May 7th, 2010
Dear St. George’s Family,
It is time to ramp up the prayer. I just finished speaking with our surgeon and she shared the pathology report. The pathology report was not as conclusive as she would have liked, but these are the things we know so far:
it appears to be a glioma tumor
it appears to be primary
it appears to be (at least) grade 2
So, here is what that means. A glioma is a type of tumor. Primary is better than secondary in that there are no other sources of cancer to battle. Grade 2 is relatively low on the malignancy scale, being a scale from 1-4. This may mean that Rhonda’s tumor is relatively slow growing.
Having said this, our surgical team is concerned that the report is more vague than usual. Our next steps include setting up an appointment at he cancer centre in Hamilton. An oncologist will review the report and decide if there is enough information to begin treatment or if another biopsy is needed. The surgical team is holding an OR slot next Friday, in case further samples are necessary.
All of this to say that the news appears better than it could have been. We are thankful that Rhonda’s tumor is primary. We are thankful that this initial report indicates grade 2 and not higher. Mostly we are deeply grateful for all of you and for your earnest prayers.
I know that everything in the cosmos hurdles toward the ultimate expression of God’s glory, even Rhonda’s brain tumor. He will be glorified in Rhonda’s body; even as He is already being glorified in the prayers and petitions of all of you, dear, much loved friends.
Your unflagging determination to pray for a miraculous recovery for my wife has moved me to tears of profound humility, giving me glimpses of Jesus. Please do not let up. Press on in prayer. Hope in his steadfast love. Repose on His covenant goodness.
Sitting here at my computer and writing to you, cherished friends, I am reminded of Moses words to God’s people after being delivered from Egyptian slavery. Having crossed the Red Sea – bondage, death and slavery behind them, new life and the Promised Land ahead – Pharaoh and his armies were in hot pursuit.
And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Exodus 14:13-14
Fear not. Stand firm. The Lord fights for His people.
RD
RD, I couldn’t agree more! Praise the Lord, and let’s carry on!
We serve a God who does miracles!! I’ve been listening to a CD which has the song You Deserve the Glory. You are great and You do miracles so great and there is no one else like You. I am filled with hope believing!
Praise God for that report!! I will keep on praying for you all!!
Hi Ray David,
As I read your report which must be very difficult for you to write daily, but so much appreciated by all of us I am reminded of this song of praise.
“Look what the Lord has done. He healed my body, He touched my mind, He saved me just in time. I’m gonna praise His name, Each day is just the same, Come on and Praise Him, Look what the Lord has done”.
More Lord. More. More healing. More power. More comfort. More hope. More glory. More Lord.
Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
Pray without ceasing!
I am amazed at your resilience in this difficult time. God Bless you, as you continue to encourage those of us who are praying for you, Rhonda and little Matthew. Praise God for His Word to comfort and uphold you all during this journey. May He bless you as you lean on Him! I will continue praying.
I remember when Rhonda decided to leave 100 Huntley St. to pursue “The Law,” I was so sad, but at the same time happy for her. Especially for her seeming to know what God’s will for her life was and to follow that. Just like she trusted during that time of change, I encourage you to contiue trusting; He knows what He is doing!”
Love you all in our Lord Jesus,
Renee R.
Peace to you this day. Last night in my reading Jesus gave me comfort in the statement “Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:50. I love it when the Lord speaks. We are at Mac master next Weds whant some company after our appointment.? We will drive to your place.
Hey RD,
I am so sorry to hear about Rhonda’s illness and the subsequent pain and suffering that causes the family…especially young Matthew.
Colleen and I will certainly hold all of you in prayer, that goes without saying. However, if you need anything or we can assist you in some way, please don’t hesitate to e-mail or pick-up the phone.
Love and Blessings,
The Allan Crew
Dear Rhonda, Ray David and Matt;
We thank God for what he has done already. He has rallied thousands of people to pray and plead with God. He has given you a report that is “better than it could have been”. We love you and bless you and will keep praying for you fervently.
