1. Side Effects – I don’t deserve them. Pastor Gabe’s journey with cancer.

2. Aug 03 Chronology  Annual Physical Test  Blood work shows no infections, no cancer, no cholesterol out of range; everything ok.  Routine test in China includes ultrasound. 2010

3. Aug 03 Chronology 2010

4. Aug 03 Chronology 2010

5. Aug 03 Chronology 2010

6. Aug 16 Chronology  CT Scan is performed. 2010

7. Aug 16 Chronology

8. Aug 16 Chronology  It is definitely cancer,  Lymphoma  Germ Cell  Carcinoma  Must have abdominal operation no later than one week from now.  Post operation care complicated; better go back home. 2010

9. Aug 16 Chronology “ My heart and mind have peace. I am just basically sad to give my precious family this trouble. In my fatherly opinion, my kids need me a lot, but my life is completely surrendered to our Lord. He is better than me. “ I feel very sorry that I might disappoint you in my work as a pastor. I have no idea how long this interruption will take. But as for this week, you can still count on me! I still feel energetic and in good mood! ” 2010

10. Aug 16 Chronology “Our journey with the Lord always includes learning to trust in Him, and that is a good thing indeed. Please pray for Victoria.” 2010

11. Aug 18 Chronology “Dear …, Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! We indeed have peace. I believe this is a purification process that already has started in my person, and I feel thankful and privileged for that. XICF family has shown wonderful care and love. We are indeed blessed..” 2010

12. Aug 18 Chronology “My dear wife Victoria and my precious children Jaisis and Paulo, we are all in peace. (Thanks Andrew for your sermon!) We are believers in the God of Heavens and Earth. And we mean it. I am not talking arrogantly, but humbly and with (appropriate) fear and temblor before the Almighty. At the same time, though, we approach His throne of grace with confidence, because he loves us so much and has provided the perfect means. We have peace. 2010

13. Aug 18 Chronology “There is no such thing as a big tumor for our amazing God. He has no problem with that. This is at least a purification process for me and my family. This process has already started. Let the Spirit work mightily in and around us.” 2010

14. Aug 18 Chronology “It is possible for the Lord to choose the path of suffering. Chemo and radiation are not nice. Long term effects of cancer are uncertain. If that is the case, when you see me decayed, please don't forget that while the external appearance may suffer, the inner being is being purified, closer and closer to dependence on Christ. Christ will be with me, every single minute. It is an honor to be chosen for this path. I just humbly pray that I will not lose this perspective during the gray days. If I do, please be kind enough to remind me of this letter.” 2010

15. Aug 18 Chronology “My only sadness was that, in my fatherly perspective, my kids still need a ‘strong’ father and my wife a husband. Today the Lord sent me a promise through an XICF prophet: your children will be ok. (Psalm 112:1-2) That issue is done then.” 2010

16. Aug 18 Chronology “I and my family have received amazing manifestations of love from our XICF family. It is very evident that you are disciples of the Lord. I feel honored to serve you. My prayer is that I will reach the minimum standard as a pastor to keep serving you. You are a beautiful flock of the Lord! I have received tons of encouraging letters, portions of Scripture, text messages, calls, etc. I am supposed to pastor you, but a beautiful irony is at work now: you are shepherding me.” 2010

17. Aug 19

19. As your family gathers around Gabe, there are gaps. The ladies put their cups to represent themselves standing in the gaps for you and your family. Please let us know what we can DO. Aug 19

20. Faith without works is dead. We don't want dead faith. Aug 19

21. Aug 19-20 Fast and Prayer Retreat Will I survive this one? Will I have enough resources for whatever is needed? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Mt. 6:33 2010

22. “This is the kind of fast I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. “This is the kind of fast I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Fast and Prayer Retreat

23. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The GOD of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, GOD will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’ Isaiah 58:6-9. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The GOD of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, GOD will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’ Isaiah 58:6-9. Fast and Prayer Retreat Aug 19-20

24. Aug 24 Chronology  Two lymph nodes are removed from my groin and are sent to the pathologist. 2010

25. Aug 25 Chronology  A PET Scan is performed. 2010

27.  Lymphoma  Non-Hodgkin  Follicular; B-Cell, CD20  Extended to all lymphatic system, including spleen. Diagnosis Aug 26 2010

28.  Lymphoma  Non-Hodgkin  Follicular; B-Cell, CD20  Extended to all lymphatic system, including spleen. Diagnosis Aug 26 2010

29.  Lymphoma  Non-Hodgkin  Follicular; B-Cell, CD20  Extended to all lymphatic system, including spleen. Diagnosis  Extended to bones.  Stage IV  Treatable, non curable. Aug 26 2010

30. “I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Psalm 119:75 “I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Psalm 119:75 The Lord speaks again “… do not worry about tomorrow…” Matthew 6:34 “… do not worry about tomorrow…” Matthew 6:34

31.  There is no such thing as a big tumor for our amazing God. He has no problem with that.  A tumor, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, etc., when striking a Christian, is not the biggest issue. The biggest issue is to find ourselves walking uprightly before the Lord. So what?

32. Temptations 1.Become self-centered 2.Victim mentality

33. Aug 21 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:15-16.

34. Temptations 1.Become self-centered 2.Victim mentality 3.Angry with God 4.Worried, anxious 5.Narrow perspective

35. Multitudes praying for me Abundant resources to get treatment right Intimate walk with the Lord Ministry vision widening Side Effects

36. I thought this cancer was an enemy to be defeated. However, I see it now as a blessing and I humbly welcome it. I trust the Lord will keep it with me as long as necessary, in order for His purposes to be fulfilled. Instant healing would have missed all these blessings; I don’t want to miss them! The journey is as important as the destination. Conclusion

37. Why should I complain? Conclusion Nov 2010

52. Conclusion Trust, but not arrogance. Faith, but not taking my health for granted. Merciful towards others in illness. Praying for others with enormous faith. Always giving the glory and honor to our God.