Re: Tribute to Graham Johnston

On hearing the sad news of the passing of the much loved pastor Graham Johnston, I wish to send my condolences to Tracey and Carson and Paige the entire Subiaco Church of Christ community. I was a member of Subi church some years ago when I was a university student, and when I came back from teaching  in Geraldton as an Art Teacher. My most precious memories as a young Christian women was spending time in fellowship at Subi and how Graham had such a heart for the young. He would accompany us to the State Youth Games in Bunbury and take great interest in seeing us engage in positive and rewarding experiences that would enrich our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. After church, he and Tracey would accompany us to the markets for lunch which was so lovely. It was always a great pleasure to listen to more of his teaching at bible study at his home. His sermons always touched my heart and God often spoke to my heart through his wonderful messages. His messages were always clear and to the point about Salvation and living an authentic Christian walk. 

I found that the highlight of my week was coming to church at Subi, and Graham would always  be there to talk to and encourage me in whatever difficulties I was facing. He was a dear brother in the Lord and I will miss him, but it is a great consolation that we will meet again when the Lord comes.

I count it a privilege to have met Graham and the everlasting impact his ministry had on my life in my twenties.

Kind Regards

Mrs Caroline Esiason

Tribute for Graham Johnston

Words cannot express my thoughts about the blessing Graham has been to me personally.  He has inspired me with his amazing gift for expounding the Word of God, his absolute commitment to the work of sharing the good news of salvation, his love for Jesus his Saviour and his dedication to being a whole hearted follower of Him.

He always greeted me with a smile and warm hug after the Sunday morning service  – how I’ll miss this gorgeous man of God.

 

Tracey may the Lord comfort, strengthen and bless  you as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband, friend and mentor.   May the Lord especially help your lovely children, Paige and Carson as they feel the terrible loss of their loving father.

 

I have always loved your precious  family and hold you in high esteem.  I’ll continue to uphold you in prayer every day asking the Lord to comfort and help you as you go through this sad time.

 

With much love and prayer

 

Dillicia

Graham Johnston

Hi my name is Andrew Hogarth, I am a pastor in Adelaide.

I have not met Graham personally but have seen his book and have heard of the ministry of Subiaco Church.
The purpose of this email is to simply thank God and honour Graham for his love for the Lord and for people.
Be assured too that this comes with prayers today for his family  Tracey and children Paige and Carson.

God bless you as a church in this testing time and may God's great comfort be with the Johnston family.

God bless you and keep you

Andy Hogarth

--  Rev Andrew Hogarth  Senior Pastor The Journey Uniting Church www.thejourneycc.org.au  For God's Glory  Golden Grove 10am and 6pm [Pedare Christian College Chapel]  Elizabeth Downs 330pm [Gateway Uniting Site Midway Road]   M. 0413995219 P. 08 8251 7149 F. 08 8251 7396 E. andrew@thejourneycc.org.au Skype. andrew.hogarth2   Office Address and all corrospondance to:  2-30 Surrey Farm Drive Golden Grove 5125 [Pedare Christian College Site]  ABN: 70 226 116 175      

Tribute for Graham Johnston

Words cannot express my thoughts about the blessing Graham has been to me personally.  He has inspired me with his amazing gift for expounding the Word of God, his absolute commitment to the work of sharing the good news of salvation, his love for Jesus his Saviour and his dedication to being a whole hearted follower of Him.

He always greeted me with a smile and warm hug after the Sunday morning service  – how I’ll miss this gorgeous man of God.

 

Tracey may the Lord comfort, strengthen and bless  you as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband, friend and mentor.   May the Lord especially help your lovely children, Paige and Carson as they feel the terrible loss of their loving father.

 

I have always loved your precious  family and hold you in high esteem.  I’ll continue to uphold you in prayer every day asking the Lord to comfort and help you as you go through this sad time.

 

With much love and prayer

 

Dillicia

Letter from Tracey Johnston

To My Dear Family and Friends at Subi Church

It is with great love that I thank God for you all.

Your love, generosity and support over these last 7 months have been a great source of comfort to myself and Graham until the time he went to be with our Lord. I miss him terribly, yet I take comfort in the knowledge he is alive, just not with us anymore.

The cards and letters I have received have been a wonderful testimony of your love and admiration for him. I have received letters from all over the world and I am so thankful that Subi supported Graham in his desire to serve in other countries. He could not have done this without your willingness to let him go. The

Silver Chain nurse asked Graham if he was ready to die, and if he thought he had lived a full life, to which he said he felt he had lived 3 life times.

He was so courageous, and the day before he died, I asked him if the doctors could identify the infection would he be willing to go back to hospital, was he still willing to fight and he said yes. With that comment he grabbed my hand and pulled me to him and he kissed me and said I love you sweetie. He was in so much pain and discomfort, but he was so soft and his heart was so open.

