out for hours upon hours and wouldn’t come to. David was beside me the whole time, but my parents weren’t there as they were back at home with our 3 ½ year old precious daughter, Shaylee Grace. When they got the news, they headed straight for the emergency room to be with me. When I came out of it, I realized I was given a second chance. I realized that life is precious, and it’s short (yes, a “vapor”), and I want to live whatever days I have left “glorifying God”. So I, like you, have been grateful for the “wake-up call in my life”.

Following my cancer surgery, I had two more moles removed (dysplastic Nevi) on the same leg, same location. It’s a miracle that all the cancer appears to be gone for now, but I know that can all change instantly as well. In the meantime, I’m thankful for my healthy body, and especially for my family who I have become even closer to through my most recent trials.

Like you know, we live in superficial, skeptical times. I don’t know about you, but when hard times occur, I seem to find so many people questioning how a loving God could be so unfair and unjust. But He hasn’t changed. His ways have not been altered. Just like with Job and Saul and Joseph, He continues to allow suffering to mold us into humble, USEFUL servants. He’s NOT a mean God. If He was, we wouldn’t be spending eternity with Him, right?!

I try to always remember, “Sufferings are only for a moment; but the benefits are forever!”, right?! While I’m still on this earth, I want to be able to say along with Paul, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in.” And as we both know, “Happiness is a byproduct of Contentment.”

I know that everything you’ve ever gone through in your life has been God’s way of preparing you for your present trial. I know your faith has been strengthened; your marriage and relationship with your kids, your family and friends strengthened, and your body has always been strong and healthy … praise God. Same with me. I know one thing the Lord allowed me to do to prepare my heart and mind for the suffering we’ve been through this past year, was allow me to travel to “Albania” about 5 years ago, and stay there for 5 weeks, and allow me to teach the Bible to the Albanians, teach Aerobic classes, assist Missionaries, etc. We even put on a Missionary Retreat/ Conference for about 100 Female Missionaries from around the world. The title of our conference was, “Living With An Eternal Prespective”. Kit, even though I was one of the speakers at that conference, as well as the Worship Leader, the Lord used that “speaking and worship assignment” to change my heart; to change the things that I really thought were “important” in life, etc. And He showed me that the only things that really matter are those things that will prepare me to meet my Lord and Savior; the things that will prepare me for eternity with Him. The rest will “burn”. So that’s what I’ve been (trying to be) about since then … the “Lord’s business”. I know that’s the kind of heart the Lord’s always given you (and Shelly) as well, as you two have always been an encouragement to us in that. Because of that, I want to encourage you and exhort you with a couple scriptures that I believe will continue to give YOU GREAT reason for enduring trials down here in this life. In 2nd Cor. 4:17 & 18 we read, “Be encouraged - for our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long (our life is a vapor!). Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.”
Isn’t that Awesome?! “The JOY THAT AWAITS US is ETERNAL!”

Okay, my friend, I’m done “preaching” to you. Actually, my hope and prayer was that you would be totally encouraged in the words that I typed to you, as from the Lord. But now, on a “personal” level, Kit …
We want you (and Shelly) to know what a wonderful example you have always been to both David and me. We saw your “unwavering commitment” from the very beginning of our friendship. We still talk about the Bible Study you led in your home, and how the Lord used YOU to lead so many to Him, and to disciple so many (including US!). Then you guys introduced us to Bonjo and Russ, and the four of us were blessed to develop a lasting friendship as we became a part of their ministry group, as well as their lives. I’m sure you remember how “rocky” our marriage was in the beginning … how many ups and downs we experienced, especially during our first year of marriage. But we knew you guys were always there for us; willing to lend a listening ear, and a prayerful heart. When the Lord raised you up into ministry fulltime at Hope Chapel, neither David nor I was surprised at all. The Lord created you to serve Him in that capacity, Kit … you have a gift of preaching/ teaching, and all the gifts that come along with that. You have a heart for people; both saved and unsaved, which everyone involved in ministry needs to have. God has used you mightily there at Hope Chapel on Maui to accomplish His will, and fulfill His perfect plan through YOU! And He hasn’t stopped yet, Kit. He’s still using you mightily, my friend, even at a time when you’re physically drained and weak. But your Spirit is still strong, and that will continue to be my prayer for you and for your family.
Kit, Shelly, Maisha and Mikey … we LOVE you guys. We are standing in prayer with you, and we are available any way you might need us to be. Please keep us posted on how to be praying during this time. We will be standing in the gap for you.
We LOVE you so much, and we’re so thankful for all of you. God Bless you, and JESUS loves you … Love: Pam (& David) Michael, (928) 567-2870

Anonymous said...

Shelly, I saw your picture and I hugged my computer. I really miss you.

