The next few weeks were full of visits to different doctor's offices. Our dear friends, Dr. Jim and his wife, Kendra, put us in contact with a radiation oncologist who took on Tim's case with great fervor and worked Tim into the schedule of the radiation department. This doctor then got us an appointment with the medical oncologist, who began the chemo and other treatments to begin attacking the cancer. The goal of the treatments was to force the cancer to it's lowest possible levels (remission). At the time of diagnosis, Tim's multiple myeloma levels were at 40%. Our goal was to get to below 20% so that he could have the stem cell replacement therapy. Tim had to have 20 treatments of radiation to attack the larger tumor. He was also placed on several medications.
On September 19, 2009, we had two amazing services for the 10th anniversary celebration of our church, Community Baptist Church of Branford, Connecticut. We planted CBC in September of 1999 (http://www.cbcbranford.org/) and it was such a glorious day to look back on all that God had done for us over the last 10 years. Many friends and people from the community joined us - we were packed into our little building! Ray and Ann Gibbs, two amazing people who happened to have beautiful voices, joined us to sing and our friends Mark and Bethany Crawford came as well. Mark played the piano and accompanied the Gibbs as they sang powerful songs of testimony and praise.
We had a celebration banquet that evening at a local restaurant. Several pastors from around Connecticut joined us in support, and most of our church family was there as well. It was a powerful service as the pastors came forward and laid hands on Tim, praying for healing, but most of all for God's will to be done in Tim's life. We also showed a powerpoint presentation that highlighted many of the events over the last 10 years, and focused on the people that have been touched through the ministry of CBC.
It was very significant to us that as we entered this dark valley, the Lord caused us to take a day and look back on how He had been with us during the ups and downs of the last 10 years and we could be assured that He would be there in the difficult days ahead. Although Tim was in a tremendous amount of pain that day, he was rejoicing in all that God has done for us. It was a day that we will never forget.
Several area pastors, their wives and children that attended
Ray and Ann Gibbs - and - Mark and Bethany Crawford
Mark relaxing after a long day!
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