I Have Cancer
Yeah, no doubt about it. PSA rising, sent for a biopsy and then the dreaded diagnosis . . .“I am sorry to confirm you have prostate cancer.” It’s a moment I have imagined through the years as occasional aches and pains led to tests, but always in the past the confirmation “all is well it’s just . . .” Not this time though; I have cancer. This of course confirms what I have taught so many times from God’s word . . . the effects of sin visit themselves randomly upon the creation in varying degrees and at various times (John 9:1-3). God promises only that His grace will be sufficient as His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), and that He has a purpose in the life of His child that will advance our good if we submit to what He has lovingly allowed (Hebrews 12:5-13).
So that’s it! I have cancer and I can diagnose the theology as well as any oncologist can diagnose the pathology. But here’s the great part. I truly believe those things. I am not especially anxious, I am not struggling with God’s goodness or asking a lot of penetrating ‘why’s?’ I am more aware of my pending mortality and the brevity of this life by eternal standards.
Sorting through hundreds of pieces of mail and a pantry full of herbal remedies has been challenging and humorous and helpful all at the same time. Kathy and I have prayerfully chosen forty-five Proton Radiation Therapy Treatments at the Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California. These treatments will kill the cancer, hopefully all of it and totally. It will be many months and years before I know the final outcome of this treatment, but I do believe this is the best path for us. I will be gone from Chicago from January through early March, 2009, but will be teaching at Greg Laurie’s church and sending the New Testament study on trials back to our Harvest Family by video. We are experiencing a great nearness to the Lord and a sense of His wisdom in appointing this season of adversity for us. In fact . . .
I have a tenderness to the pain of others and a deeper burden for those closest to me. I am more acutely aware of my sin and much less willing to weigh it or measure it or manage it. I just want to be clean and close and consecrated in my walk with Christ; and I am, more than ever. Truly!!! And for that I am very thankful. I have experienced an outpouring of love from our congregation and beyond that has made me more appreciative than ever to pastor a church and belong to the body of Christ. God is good, I’m gonna get through this in God’s way and in His time and I love Him more than ever. Today is a good day, and because of it, no matter how this ‘day’ ends, tomorrow will be even better. Isn’t it great to know the Lord and love His word and walk in fellowship with His followers? How blessed I am! I will keep you up to date. Feel Free to leave your comments!
Categorized as: Christian Life, From James
December 16th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Pastor James,
I listen to “Walk in the Word”, and have been following your ministry for some time. I’m always encouraged and challenged through the preaching of God’s word that I hear when I tune in. I am about to begin seminary in New Orleans and your faithful, Christlike example encourages me to do my best for the Lord in his service. You, your family and church family will be in my family’s prayers.
December 16th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Dear James, I wanted you to know that the women of Harvest Davenport began praying for your health as soon as the news came out. Over 150 of our women did the Lord Change my Attiutude study this fall. We will continue to be faithful in prayer for you & Kathy! Blessings…
December 16th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Dr James Our prayers are with you for sure, you have been an inspiration to me with your teaching and I have learned so much from you. To hear of this phase of your life does sadden me, but at the same time helps me to see that God is good and as in all things He will see you through this. I’m Praying for healing, a complete removal of all cancer in your body, strength for you and for Kathy and your family as well as your congregation. I look forward to hearing the good news to come. God is good and always in control and has you in mind.
We love you here in Tacoma WA and are praying fervently for you and yours!
God Bless
December 16th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Your messages have been an encouragement to countless Followers in this day of ‘easy-believism’. Of course, you and your family will be in our prayers.
John
December 16th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I don’t even know what to say. My mother past away 3 1/2 years ago of colon cancer. When I would spen the nights with her at the hospital all she wanted for me to do was read the bible to her and sing himns to her. God inhabiths the praises of his people and there will be be a cosntant praise in my heart toward God in your behalf. Even do I have never met you personally, you ministry has impacted my life gratly. I am deeply sadden to hear of your illness. Your attitude is the same my mother had, that of a true worshiper. Even do you are going thru this, you are still a worshipper. I’ve never visited your church, but I feel like you are a pastor to me.
May God bless you as never before and use even more.
Love you pastor.
December 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Thank you for exalting Christ in the midst of adversity!
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.–3 John 2
December 16th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Pastor James,
Praying for you and all of your family.
December 16th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Pastor James: There are some men the world is not worthy to have (Hebrews 11:38). You are one of those men. If God were to take you home, it would only be due to his love for you and wrath towards the ungodliness of men. I know you are probably uncomfortable with such estimations, but I believe it to be true. Everyone’s praying that God keeps you here, for though it may be better for you to leave, it better for us if you remain. In His Love, Josh.
