Dear Praying Friends,
I am now about three months away from my station of service due to the bladder cancer that I was found to have. Having undergone surgery to remove the tumour at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) I was handed over to the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) for review. After a CT scan I have been informed today that the tumour was not completely removed. The residue of the cancer extends into the tube that connects the bladder to the right kidney, making the kidney to swell with accumulating fluid which is hindered from flowing into the bladder. The CT scan has also shown that there are other small masses in the right pelvis resulting from the cancer. The doctor says these swellings could not be removed by surgery and that the only treatment is radio-therapy in conjunction with chemo-therapy. I have been given an appointment for 27th December to go and make up a program for treatment. After this appointment I will wait for two to three weeks before the treatment starts.
Beloved friends, this period is not easy for my wife and I as we contemplate upon the therapies and their side effects in the waiting. However, we give thanks to the Lord – the Prince of peace – whose word assures us of His presence and of the fact that He is in control of all events in our lives. In the past three months I have come to see more clearly the importance of redeeming the time. One Scripture has made a strong and new impression upon my heart and mind. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil,” (Eph. 5:15-16 NKJV). Having been laid aside from my battle field for three months I see anew the importance of making the most use of every opportunity God gives me for His glory.
I have over a month before the prescribed therapy starts which will weaken my body and take several months. By the Lord’s help, I will make the most use of this time by going to Malawi to encourage the church and some pastors of other churches there whose hearts God has stirred to desire biblical reformation in their churches. I had an opportunity to visit the church for a week just before attending the CT scan. I praise the Lord that things have been going on well in the church though there were some challenges that helped the leaders I am training to exhibit their strengths and weaknesses.
Brethren, continue praying for us that we may not fail to bring glory to God in our time of trial, for to this end we were created and called in Christ.
Percy Chisenga
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