Christmas Greetings

Season’s Greetings
from
The Archers
December 2008
As another year-end approaches, it provides the opportunity to reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year and to share with you, our dear friends, a summary of our activities and God’s goodness to us. After the trials of 2007, battling cancer and the effects of the numerous radiation and chemotherapy treatments, this year was indeed a blessing – recovery, increased strength and energy, and an almost full return to work, exercise and other physical activity. Several PET and CT scans have confirmed the absence of cancer though tissues of the pharynx remain inflamed and swollen. The loving healing hand of God vividly evident to me!

This year we were blessed with the gift of another grandson. Nick and his wife, Erin, welcomed Caleb Nicholas on August 22 – one day after our 31st wedding anniversary - and seems to have inherited his paternal grandmother's green eyes. Proud big brother, Christopher is almost six years old and is happy to be in school with “the big boys.” Nicholas is continuing to enjoy his profession, serving as the Finance Manager of Florida Hospital – Celebration Health and Erin has returned to Altamonte Springs Elementary school after some much appreciated time at home with baby Caleb.

Lilly is about to begin her final semester at Florida A & M University School of Law and is anxiously looking forward to her law career after graduation in May and bar exams in July. Along with her Masters degree in Public Health, she hopes that she will be well prepared for a successful career. This past summer she completed an internship in the legal department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Along with her brother, sister-in-law, Erin and a few other college friends she leads a vocal ensemble, Made to Worship and served as a panelist on several editions of Hope Sabbath School, periodically aired on Hope TV.

Nichole is doing well, her motherly instincts so vital in doing what she loves most– taking care of us all. The occasional opportunity to use her culinary talents catering for local events certainly keeps her happy. She also enjoys her at home job with Florida Hospital that provides the opportunity to be Caleb’s babysitter. I, on the other hand, have enjoyment of frequently taking Chris to and from school. Grand-parenting is surely a lot of fun. Our family is indeed thankful for the numerous blessings God has provided – improving health, stable employment opportunities and children and grandchildren to dote over. Blessings indeed!

The joys of Christmas and the anticipation of the New Year bring hope, strengthens our faith, and renews the promise of our Saviour. We celebrate his birth and look forward to his return.

Thanks for your love, friendship and prayers over the years, and especially over the last 18 months. Our family wishes yours a joyous Christmas season and God’s richest blessings for the year, 2009.

With our love,

Len, Nichole, Lenis, Nicholas, Erin, Christopher and Caleb

The Former Things Will Pass Away

A few days ago, I informed you about my friend, Cheryl’s battle with liver cancer. I just received the following message relating the news that she has gone to sleep in Jesus.

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the death of Cheryl Patrick-Johnson. The sad event occurred early this morning, November 4th, at the Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

A vibrant, God-Loving, dedicated Christian, Cheryl was well respected and loved by her family, friends, and associates. She was a very caring and supportive person and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cheryl leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

We thank you for all the prayers, visits, calls, and words of encouragement, which greatly strengthened Cheryl and her family during her illness. Please take comfort in the promise in Revelation 21:4: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their (our) eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed way." That day is coming soon! We will see Cheryl again! She sleeps, awaiting the call of the Life Giver!

My sadness about the outcome is profound; my hope is unshakeable – hope in the coming of the Lord. “Till he comes!”

Health Update XXVII

It has been one year since I completed my last dose of chemotherapy. Every day I find many reminders of what my life was like 12 short months ago. I often read my thoughts from a year ago – typed messages I sent to many of you expressing the painful steps of this terrible journey. One year ago, I cried out in pain pleading with God for strength to endure the burden of pain and illness; today, I can look back and find much richness in the experience.

Last week, I made a business trip to Washington, DC and had the opportunity of seeing many friends and relatives at the Metropolitan SDA church – Lystra, Evo, Hazel, Adrian, Nedra, Wanda, Brenda, Edsell, Gordon, Bonny, Betty, and many more. To a person, the greetings went like this:

Len: Big smile.