Love
Heather and Claus (and your friends at Toronto Centre)
We have been praying for a miracle, and we will continue
to pray for God”s Mercy and healing for Rhonda. We also lift up you Ray David and Mathew for comfort and peace.
Happy are you who have believed,because the Lord’s promises will be accomplished in you.
And Mary said
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
alleluia Luke 1:45
May God Bless You Ray david Rhonda and Mathew
Gaye & Peter
Praise God: The report is not vague to Jesus! My Bible lays open to the passage from Cornithians which Moria suggested we pray yesterday. You are enveloped in HIS love, and surrounded by HOPE!
I so remember Rhonda on Huntley Street, how she came across as such a humble person and her little giggly laugh. She just shared in different ways her love for you Ray David and so proud of Matthew. You don’t know me as I live in Alberta.
We are so shocked as to why this has happened, but am assured God knows all that is and will take place. He is holding Rhonda in His loving arms and will give her Peace and Comfort. He tells us ‘THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH AND RISE LIKE EAGLES”.
You both must feel encouraged with this latest report.
Put your arms around Rhonda and tell her this hug is from all of us who care so much about her. Make sure she smiles with such a big hug.
We will continue to pray for you all, one never gives up in praying, God honors and hears us.
Blessings to you Ray David and your family.
Marilyn
I am reminded of the following passage where not only the boy’s father but if one reads the whole text they will see that the Apostles also had levels of unbelief. Concerning Rhonda’s affliction, I believe it is time for us to ramp up our belief levels….. Praise His Holy Name and His healing powers….. time for a miracle, pray for a miracle, He just gave us some small glimmers of hope to cling to and to help build our “unbelief into BELIEF”. Amen
Mark 9:23-25 (New International Version)
23″ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil[a] spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”
Hi Reverend Glen:
I was so shocked when I heard about Rhonda’s sickness yesterday, while watching 100 huntley street.I have admired Rhonda throughout the years, while she had her own show, when she hosted 100 Huntley Street and when she got married to you and had little Matthew.
I was so saddened to hear of her illness I cried out to God in intercession last night and early today before going to work.I reminded the Lord how much little Matthew needs his mom & even you as a young husband and couple.It seems you have your whole life ahead of you.I also reflected on when Rhonda left 100 Huntley Street to pursue a law degree, as she felt God led her in that direction to be a greater witness for him.It seems like she has not even had the opportunity yet to become a strong witness in this area. I believe in my spirit that this sickness like Lazarus’sickness is not unto death, but that the glory of God will become more clearer in Rhonda’s life.Be encouraged that he who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it in you. I will continue to pray for Rhonda and get all the prayer warriors that I know to pray also.Also remember that God remains faithful even when we becomne faithless.
Yours in Christ
Michele Cameron(Mrs)
Rhonda, you interviewed me several years ago on 100 Huntley Street with regard to coping with leukemia. God had done several miracles in my life and has continued to do so since that time. For the latest I was interviewed on Feb. 3rd again this year. I am now at the twenty third year of God’s Loving Hand of Mercy.
Rhonda, when I was 48, May of that year I was told I would not be alive to have Christmas with my family.
“He it is that goes before you, He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be discouraged. Do not be afraid.” Deut. 31:8.
Stay strong trusting only in Him, and do quickly whatever you need to do. That’s what I did!
We will be praying for you.
I love you.
Anne Watson
What a testimony of Gods Grace!
I am so inspired that you and your family are handling this journey with such grace and dignity. You are truly a powerful witness to God’s faithfulness and provision. It is only when we are tested that we come forth as pure gold. Matthew is truly blessed to have you and Rhonda as parents. I know God will be glorified through it all. Please know that I will bring you, Rhonda and Matthew before God’s throne of grace. He will see you through.
Ray and Rhonda,
We have never met but I feel like I can identify with your current situation. Over the last two years I too went through a similar journey with my husband (who was a minister also) who had a grade 4 GBM brain tumour. It’s not an easy travel, but God is always right there to carry us through each day. He is the one we learn to completely trust and when we do, we experience His great love, comfort & provisions. He is an AWESOME GOD who still performs miracles.
