Have a Blessed New Year
Dear friends and supports,
This has been a year for the history books! At least the history book of the Binneys and our ministries. Never in our wildest imaginings would we have predicted the journey through which God would lead us. Besides the usual challenges of counseling which have been on-going and fruitful as well as the conference ministry, two other challenges of note have been presented to us.
Over a year ago Faith Baptist Church in Taylors, SC approached me with a request to be their regular pulpit supply to establish a consistent voice in the absence of a pastor. I did this for several months and then they requested that I become the interim pastor, which I also did. A sizeable church like this presents some unique challenges; but after prayer and counsel, I felt confident we could balance our primary ministry load with this one; and this worked well … for a while. Then we learned that Sandra’s cancer had escalated alarmingly. Through all of this, the people at Faith have been supportive, patient and prayerful; and a bond has been formed between us and them that we will cherish forever.
Sandra’s cancer had metastasized into various regions of her body with a frightful prognosis. This led us to seek additional medical help in Germany. We have now made three trips totaling almost six weeks with on-going treatments at home between trips. We currently have one more trip scheduled in February. The results have been amazing! The tumors have been drastically reduced, the eye problem and headache alleviated, and blood markers have all returned to normal range. The doctor in Germany has been amazed by Sandra’s progress and has concluded that it was because of God’s role. He knows of the thousands of hits on our website and the many people praying for us, and has told us frankly, “you have the help of God.” He even used the word “miracle” in his evaluation. God is glorified in this and also in Sandra’s response. She has been a real trooper throughout. Her desire is to glorify God in her sickness and she certainly has! God has sent her numerous terminal cancer patients whom she has counseled, prayed with, and encouraged. At this writing, in fact, there are two patients at the clinic in Germany because of her influence. Dr. Herzog has been referring American inquiries to our www.leadministries.net website and www.caringbridge.org/visit/sandrabinney site. She continues to show improvement with the exception of a chronically low endurance, which may be attributable to her treatment.
Thank you for your prayers on her behalf. It is, after all, the Great Physician who does the healing. (Medicine is the art of entertaining the patients while God heals them.) To Him be all the glory. Your prayers have been heard by Him and appreciated by us more than you know! Please keep praying. Though we can see more light through the trees than before, Sandra is still not out of the woods. Although the doctor has stated that management of the disease is the goal, we are still hoping for a total cure.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Jonathan. We have seen a great growth in him spiritually. He is having devotions every day, and he has taken a real liking to Chuck Swindol, listening to him regularly.
Thank you, dear friends and supporters, for your faithful prayers, giving and expressions of love over this last year. We are blessed indeed with friends like you.
Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney
|