Friends: A look of surprise and wonderment followed by a BIG hug.

Friends: “Len! It is good to see you! You look good! Boy, we have been praying for you!”

Len: (Bigger smile) “Thank you very much! God has been good to me!”

This initial greeting was then followed by the pleasantries of old friends greeting each other – the casual talk and the inquiries about my wife and kids. Inevitably, the conversation migrated back to the many prayers and longings for my full recovery. I have learnt many lessons through this experience but the one that lingers most is the generosity, love, and prayers of my family and friends, my colleagues at work, and my fellow church members. There is a generosity and sincerity of spirit that is often displayed among Christians during times of crisis that we can often take for granted. I have been reminded that among Christians “a friend is always loyal...” Proverbs 17:17 (New Living Translation).

During the mid 1980’s while attending graduate school at Indiana State University, I met Cheryl. She was an undergraduate student who attended our church while she attended college to obtain a degree in nutrition. A devoted Adventist Christian, she became attached to our then pre-teen children. I picked her up on Sabbath mornings for church and she often spent the day with us, taking refuge in our home during the Sabbath hours before returning to the dorm. We remained in touch over the years and during my illness she frequently emailed or called to encourage me. Two months ago, Cheryl, barely 40 years old and recently married, was diagnosed with liver cancer. Please pray for my friend, Cheryl because “… the prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.” I know. You have been praying for me.

Today, the lingering effects of radiation include symptoms of neuropathy – numbness of the soles of my feet; trismus – the inability to open my mouth fully; xerostomia – dry mouth due to lack of saliva; constriction of the esophagus and trachea resulting in the restrictions of swallowing and breathing. The oral deficiencies prevent me from singing as I was used to doing. But as I like to say, “other than that, I am perfect.” Perfect, because the God whom you beseeched on my behalf has written a new song in my heart. And for you and me and Cheryl, the greatest privilege we can share would be that of singing together the rich harmonies of the earth made new. The song is called “The Song of Moses and the Lamb.”

Love and Blessings,

Health Update XXVI

One year ago, on August 21, 2007, I wrote the following:

Today is a special day. On August 21, 1977, a beautiful young bride, Nichole Ann Bovell, joined me at the altar of the Caribbean Union College church, where we pledged to love each other till death separated us. Earlier this year, we began planning a special 30th anniversary celebration – maybe a Caribbean cruise or doing some overseas travel without the kids who are now grown-up. We had frequently missed opportunities for anniversary celebrations as it seems that they always occurred during the first week of my college teaching and administrative responsibilities, or just as we were busy getting the children back to school after the summer vacation. This time it would be special. But this morning, I leave home early to continue my second phase of the chemotherapy, which began yesterday. Our plans were thwarted!

It was difficult to write those words as I ventured down the path of the unknown. One year later, the experience is still sharp in my memory. Although I trusted God to see me through this journey of faith, the future seemed dark, not only for survival of cancer, but enduring the excruciatingly painful accompanying experience. This year (August 21, 2008) I had a less intimidating medical appointment, a CT scan. I am reminded of another guided tour I took many years ago.

When my son Nicholas was about eight or nine years old, he attended a pathfinder’s summer camp at Camp Timber Ridge, Indiana. One Sabbath afternoon, Nichole and I went to visit the little campers and discovered them running though some caves and tunnels in the hillside that could barely accommodate a medium sized adult male. I watched as the kids entered the little holes and zipped through the exits a few minutes later. At Nick’s invitation, I attempted to go through the tunnel but was gripped by fear of being lost in its dark underworld or being stuck somewhere in the middle. After hesitating for a while, he grabbed my hand, looked at me in the eye and said, “Dad, I have been through these caves many times this afternoon and I know the way. Hold my hand and I will guide you through.” With my heartbeat increasing with every second, I held his hand and followed. “I will hold you! Keep your head down, don’t let go!” he shouted, as I followed him. After what seemed like an eternity, I could see a small glow of light illuminating the exit. I knew that I would soon safely make it through.