I thank God that we were all around him in his last minutes. Paige was just about to go for a walk and I could see he was nearing the end. I sent someone to get her quickly and thanked God for His grace in that. It still does not seem real to me, and I think he has just gone on one of his trips and will be home soon. I am constantly reflecting on things he said and did throughout my day. The memories are so rich and so many.

He was larger than life, and I have had an incredible 21 years, with the most amazing experiences, from the diversity of people he brought into my life to the many moments when he made me see our Lord in a new and powerful way. I felt privileged to be Graham’s wife and loved being the wife of a pastor. We would miss you all when we were away, there was nowhere else we wanted to be on a Sunday morning.

So I thank you all for making the time in ministry at Subi Church a deeply satisfying and wonderful experience. Graham would always say, it does not matter what is happening on the platform as much as what is happening in the pews. You all have helped make Subiaco Church the great church it is. I look forward to what is ahead. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

May God continue to be glorified in Subi Church.

Love Tracey, Paige & Carson

Jesus replied, “ You do not realize now what I am doing,
but later you will understand.”
John 13:7

Tribute for Graham Johnston

Words cannot express my thoughts about the blessing Graham has been to me personally.  He has inspired me with his amazing gift for expounding the Word of God, his absolute commitment to the work of sharing the good news of salvation, his love for Jesus his Saviour and his dedication to being a whole hearted follower of Him.

He always greeted me with a smile and warm hug after the Sunday morning service  – how I’ll miss this gorgeous man of God.

 

Tracey may the Lord comfort, strengthen and bless  you as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband, friend and mentor.   May the Lord especially help your lovely children, Paige and Carson as they feel the terrible loss of their loving father.

 

I have always loved your precious  family and hold you in high esteem.  I’ll continue to uphold you in prayer every day asking the Lord to comfort and help you as you go through this sad time.

 

With much love and prayer

 

Dillicia

Graham Johnston's Funeral Service

Graham Johnston's Funeral Service held on 21 January 2011 at Subiaco Church.

Message to Tracey Johnston

Memories of Graham

Since his diagnosis I had followed Graham's courageous battle with cancer on the Subiaco Church website. I am shocked and saddened by his passing.

 

I got to know Graham back in the late 1980's when he stayed at my parent's home during the time he was based in Charlotte NC working for the Leighton Ford Ministries. Unfortunately I was unable to meet up with Graham again after he left the United States for Australia, however I still have many vivid memories of him. In the many conversations I had with Graham during the time he stayed at my parent's house, his intellect and curiosity stood out to me the most. Graham was knowledgeable and curious about a wide range of subjects. He loved reading, and he particularly loved thinking about and discussing ideas. Not surprisingly he was a fascinating conversationalist. Graham also had a great sense of humor. I don't think I've ever been around anyone who made me laugh more than Graham. His observations and comments were often hilarious. When Graham would join my parents and me around the dinner table there was guaranteed to be interesting conversation and lots of laughter.

 

I remember that Graham loved all types of sports. There didn't seem to be a sport that Graham couldn't become deeply involved in watching; and when watching a game with Graham you were sure to hear much more interesting and humorous commentary from him than from the televison analyst.

 

Graham exuded a passion for living life to the fullest and from reading the tributes to him that have poured in from all over the world, it is clear he channeled his enthusiasm and passion toward reaching and helping others. He lived a life full of meaning and purpose and he will be greatly missed by many.

 

 

Donald Little  

 

 

To our friend Graham

 

To our friend Graham,

Profound loss and sorrow with your passing.
You meant so many things to us in so many ways.
From the jumpshots to the film cuts.
...From leading us in youth group to dedicating our children.
You were there for it all.
The world will not be the same without you.
A light has gone out and many of us have felt it.

You inspired us to want to inspire others.

Love from all our family
Lincoln, Natasha, Jasmine and Maia Fenner

 

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Graham

It is with great sadness to hear of his passing away.  We would have loved to be there to celebrate his life at the memorial service but we are currently living in India.

 

May God comfort you all during the sad time.  Our prayers and love are with you.

 

Colin & Carolyn Craggs

ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Friends of Subi Church,

We have sad news. Graham Johnston passed away to be with the Lord on 17 January at 7:52pm. He was surrounded by his family and close friends and died peacefully at home. Graham had been through a long battle with cancer, having been diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 2010.

We will miss him greatly. He has been a great pastor and friend for 21 years at Subi Church.

Please pray for God’s comfort and strength for his family.

The funeral will be held this coming Friday, 21st Jan, at Subiaco Church of Christ, 260 Bagot Road, from 2pm-3.30pm. Due to the large number of people we are expecting, we will be providing overflow facilities.

Please note that there will be no creche for the children.

