I felt the need to give you a short update on my medical situation as we begin the new year. I sent out a general notice and had it posted on the website a year ago when this process began but have not sought to send out periodic updates as I did not think they were necessary. However, I am very thankful for the countless multitudes that have said they were praying for me and I have definitely felt God’s hand on my life in response to those prayers!
As you know, I have battled melanoma 4 times over the last 20 years. This most recent episode began in November of 2010 when a very small melanoma was diagnosed in my right lung. Since that time I have been in treatment at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas, flying down there once per month for treatment and having tests & scans every three months. M.D. Anderson is the number #1 Cancer Treatment Center in America and has reaffirmed that by the excellent care they have provided for me.
They have used three different medicines in an effort to find the proper drug to actually kill the melanoma cells. The melanoma was found within two months of its origin and was tiny when diagnosed. That was a blessing. The first two medicines reduced the already tiny melanoma by 30% over the first year. Praise God!
In November, 2011, they placed me on a new drug for 2 months to see if it would be more effective. I have been in Houston all this week for tests and to see three doctors for a verdict on the benefit of the new medication. Yesterday (Thursday), they told me that they were all rejoicing because the already tiny melanoma had actually shrunk by another 60% in 2 months. My primary care physician who is Taiwanese, pulled the pictures from the scans up on the computer and showed them to me. As she flipped through the images on the screen she just kept saying, “Isn’t this amazing: look at this, can you believe the shrinkage; this is dramatic results”! Then all of a sudden she looked at me and said “Praise The Lord”! It was the first time I had ever heard her say anything of that nature. I said, “I do praise Him, every day”! She then got out of her chair and hugged my neck. She has never done anything like that in the four years I have been under her care. We celebrated together!
I have been highly blessed of the Lord and I praise Him for His hand that rests upon my life. I have tolerated all of the medications with little or no side effects and have also been able to maintain the busiest schedule I have ever had in my life while undergoing the treatments. They have now found a very effective drug to use against the remaining melanoma and I have an excellent prognosis for the future. Needless to say, today as I sit in my office writing this email to you, I feel like a new man with a new lease on life!
Thank you for your prayers. One pastor even told me that he keeps a picture of me on his desk and anoints it and prays for me every day. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Keep praying, good things are happening and 2012 looks brighter than ever before!
[Editor's Comment: Although this information has been widely distributed to all conference superintendents and is posted on the website of the IPHC, I sought for permission to print this news in Hugh's News. Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr. graciously granted me that authority. So, today, all of you will know what we have known for a week or so.
It is not my intent to ever upstate or share information that I may be privy to without authority and permission. There is the matter of ethics and protocol.
We love Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr. and his wife, Nan, and wish God's continued blessings in their lives. When you pray, pray for them by name. It is my prayer that God will grant them wisdom and glowing health [strength, might and power] in the Name of Jesus (Daniel 2:23, The Living Bible).
You'll be glad when you invest in our leaders with your heartfelt prayers to Almighty God. I love what Jack Hayford wrote in his book, Glorious Morning! An Invitation to Resurrection Praise:
"Anyone who can descend into death, conquer hell and the devil, touch bases with earth and earthlings, and then spring heavenward into the glorious rule at the right hand of All Power on high deserves my vote of confidence about handling my future--and whatever it holds" (page 13).
How about you? Do you need the healing touch today of Jesus? In the Name of Jesus I speak healing just now to your body, mind, and spirit. Accept or receive your healing by faith.
Posted on
Thu, January 12, 2012
by Hugh Morgan