I am grateful to God for holding my hand and guiding me through the unknown. My recovery is still underway. I experience many side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy including, sleep apnea, trismus (restrictive movement of the jaw), xerostomia (dry mouth due to reduced saliva) and constriction of the trachea, among others. But I can see the light signalling the end. I can see the glow of the exit. I like the symbolism of the dawning of a new day and I am intrigued by the promise of Isa 60:20,22.

“Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your day of mourning will come to an end. …At the right time, I, the Lord will make it happen.” (New Living Translation) or

“Your sun will no longer set; your moon will not disappear; the Lord will be your permanent source of light; your time of sorrow will be over. …When the right time comes, I the Lord will quickly do this!” (NETBible)

What a promise! I believe it. Do you?

Love and Blessings,

Len

Have you ever encountered an angel?

A few weeks ago, my daughter, Lilly, was returning to Silver Spring, Maryland after spending the July 4 (2008) weekend with her aunt in Connecticut. My cell phone rang at about 03:30 pm. “Daddy, my car is overheating. The needle is at the top of the red bar. What should I do?” “Where are you,” I inquired. She indicated that she was somewhere on the New Jersey turnpike heading south. She knew no one in New Jersey and was obviously concerned, as I was, about being stranded in a no-man’s-land. I instructed her to pull over immediately, open the hood, and make some casual observations to see if the cooling system had any fluid or whether there were any obvious leaks. I also advised her to call triple-A (AAA).

A few weeks before, I had called AAA to tow my car to the Pep Boys near my home after my vehicle had stalled on the Florida Turnpike in Orlando, Florida. I was about 19 miles from home and was certainly grateful for the service provided at such a late hour – after 10:00 pm. That same week I received a flyer from AAA with an offer to add a relative to my membership for a small fee. Knowing that my daughter, who still lives at home as she completes law school, was planning to drive to Maryland in a few weeks for a summer internship, I grasped the opportunity. I filled out the application, immediately mailed it in, and told her what I had done.

As we talked about her situation on the road, we realized that we had not received her membership card. I gave her my membership number and hoped that would suffice. She called AAA, gave her name and my number, and indicated her location. She was informed that the Turnpike was a private road serviced by the Turnpike Authority who contracted towing companies to service the Turnpike. Triple-A was not authorized to tow vehicles off the turnpike. The AAA representative further explained that if the Turnpike Authority moved her car from the highway to a specific location, then AAA would then tow her vehicle to an auto repair establishment of her choice. The AAA representative offered to call the turnpike service and meet her at a specified location. In a few minutes both tow trucks arrived and the first step was completed. But where would she take her car on a July 4 holiday evening? Most establishments are closed and she was a stranger there. The Turnpike towing driver suggested a reputable auto repair service just 1.3 miles away, well within the free mileage limit allowed by Triple-A. “However, it is not on the AAA-approved list of auto repair establishments,” he said. At my advice she agreed to take her car there and called a friend in Philadelphia who agreed to meet her in about 45 minutes.

The mechanic did a cursory examination and provided a report on the problem. He informed Lilly that when he opened the garage on the following day he would do a thorough analysis and provide a repair estimate and estimated time of pick up. With a prayer on our hearts, she went with her friend who by this time had arrived from Philadelphia. The AAA driver, it seemed, had left her in good hands. She returned to pick up the car at the end of the week. It was repaired and she was able to drive back to Maryland.

About a week later in Maryland, her car did not start and we suspected a faulty battery. “Call Triple-A,” I said. “They will give you a jump and you can then take your car to check on the battery.” The Triple-A representative indicated that she was not a member, that her name was not listed under her parents membership, and that they could not provide the service. Obviously, she called me and I was furious. On a three-way call I insisted that that explanation was unacceptable. “Just a week ago I called Triple-A, and a tow truck was sent to tow my car to a repair shop in New Jersey,” my daughter opined. I demanded to speak to a supervisor who calmly agreed to investigate the matter. “Sir, there is no record of your daughter’s membership. There is no record of a call in New Jersey and there is no record of any Triple-A representative towing your daughter’s car in New Jersey. The last call we have from you was in Orlando more than two months ago.” Our call accidentally disconnected and I decided to pursue the matter at another time.