December 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am
[...] December 16, 2008 at 4:22 pm | In Theology and Culture, the gospel | …because he has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. In this post he explains how God is giving his family grace during this time. It is extremely [...]
December 16th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Pastor James,
I lost both of my parents to Cancer. My Father when I was 17 and my Mother just 13 months later. God has used tough circumstances like these to make me the man I am today and to teach me to say with boldness and confidence that God will redeem our pain for his purpose. Press on and finish the race. You have been and continue to be a great example for many of us to to run after. I’m sure this will make you an even greater preacher of the Word.
December 16th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Pastor James,
While working for a local Christian radio station I had the job of putting in PSA’s. “Listen Up” and your teaching was instrumental in my calling to ministry and hunger for the Word. My prayers are with you and your family during this season of your life. No doubt will the Lord receive full glory as you walk this out.
December 16th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
James, may God heal you with His almighty hand. “Be not afraid, only believe!”
December 16th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
This is truly a God-send in achieving more tenderness in your heart for others. God moves in mysterious ways…blessed be the Name of the Lord.
December 16th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
James-
You are a man of courage and faith!
I pray that God will make His wonderful presence known to you in this time of trial,knowing that God will truly “Work all things together for good to those that love Him”.(Rom.8:28)
That is not to say that what has happened is good,because it is bad.
However,it is to say,God can bring good out of bad.
We are really looking forward to you coming to Harvest Christian fellowship in Southern California to speak.
I urge all out there to keep James and his family in prayer during this time.
He is truly a gift to ALL of the Church,and we thank God for him.
Greg Laurie
December 16th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Dr. James, I will be praying for you, your ministry to all of us at The Master’s College during Truth and Life conference was a blessing.
December 16th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
[...] Read his full post at the Straight Up ministry blog. [...]
December 16th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Pastor James,
I listen at 7:00 am. every morning in Columbus, Ohio. This has been my routine every since I was born again in 2001. Your faithfulness to God’s Word has helped me grow. I have read some of your books and materials which have also been part of my maturing process. And now your faithfulness in trials is a witness to a world in need. God has a plan and I can not wait to watch him work! I will pray for you, your family and your church during this time of trial and testing. May God Bless you richly for your humble submission to His Word!
December 16th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
My Dear Brother and Friend,
I’m standing with you all the way and counting on God to have great glory through this enormous trust He has placed in your hands. You know that you are among my top two favorite preachers to listen to on CD and I have no doubt that we who sit under your ministry have much to learn and gain as you teach us what Christ teaches you. I look for God to bring you safely through this and grant you your most powerful years ahead. You know that you and Kathy have my love and prayers and that, if you need a single thing, I am one short text away.
Your friend and servant.
December 16th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Dear James,
I will be praying for you–one of my true mentors in the faith. We love you and we know that God is going to be glorified through you as a result of this. I know you and Kathy will get to the other side of this thing. Hang in there bud. Better days are ahead! This is all part of a deeper walk with Christ and He will show himself strong in you James. My church will be praying for you an Kathy.
December 16th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Hey Pastor MacDonald,
Over the past three years small groups at our church have been through every DVD series that you have recorded. Your ministry has been a huge blessing to those who have attended and to me personally.
Having a sense of the character and integrity of your life, I am certain that you will be a shinning light of Jesus’ love and hope to all who observe as you walk through this season of your life.
You will be in our prayers.
December 16th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
[...] Praying Specifically for Pastor James MacDonald Several weeks ago, we learned that Pastor James has cancer. I wanted to write several weeks ago, but wanted to wait until it was officially released. [...]
December 16th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Pastor James….I am so disheartened to hear of your diagnosis. We know that God can and
will heal if that is what will bring Him glory. Through your teaching, you have had
such an impact on my life, and the lives of
my family and friends since I have shared your
teaching with EVERYONE I come in contact with.
Thank you….Thank you for sharing the good news without compromise, without fear. I will pray for you and your entire family during this
trial, my beloved brother in Christ.
December 16th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Pastor James,
We will be praying for you as you go for treatment. Thank you for always convicting us through the Word of God and never holding back the truth. We appreciate you SO much.
I just listened to one of your old sermons from Nov 24, 2002 called God is Always at Work. We are going through a difficult season in our family and that message was truly encouraging. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit has gifted you with an ability to communicate God’s Word so effectively.
We will be praying for your family as we head into 2009
December 16th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
God bless you and your family, Pastor James. What an encouragement you have been to me, through your faithful teaching of God’s word! You HAVE BEEN and will be in my prayers.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Hi James… Andrew from Collingwood, Ontario, Canada – your 8 Principles series changed my life. