To my friends and colleagues around the world praying for me, thank you.
This weekend, I reached the halfway point the my treatment, 15 gone and 15 to go, and Iʼm feeling strong and confident that Iʼll be able to complete the course (although, it has been touch and go at times).
During my readings this week with Carson, the Lord lead me to Proverbs 13:9 “The light of the righteous shines brightly but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.” Again, just another encouragement that the Hand of the Lord is upon those who love him. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His own name sake.” I want to be on that path and bring glory to His name. Carson and I prayed that my light would shine long and strong for the Lord. Tracey and I and all of our visiting friends have come to embrace Brendan and Sandy, a Queensland couple who are two weeks further ahead of us into the identical radiation treatment. When we first met them, he was wheelchair bound and they were discussing his removal from the treatment due to malnutrition-he wasnʼt eating. We immediately began praying for them and frankly, he quickly began getting better. Pray that we would be able to advance the spiritual conversation to matters of the gospel and a secure eternity in Christ and pray for Brendanʼs health.
As for me, Iʼm doing fine. Iʼm managing compliance with about 12 pills daily, not to mention patches, drinks, and the consumption of certain daily foods. The nausea seems well under control but Iʼve already experienced that itʼs a tenuous journey, one in which you can suddenly find yourself derailed.
As for the oesophagus, so far so good. Itʼs been a great week with treatment. Once again, the main issues remains the constant drowsiness; a heaviness of body; coupled by a lack of energy at the best of times; BUT, if thatʼs the worst of what it takes to get through this, no problem.
This week, nine members of family and friends, went to the stage production of Mary Poppins in downtown Melbourne. I was able to stay awake for most of it...Iʼd say most of it. But it was a tremendously uplifting night-just a lot of fun of everyone.
I praise the Lord that we seem to be on top of everything related to the treatment.
Prayer Points:
1. Pray that Iʼll continue going stronger throughout the next 15 treatments.
2. Pray that Brendanʼs cancer, like mine, would be eradicated through this treatment.
3. I praise God for Tracey and the amazing support system I have around me (and believe
you me, all of this support has not gone unnoticed).
May God enrich you as you uphold me.
Yours in Christ,
Graham Johnston
Thanks for the good word, Graham. I'm glad that the Lord has provided the strength to go on. Praising God for the relationship with Brendan and praying for their salvation. Remain strong in the Lord. He will uphold you with His mighty right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
ReplyDeleteLove you, man,
Dave
Conroe
Hi Graham,
ReplyDeleteWe had a church together board of reference meeting this morning and we missed having you there. However, we are all right behind you and continue to pray for you throughout your treatment in Melbourne. You faith and courage is inspiring to all of us. We at Dreambuilders Church also continue to pray for you, Tracey & family and also your church family at Subi (we are praying Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.”).
Love and blessings,
Dale & Karen
Graham
ReplyDeleteit is so good to receive your positive report and your opportunity for gospel ministry with Brendan and Sandy. I'll continue to pray for your ongoing strength - that you will go and grow from strength to strength.
God bless you.
Gordon
Love you Graham – love you so much.
ReplyDeleteAaron
Graham - so good to hear the report and the good things happening in this time. We've been thinking and praying for you often and wondering what the latest was. We'll continue praying especially for the next 15 and also your influence with Brendan and Sandy.
ReplyDeleteAnd Mary Poppins sounded like a great night, how fun for you guys.
Much love and blessings to you all,
Dean, Lisa and Levi
Dear Graham,
ReplyDeleteYou are constantly in our prayers as is the whole family. Your emails are so encouraging and what a wonder God has placed you in a position to minister to another person on the same journey. I’m trying to arrange to get down to see you before treatment finishes probably on a Friday. If I can get down where do I actually come to to see you?
Regards,
Steve Abbott
Hi Graham
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for keeping us updated. Very good to hear that you are doing well and fighting hard. We are also optimistic and hoping for eradication of the cancer. We will continue to pray for you and your family and will now also pray for Brendan and Sandy.
Very best wishes
André & En Nee
I praise God for this good report Graham. My prayers for you and the salvation of Brendon are promised dear brother.
ReplyDeleteLon Allison
Hi Graham
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the encouraging updates. We've been praying for you and your family. We know our sovereign God is still on the throne. He will never cease to love you because you're precious to him. The Lord will continue to be your strength. Habakkuk 3:17-19a
We love you.
Kofi & Faustina (Ghana)
Dear Graham,
ReplyDeletethank you for your update. WELL DONE for being faithful, positive and persevering. Killy and I are standing with you and continue to pray daily for you.
Psalm 107 v 20 'He sent forth His Word and healed them' Amen and Amen. May God's Word be sent to heal you.
Agape j.johnxx
Graham,
ReplyDeleteWe are encouraged by your last update that came through your dad. We continue to hold you before the Throne of Grace and Healing.
May you and your family find strength and peace within this unexpected crucible.
Under His Mercy,
Phil
Graham, you and Tracey, Carson and Paige, are often on our minds. We pray for you guys continually, asking for His blessings and for His strength, and always for healing. Love this blog -- will have to check in on a regular basis, so we'll stay/pray current! May the Lord continue to use you in a beautiful way in the lives of those around you.
ReplyDeleteIn Him,
Dave, Jody, Noah
Dear Graham,
ReplyDeleteGreat to read the encouraging update and how well you are doing staying strong through your treatment. God bless you. You're in our prayers.
Best Regards
Lincoln, Natasha, Jasmine and Maia
Graham, I have never met you but know your dear parents through Grace Bible Church. You are an inspiration to many, and as we follow your treatment, you have many in Dallas praying with and for you and your family. I pray you are wrapped with peace and strength from above.
ReplyDeleteAnne Nance
Dallas, TX
Dear Graham,
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that you are continuing to hold up during your treatments. As you acknowledge, some days are more of a struggle than others. I pray that all the prayers which reach God on your behalf will give you a great boost during the off days. And I pray that Brendan, too, will be healed, spiritually as well as physically.
I talked with Susan P. yesterday and she said that she is keeping a close touch with you. I know this is a blessing for you and Tracey, she has walked this road (although perhaps not as severely).
Your parents say that you are planning to be in Dallas in Jan. That will be wonderful.
Love to you, Tracey, and your family
Gini
I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Ps. 119: 75,76
You are constantly in my mind and prayers.
ReplyDeleteEmmanuel Akatukunda,
Seoul, Korea
Graham,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you daily. God bless you and your family.
Love,
Deanna Shaw
Overland Park, KS