Over the next few days, I thought a lot about the series of events.

1. Triple-A could find no record of my daughter’s call for help in New Jersey.
2. Triple-A claimed that they never sent a driver to that location.
3. Lilly recalls that the “Triple-A driver” never asked for her card, never completed any paperwork, and did not ask her to sign anything.
4. The “Triple-A driver” took her to the auto repair location and then disappeared into the night.
5. The repairs were apparently well done as she drove her 2001 Saturn safely back to Orlando at the end of her summer internship.

Is there room in your mind for the supernatural? Do believe in angels? I do! "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways..." Psalm 91:11.

Health Update XXV

Many members of the church I attend, the Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist church, are participating in what our pastor has called “40 Days of Prayer at Forest Lake” with devotionals patterned after Alvin VanderGriend’s book, Love to Pray. I, along with several individuals have volunteered to write a series of devotionals for the event. These devotionals are sent daily to church members as we pray for our church and prepare our hearts for the challenges that lie ahead. As I wrote the first of two devotionals I contributed, I found that the message of the selected scriptural passage resonates with my experience of the past year. I’d like to share with you an edited version of my contribution.

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” -Matthew 7: 9-11

Christmas time is a time of giving. Many people spend lots of money giving gifts to co-workers, family members, friends, and often strangers, just to make a good impression. No matter who the recipient might be, or what the value of the gifts might be, the gifts are representative of the giver. Unfortunately, the commercialism of Christmas propels us to spend lots of money to be sure that when the gift is given, not only will it be well-received but it would also speak well of the giver. In gift-giving, the more we love someone or want to impress someone, the more likely is the increased cost or value of the gift.
Sometimes, we present gag gifts at parties. The exercise is usually one of frivolity and fun and is not understood to be a meaningful exercise that illustrates the heart of the giver. No one gives a gag gift as an expression of the heart. Why then would one who loves us supremely give us a gag gift? That is the question that Jesus asks.
God wants the best for us. He loves us more than anything or anyone; more than any lover could, and more than we love our wives, husbands, and children. Will he not give us the best? Oh yes, he will! He cannot but exercise his love for us by providing us with the best he can possibly offer. Sometimes, life brings difficult circumstances and situations that make us wonder about the giver. We can be assured that the giver of the gag gifts of life is the ‘architect of all evil,’ but the giver of all good gifts in our lives is the God of love.
This year I have been reassured of God’s gifts to me – strength and faith to endure the difficult days, daily recovery, and life itself. My second PET scan a few weeks ago confirmed the results of the one I did in February. I have no obvious active cancer though the path to full recovery is a slow one. My friends still pray for and encourage me. What gifts!

Dear Father of love and Giver of all good gifts; we give our gifts to you, our lives, and thank you for the many gifts of love you give to us. Amen!

HEALTH UPDATE XXIV

June 14, 2008


This is a year of reminiscing! Thinking of last year, what was, and what might have been. Every day, I say to myself, and often to my wife or anyone who would listen: “Last year at this time…” At this time last year, I had just completed one round of chemotherapy and two weeks of my seven-week radiation treatment schedule. I had begun to lose my appetite and hence had dropped a few pounds but still had the energy to do a 15 mile bike ride at an average 15 mph clip on Father’s Day. However, I began to anticipate the road ahead as I developed slight throat pain and my radiation oncologist advised me to fill the prescription for the magic mouthwash so I’d have it ready when the pain became more intense. It seems like yesterday. Every experience is etched in my memory and although the journey back to my former healthy life is still ongoing, I can thank God for bringing me through the valley of the shadow of death with renewed hope for prolonged blessings in this life and an eager anticipation for the return of our Savior.