Subi Church Eldership

Health Update - 10 January 2011

Dear Friends,

Again, thank you for your on going prayers and concern. Let me update you on my health. Some of you are aware that the day after Christmas I had to be admitted into the emergency room due to labored breathing. As a result, there was detected a build up of fluid in my right lung (ie my good lung) as well as the sack around my heart. Both need to be drained and it was a source of deep concern for some of the doctors. However, in the mean time my condition has become quite stable and I am resting now at home. The trip to the U.S. was canceled and my family from America came to join me here in Australia. Let me tell you how you can be praying for me now.
Pray that the fluids that I mentioned earlier will drain naturally from my system. I am currently on an oxygen bottle to help my depleted lungs and I would like to get off that as soon as possible.
I have on going fatigue and there is inevitable muscle break down after months of limited activity. Therefore, pray that my energy level would continue to increase in the days and weeks to come.
Pray for my spirits and all my family around me. We ask for continued encouragement and that we may keep our eyes fixed on the Lord.

It was just 15 days ago that I was told by several doctors that I would die in 2 to 14 days due to the fluid gain that I was experiencing. Clearly, the Lord timing is different. I can say with an open heart that if He calls me I am ready to be with Him. “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.”

Thank you again for your on going love and concern. Please keep the prayers coming.

Yours In Christ,

Graham Johnston

Health Update - 31 December 2010

Update by Mike Bullard:

Dear Friends,

As you are aware Graham returned from radiotherapy in Melbourne several weeks ago.

Unfortunately he has had to be hospitalised on Sunday, 26th Dec. He has some fluid build up in the lungs/heart area which needed to be drained. Tests have been done to determine why the fluid has gathered in his lungs. They are still not yet conclusive.

Please pray for God's strength and comfort, and ongoing healing - for Graham and Tracey, Paige and Carson.

Good news, while Graham won't be able to travel to the US, Wendell and Martha (Dad and mum) and Ben and Sherry (Brother and sister in law) will be travelling to Perth this weekend to see Graham.

If you would like to send Graham and Tracey a message, you can SMS +61402823078 (please do not call, just SMS) and they’ll get the message.

We will have a time of prayer at Subi Church today (31st Dec) from 6-7pm. You are invited to pray along with us if you are able. If you can't make it, please pray wherever and whenever you are able.

Blessings in Christ to you all,

Mike

Health Update - 24 December 2010

Dear Friends,

Firstly, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! It's going to be a real celebration in our home. Many experts had me passing away in my sleep in December and not seeing 2011 at all.

Tracey and I were reflecting on the start of 2010 and how our world was turned upside down. As we think about 2011, I'm asking that the LORD would grant me time to meditate; pray; hang with Tracey and the kids; just enjoy each day for the beauty and opportunities each moment brings. So many things in my world that seemed significant and important have lost their sparkle. At this time, I still will have to watch the stress levels as well as the the physical exertion.

Let me update you on how I'm doing. Since returning for Melbourne, I've had one agenda: Rest and recovery. Good ole' R & R. For the most part, it's been pretty successful, not doing too much, but slowly incorporating a little exercise and a few more activities into my routine. Also, I had a dietician who told Tracey, "Let him eat whatever he wants. Don't worry about it. If he wants, let him have it."

• I asked you to pray for my appetite. Well, it's improving daily and I've added several kilos to my weight since I last wrote.

• I've asked for wisdom and I believe that Lord has been guiding me in this recovery process.

• I asked for strength that I might be well enough to travel to the US. On Dec. 31, the Johnston family will be boarding a plane bound for Dallas, TX, home of my parents. We're top of the list to be able to upgrade our points to Business class seating for the long flight over the ocean. The Doctors have given me the all clear and letters for Qantas have been prepared. It's looking good. I'm looking forward to seeing tons of friends and family in Dallas as I'll be staying on to the end of the month of January.

• I still need prayer as the radiation continues to burn inside me. Dr. Feigen and others have suggested that three months is a reasonable time frame before entering into the testing phase to see what has been accomplished. Tracey and I are praying that when the results do come back early in 2011, we're going to be told that I'm cancer free in the left lung and that the right lung remains clear as well.

I was speaking with a good friend as we reflected upon the profundity of Ephesians 3. In verse 10, Paul writes concerning us, His people, the Church, "His intent was that now through the Church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." This is saying that the things I'm going through are witnessed, not only by those on earth, but also by those in the heavenly. How I conduct myself should reveal how great and wise Our God is! Reflecting on this motivates me to follow Christ all the more.

Have a blessed holiday!

Thank you for your on-going prayers and concern. God is at work; I'm just along for the ride.

