Dear Friends,

PERSONAL REQUEST: Many of you provided encouragement, support, and above all, prayers on behalf of our daughter, Shannon, when she went through cancer treatments. It was quite a journey, from the prognosis to chemo treatments, radiation, and two surgeries. Earlier this year we rejoiced with the news that she was cancer free. What a difference a day makes. Recently, Shannon had a follow-up scan, and this past Tuesday she had a phone appointment with her doctor. The report was of concern as it identified two masses, which are believed to be cancerous. Needless to say, this is devastating news; it’s the kind of news that just takes the wind out of your sail. Shannon is now waiting for a biopsy to be scheduled so the kind of cancer can be identified…is this the same cancer she had or is it different? With these results, a plan of treatment will be implemented.

Karen and I are numb and deeply concerned with this new information, and I’ve had many conversations with God, asking Him to allow me to change places with her. His response is that it doesn’t work that way. The appropriate response is to invite others to pray with us (by the way, that is the right and first response to everything we all face). That’s my request. Will you join me as part of a prayer team that will daily lift Shannon up in prayer? I appreciate your concern and encouragement, but we really need your prayers!

Here's a second concern, I know the number of people who receive this eNews, but I don’t know how many actually open and read it. For you who have read this and desire to be a part of my prayer team, email me and just say, “I will!” at mpitcher@portnaz.org.    I look forward with an attitude of anticipation, of all who will join me.

Here is a simple prayer to pray…Lord, today, I give you Shannon. I place her in Your hands, and I pray that You provide Your healing power to flow over her from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. I pray this in the mighty name of my Lord, Savior, and soon-coming King, Jesus.

Here is an invitation and a PROMISE from God’s WORD.

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.  Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.  Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results, James 5:13-16.

Here is a promise for PEACE over anxiety…

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:5-7.

Pastor Mark