I have two good reports: My friend, Dr. Vernon Andrews, is recuperating well after his open heart surgery and is looking forward to a life of vitality. He thanks you for the many prayers you have offered on his behalf. Also, there has been a significant reduction in the swelling of my throat over the last couple of weeks. Today, eating has become more comfortable and pleasurable. Some of my colleagues at work tell me that the spring in my step is returning.

Those of you who know me well remember me for my love of music, especially singing. I have had over fifty years of the most wonderful experience of vocalizing for appreciative audiences. One of my earliest memories is singing along with the congregation on my mother’s lap in a tent meeting. Today, the physiological and anatomical changes around my vocal folds prevent me from doing any meaningful, audible singing although my doctors promise that my voice will also return to normal. Last Sabbath, as I opened the hymnal to sing the closing hymn with the congregation I could merely complete two stanzas. The sound that emanated from my lips was not what most of you were used to hearing. But as the congregation sang the third stanza, the tears welled in my eyes as I was reassured anew by the God I love and the friend who has been so faithful to me. I could now listen to the sound of my heart.

Lead on, O King Eternal,

We follow, not with fears,

For gladness breaks like morning

Where’er Thy face appears;

Thy cross is lifted o’er us;

We journey in its light;

The crown awaits the conquest;

Lead on, O God of might.

Yes, even in death's shadow, he leads. And I believe that the morning of a new day is soon to come. To paraphrase a popular southern gospel song: “Some glad morning when this night is o’er, I’ll sing again.” Yes, I will sing again. Will you sing with me?

Love and Blessings,

Len

HEALTH UPDATE XXIII

May 18, 2008

I first met Dr. Vernon Andrews in 1972 when, as a student of the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine, Trinidad, I made the unusual request to become a member of the Caribbean Union College choir which he directed. After a short audition, my brother, Austin and I were invited to join the group. We could have never imagined what a life-changing decision that would be. My spiritual and social development, the person I am today, and the life-long friends I have made, including the occasion of first meeting my wife on a choir tour to Guyana, are rooted in this decision. Vernon became my personal friend, musical mentor, big brother, advisor, counselor, and the one I trusted the most to help me with important life-altering decisions like: who should I date or should I go to graduate school. He was the one who substituted for my father-in-law and presented my bride to me on my wedding day. Vernon and his wife, Phyllis, and family remained our endearing friends.

A little more than a week ago Vernon’s daughter, Vernetta, called to inform me that her Dad was experiencing some mild discomfort and indicated that he and his wife were planning to come to Orlando from the Dominican Republic where they were visiting, for some medical diagnoses at Florida Hospital. My son made the necessary arrangements for physician visits and after he completed the initial screening and treatment it was deemed that further tests were necessary. Two days later he visited the emergency room at Florida Hospital, where diagnostic tests indicated an urgent need for an aortic valve replacement and triple by-pass surgery. We praise God for the fortuitous and timely intervention of medical science that was able to reveal his physical deficiencies. He is now resting comfortably at Florida Hospital Orlando cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), as he recovers from this very traumatic surgical experience and will be our guest for a while.

Unexpected events often intersect the trajectory of our lives with life-changing effects. These events can sometimes be deemed tragic but often bring immeasurable blessings. To a large degree the outcome depends on our faith experience bolstered by the faith of those around us. Without a doubt, that has been my experience over the past year. My journey has reinforced two truths:

1. God strengthens us to be encouragers and supporters of others

2. God has renewed my faith in the promise that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 NIV), or “the prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with” (Message).

Over the past year, Vernon’s friendship and occasional emails, like many I received from some of you have been a source of constant encouragement. Many of you know Dr. Andrews and are his personal friends. Some of you have probably never heard of him. I urge you to join with me and do for him and his family what you did for me. Let’s ask God for his intercession and honor his will that “prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well” James 5:15 (Message). Just maybe, the journey we have been taking together over the past year was preparing us for the role of cheerleader, encourager, and faith-builder for this time.