Blessings,
Graham

Health Update - 22 December 2010

Update by Rod Cousins:

It is now over 3 weeks since Graham completed the Radiation treatment in Melbourne. The supervising doctor is confident that results will be positive but it is still 6 or 7 weeks away before a meaningful scan can be taken to ascertain the full effects of the treatment. Graham has been struggling with loss of appetite which started during the treatment phase but has continued since then. However just this last weekend he really enjoyed some meals and was looking for extra portions, so that is some good news. He seems to be improving daily.

Late next week, Graham, Tracey and the family leave for a 4 week trip to the US to see family and friends. They will be staying at his parents place in Dallas with relatives and others coming to visit him. It is a long trip to undertake, especially when he finds sitting in one position for long very uncomfortable. Your prayers for Graham and the family are encouraged.

Regards,
Rod

Health Update - 2 December 2010

Greetings my friends,

Firstly, let me apologise that our time in Melbourne left us a bit communication challenged. The good news is that Tracey and I arrived home safely on Friday following my 30th and final treatment earlier that day. After six weeks, I can't tell you how thrilled we are to be back home. I was concerned that my health might prevent me from travelling on the Friday but I was prepared to crawl across glass to get home. Each day now, I can feel myself getting stronger. So, I'm through the radiation treatment, praise God!

Now, everyone wants to know what was accomplished through this intense radiation treatment. Unfortunately, we wont know for awhile due to the extensive scar tissue and inflammation. What we do know is that the cancer sitting on my ribs in the upper left looks to be completely eradicated and my right lung has remained cancer free. So, the next couple of weeks will consist of rest and recovery; As well as managing the all the side effects, I'll be pulling back on my anti-naseau meds as well as the pain killers but this will be a gradual process. My first scans are scheduled for early Febuary, then we'll have a better idea of what happened.

While in Melbourne, we got close to this couple in the same program, Brendon and Sandy. We bonded almost immediately. Before we parted company, Brendon invited me to his bedside where I was able to share the gospel with him for over a half hour, pouring over Scriptures and asking, "What does it mean to be saved?". Both of them have proved to be very open to the Lord and we continue to be in regular contact with them. We'd appreciate if you might include them in your prayers.

Tracey and I have been reading through Proverbs together and one of the verses that struck me states, "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish." (14:11) My body is just a tent, but I pray that the Lord will allow it to flourish for a years to come.

I'm home now just relaxing. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I recover and gain my strength.

Prayer:

1) Increased appetite and that I could start adding some weight.

2) That I might be able to listen to body and not push too hard or too fast during this time.

3) We're planning a trip to the US in January to see family and friends so pray that I'll be fit for this flight.

4) Pray that the radiation treatment accomplished what it supposed to and that my left lung will be found cancer free.

Thank you for your faithful prayers.

Yours in Christ,

Graham Johnston

Health Update - 7 November 2010

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

Health Update - 30 October 2010

Greetings friends,

I thought I might update you as to how I’m going in Melbourne. Interestingly, had I not been unwell, these past days I would have been in South Africa at the Lausanne gathering focused on world evangelisation, but like many other things I hold dearly, I’ve had to lay them aside for time being.

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot to report on regarding this radiation therapy. I won’t know how it’s impacting the cancer for weeks and months to come. Just so you understand, there’s a limit as to how much radiation a human body can absorb in a lifetime and at the conclusion of this treatment, I’ll have reached that capacity. Secondly, this radiation will continue to burn within me a month after the treatments have finished. So you can see, reaching a clear indication from the treatment can be tricky even after we’re done.

Two prayers points:

1. The radio therapy is accumulative, meaning that the fatigue and the heaviness will only grow worse as the weeks progress. Pray that I’ll have the strength to complete the full treatment.

2. In the third and fourth weeks, the possibility of a scorched oesophagus would make it difficult to drink as well as eat solids.

Like Abraham climbing the mountain and Isaac asks, “The fire and the wood are here but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham replies, “God Himself will provide, my son.” That’s how we feel. What’s going to happen? God will provide is all we can say.

Thank you for your prayers and on-going concern.

May God bless you.

Graham

Graham's Treatment Times

Graham's Treatment Times in Melbourne (Aust EST, 3 hours ahead of Perth):

Thurs 21st Oct 8.45am
Fri 22nd 8.10am

Mon 25th 1.15pm
Tues 26th 1.40pm
Weds 27th 1.55pm
Thurs 28th 11.35am
Fri 29th 11.35am

Mon 1st Nov 11.40am
Tues 2nd 11.45am
Wed 3rd 11.40am
Thurs 4th 11.40am Graham's Birthday too!
Frid 5th 11.35am

Mon 8th to Thurs 11th 11.40am
Fri 12th 12.00noon

Mon 15th & Tues 16th 11.40am
Wed 17th til final treatment on Fri 26th 11.45am

We would greatly appreciate it if you could pray along with us during these times.