I'm just speechless after reading the latest update from Pastor Ron. Of course, we all try to remain strong in our faith, however, there are times when our faith is tested and we struggle to stay strong. I sure do prefer the confident side of faith, but I know that through the testing times we learn so much about life and about ourselves and somehow, someway something positive always surfaces if we just hold on and don't give up.
Update on Pastor Ron
Good Afternoon Friends and Family!
Thank you so much for your continuing love, prayers and support. I love you all! And, God Remains ... GOOD ALL the Time!
I know that I usually wait a month before my next update. This one's coming about nine hours after the one I wrote this morning. Why? Well ... I got my blood checked yesterday and the report on my psa was 0.3, which was the same as I reported last month. Cathi and I went to our primary care doctor later this morning to get a prescription for some Malaria pills for our upcoming mission trip and I mentioned that my psa number had gone down. He said, "Um, that's interesting. I just received a copy of your blood work, and that's not what this report says. This says it's risen to 1.5." Needless to say, we were stunned.
I just came back from the hospital, and here's the deal. They are very sorry. It seems that the correct reports were sent to my doctors (at least the one we saw this morning), but the wrong report was given to me this month AND last month. Bummer (from the Greek, which is a bad word.) This month the correct psa is 1.5 and last month it was 1.4 (instead of 0.3.) I know what you're thinking. How could this happen? Well, I do not know. I am not mad. Although I do feel disappointed and somewhat embarrassed that not only was I emotionally jerked around, but that in sharing misinformation, I caused all of you to be as well. I am sorry. I know it's not my fault, but it feels that way.
So, what's the bottom line? We'll continue to praise and trust God because He's worthy. He's just as worthy of praise and trust as he was before I received the corrected numbers. Remember, they're still just numbers and God is bigger than the numbers!
I'll keep you updated with the latest info, as I get it. We see my local Dr. K on April 13th and we will get his recommendation. The truth is, I'm feeling great, and very thankful to be alive and have the support of all of you who faithfully pray for me! Thank you!
Speaking of prayer, please be earnestly and strategically praying for us in the next few weeks. Cathi and I, along with a team of a dozen others, will be leaving on Saturday, March 7th for a 16-day mission trip to Bangladesh and India. We really need your prayers for fruitful ministry, health and protection. We'll be going to some very challenging places. We get home on March 23rd. I'll give you an update in April.
Well, that's all for now. Let me leave you (again) with two verses from my "cancer psalm," Psalm 18:31-32 (NIV) "Who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? 32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." My way has not been "easy," but it sure has been ... "perfect." I would not have had it any other way! Even with these recent challenges, He remains my rock! I'm enjoying the journey. And, you are all one of the reasons!
Amazingly Graced,
Pastor Ron Salsbury
Thank you so much for your continuing love, prayers and support. I love you all! And, God Remains ... GOOD ALL the Time!
I know that I usually wait a month before my next update. This one's coming about nine hours after the one I wrote this morning. Why? Well ... I got my blood checked yesterday and the report on my psa was 0.3, which was the same as I reported last month. Cathi and I went to our primary care doctor later this morning to get a prescription for some Malaria pills for our upcoming mission trip and I mentioned that my psa number had gone down. He said, "Um, that's interesting. I just received a copy of your blood work, and that's not what this report says. This says it's risen to 1.5." Needless to say, we were stunned.
I just came back from the hospital, and here's the deal. They are very sorry. It seems that the correct reports were sent to my doctors (at least the one we saw this morning), but the wrong report was given to me this month AND last month. Bummer (from the Greek, which is a bad word.) This month the correct psa is 1.5 and last month it was 1.4 (instead of 0.3.) I know what you're thinking. How could this happen? Well, I do not know. I am not mad. Although I do feel disappointed and somewhat embarrassed that not only was I emotionally jerked around, but that in sharing misinformation, I caused all of you to be as well. I am sorry. I know it's not my fault, but it feels that way.
So, what's the bottom line? We'll continue to praise and trust God because He's worthy. He's just as worthy of praise and trust as he was before I received the corrected numbers. Remember, they're still just numbers and God is bigger than the numbers!
I'll keep you updated with the latest info, as I get it. We see my local Dr. K on April 13th and we will get his recommendation. The truth is, I'm feeling great, and very thankful to be alive and have the support of all of you who faithfully pray for me! Thank you!
Speaking of prayer, please be earnestly and strategically praying for us in the next few weeks. Cathi and I, along with a team of a dozen others, will be leaving on Saturday, March 7th for a 16-day mission trip to Bangladesh and India. We really need your prayers for fruitful ministry, health and protection. We'll be going to some very challenging places. We get home on March 23rd. I'll give you an update in April.
Well, that's all for now. Let me leave you (again) with two verses from my "cancer psalm," Psalm 18:31-32 (NIV) "Who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? 32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." My way has not been "easy," but it sure has been ... "perfect." I would not have had it any other way! Even with these recent challenges, He remains my rock! I'm enjoying the journey. And, you are all one of the reasons!
Amazingly Graced,
Pastor Ron Salsbury