Love and blessings,

Len

HEALTH UPDATE XXII

April 22, 2008

On April 27, 2007, a tumor was surgically removed from the left side of my neck just below my ear. It was embedded deep in the nasopharnyx, below my Eustachian tube. A pathological investigation revealed a cancerous tumor that had begun to metastasize and required several months of radiation and chemotherapy. Before the treatments began on June 4, a port was implanted into my left upper chest providing access to my left subclavian vein through which I would receive drugs, hydration, and even nutrition. Yesterday, almost exactly a year after that fateful discovery, I was admitted to the hospital for minor surgery – the removal of my port. Although my recovery seems slow (though according to my physicians, normal), this event signals the nearness of the end of a long year of emotional, physical, and spiritual battles. The daily trips to the cancer center; lying on the radiation table to be exposed to the powerful radiation waves; the infusions of powerful drugs designed to selectively destroy cancer cells; the excruciatingly painful attempts to swallow; the dramatic weight loss of more than 40 lbs; the many nights of difficult, interrupted sleep. During these many months the love and support of my family, the prayers of my friends, and the love of God served to stoke the embers of my faith and kept me hoping for this day.

For many years to come, I will reminisce about this experience as I observe the visible scars of surgery, one on my neck for the removal of the tumor and one on my chest from the insertion of the port. I have always sensed a cleansing spirituality in this experience and I have looked for vital lessons from this incredible journey. The scar on my neck will forever symbolize the sin experience, the vileness and murderous effects of its tenure in my life – a symbol of the scapegoat bearing the weight of the tragic experience of evil. To insert the port, an incision was made above a vital vein where the connection of port to blood vessel provided an entry point for the medications that would eradicate the diseased cells and supply the life giving nutrition necessary to sustain me.

And isn’t that like our Saviour, who in paying the price for us, bares the scars for us – scars that represent the evil that is sin and the promise of life that is salvation. And although He will forever bare those scars, when He comes for me, He will relieve me of mine. The newness of my life is but a symbol of the time when he will make all things new. What a hope to hold on to! What a promise to live by! And what a faith to sustain me even now as I slowly return to a healthy physical body!

Please continue to hold me up in prayer as the journey faith is still in progress and the final victory is yet to come.

Love and blessings to you all!

Len

HEALTH UPDATE XXI

March 18, 2008


I believe in the power of prayer! I grew up in a home where the expression of faith and the power of prayer were as evident in our daily lives as a breath of fresh ocean breeze. During the last few months, the expression of prayer has played a key role in my speedy, miraculous recovery from surgery and the treatments of radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer. Miraculous, I believe, because the God whom we petition is a God of miracles; a God who specializes in doing for us what life itself cannot do; what medical science often misunderstands; and undoing what the ravages of sin bequeaths to us fallen humanity. My family and I have been strengthened physically, emotionally and spiritually during this experience. I believe that your many prayers have been answered over and over again as you petitioned God on our behalf.

A week ago, I informed you of a setback in my progress. We all prayed that by God’s divine intervention I would be spared another round of surgery. Today, I believe your prayers, our prayers, have been answered. The answer is a confirmation of your faith. The neck and throat swelling that I experienced last week has receded; my breathing is far less labored and near normal. After a visit to my otolaryngologist today, the report is: no cancer, no surgery. He declared that there was no longer a need for surgery since the swelling was far less severe and there was no evidence of active cancer. A later visit to the medical oncologist supported the earlier conclusion. Another follow up PET scan is scheduled for late June with follow up visits also scheduled. Meanwhile, a gradual return to normal activity, including exercise was recommended.

Although my words fail to express the depth of gratitude I feel, I found some which clearly suffice:

Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 145
17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. 18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He grants the desires of those who fear him;

Psalm 146
1 Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord. 2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.

Psalm 147
1 Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!

Love and blessings to you all!

Len