I will be praying for you all at this difficult time, and for a miracle from God. Stay strong, be encouraged, God is with you.
Colleen
Praise the Lord for answered prayer and for that report. Your frequent reports are much appeciated. Will continue to pray for Rhonda, you and Matthew. Will continue to pray for Rhonda’s recovery. Romans 12:12 – Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
Love to you all Donna Dunbar
Rhonda and Ray David,
This latest report is so encouraging. I pray that youwould be inspired and that your faith would be strengthened as we all call on God for healing and restoration!! Love you!
Praying for you Glenns! Praying particularly for healing, but also for comfort and hope that you are so courageously showing in these posts.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu-Alleluia!”
with much love,
Paul
Dear Ray David, Rhonda and Matthew, today I was constantly reminded to pray over your day as you learned the results of the pathology report….from the dark of night until this light of day & beyond, I have carried your great needs to Our Jesus. Be encouraged by the love that surrounds you in friends you know and friends from afar whom you’ve never met; He will carry you dearones.
God Bless You,
Barb.
RD, Rhonda and Matthew
We continue to pray, with faith and trust
your fellow sojourner
Jason
We give thanks for every blessing, even small ones. We will keep praying fervently and continually – it is not a burden to pray for those whom you care about. We have to keep praying until our prayers are answered to increase our faith. Remember faith can “remove” mountains! Every blessing to your Ray David, Rhonda and Matthew.
Lois & Wayne
I know what you are going through as a family. You do not know me, but I will certainly keep you in my prayers. One step at a time, one day at a time…God knows all about your circumstances, and will never leave you nor forsake you. He carries you in the palm of HIS hand. He knows your tears, your fears, and HE knows the road you are going to take. Trust HIM, because YOU ARE LOVED
Hello Ray David:
As a primary caregiver to my 98 year old mother, I know the utter necessity that the caregiver receive support. Please take care of yourself. You and your family have a long road ahead of you. It is easy to keep giving but essential that you take breaks. God has me on a different journey than the one you are on. However take time to recharge and recuperate. With God’s sustaining power you and your family will make it through to the other side.
May God bless you and keep you safe in His arms. May His healing hands be on your family.
A Rhonda fan for many years – The walk with cancer is a hard one for everyone.God knows. He cares. God isn’t in the cancer He is in the healing. He showed me this with both my mom and dad. Our prayers are with you. I am so sorry you have this walk. Hugs Carol
This is such good news. We praise God that He is in control. We will continue to hold you, Rhonda and Matthew in prayer
In Christ
George and Joyce
I am praying for you, Rhonda, and for Ray David and Matthew.
Thank you for keeping us updated on this personal battle that you are going through. We feel a deep love and concern for you and your family as we spent so many special moments with you while watching 100 Huntley Street.
Praying for God’s blessing and strength for you and your family.
Marjie
We don’t understand and are confused by this, but what we DO know, is that God is good, and that he loves Rhonda passionately and has a plan for her! Rhonda, Ray David and Matthew, we will pray earnestly for you.
Hi Ray David
Just a note to say how saddened I am to hear of Rhonda’s journey with pain and uncertainty at this time. I pray that she may continue to become stronger each day. I also pray for you Ray David and for little Matthew. I have been watching Rhonda on Huntly St. and remember when she left Pembroke to work there. You see she had helped me with a couple of Bridal Showcases when I worked for “Welcome Wagon” in Pembroke. I wonder if she remembers that, she was our host emcee and did a marvelous job as she did with any task she undertook. Thank you for writing the updates..they help us to know how to pray. Trusting the Lord for you Rhonda. Love Ya Rhonda! Lila & Stanley Priebe
RD
Thanks for the updates. As hard as they may be to write, they are a genuine help in focusing our prayers.
Peace,
Jim
we are praying each day for Rhonda and the family, God Bless you all.