We're praying - fever out and neutrophils in. You have an international team of all stars on your side praying for you. I enjoy all the updates and pictures. It helps us so much to feel in touch with you all and known how to keep the praying current.

We love you. Jake and Toni

Anonymous said...

more love and prayers sent your way kit shelly maisha mikey and shay. buddy, dawn, billy, the whole lauer incredible gang!!!
we continue to "bear" with you - ha! you know what it really means!!! the preciousness of unity in the body of Christ. we continue to hold you all up to the Father of Light and the Creator of the neutrophil. may He have the Glory with each and every breath you take big brother.
we really miss you but know that God has a plan and we are trusting Him together. sleep well lauer family. much love
carrie nichols

Anonymous said...

Loving you and praying with all our hearts.
Lee & Renee

Anonymous said...

I pray with you and no I haven't known you or been by either of your sides for 38 years but I have loved you for many years and pray with you. I lead a study tonight from Charles Stanley's life principles and it encouraged me in my prayers with you all and for you all. It was principle 7 . . . and we were reminded of the importance of turning up to God and again I hold you up to HIM. love you Tweety

Gavin, Jamie and Kade said...

We love you and Miss you!!! Can't stop praying and thinking about you, Shelly we miss you so much at work, but are so happy that you are able to be by Kit's side during this season. There is a big void here on Maui without the Lauers. Love you!

Anonymous said...

Aloha our awesome warrior in Christ:
You are amazing!!!!!! It's hard for Mark and I to hold back. We have so much we desire to say and so many ways we feel God's leading that we can help.
When we were in the hospital you said you wanted to make me your nutritionists. What about now?
I truly beleive with all that is in me(Holy Spirit))we can really help you.
Mark And I just returned from a fabulous health and wellness conference where we heard many christian M.D.s speak on Heart Disease, Cancer, inflamation, Metal toxicity,Diabetes.I know it seems odd, but they are all putting their clients on the Hallelujah Diet with a few supplements and are having amazing results. The main thing is having several fresh vegetable juices through out the day, the reason for this is your body easily absorbs the nutrients without going through the time and energy it takes for the body to digest.
The theme of this conference was For such a time as this. Esther 4:14 I believe God's been preparing Mark and I for this time now, just as he prepared and placed Esther in the right spot at the right time for his glory. My prayer to our Almighty Father has been how can we serve our brother & Pastor.
Now it's up to you, Please seek him in prayer & let us know. We love you dearly and believe his ressurrection power is working through you. There are natural laws that govern God's creation and Adam & Eve csn teach us a thing or two about this.

Anonymous said...

Aloha Kit,
Praise Jesus for the good news!!
Our God is so Faithful...He will never leave you or forsake you!!
"I AM WITH YOU AND WILL WATCH OVER YOU WHEREVER YOU GO, AND I WILL BRING YOU BACK TO THIS LAND.(Maui...of course!) I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU UNTIL I HAVE DONE WHAT I HAVE PROMISED YOU" Genesis 28:15
We love you Kit and we continue to pray for all of you.
Valeria Strand

Anonymous said...

Hi Shelly...you look ADORABLE!!!
Very soon you will be playing Bunko with us again!!!

My brother Marcello(46)in Brazil starting quimo very soon! We are in this together!!

I love you and miss you!

Valeria Strand

Liza on Maui said...

"...and when you have been with someone for 38 yrs that is a great comfort..."

This is so touching. You two are such an inspiration and a great model to us. Glad to see you together :)

Yes Kit, keep fighting and we'll keep on praying.

Anonymous said...

Aloha Kit and family,

Susan and I are praying for you guys daily.

As I/we begin this journey too, I have found myself going down rabbit trails in my head that lead me nowhere good. But then the Spirit reminds me to HOLD FAST to Him!

Thanks for the good report.

Love

Mike and Susan

Anonymous said...

Hi Kit, Shelly and all the rest of the gang.
Praying over here as the Lord said pray without ceasing and He is faithful and since He does not sleep He is always watching and caring. Isn't it wonderful that He waits on high to bless us and loves to sing and rejoice over us. What a Savior, Lord, Healer and Redeemer.
love to you all
Lulu

Anonymous said...

Hey, Kit and Shelly, Maisha, Mikey and All:
It's Mary Mc ALL out here in Virginia. We are so encouraged and we've fought and prayed and believed God for you Miracelous Healing. He healed me of Lupus last June so I've FAITH for yours. I love y'all, more than words can say right now! You are all such an awesome team and God is GLORIFIED in the 'ALL' of this. His Plan. Love Faith and Prayers. Mary

Anonymous said...

Kit,
I love you, brother, and continue to pray daily for you. Wrestle that sucker down and pin 'em!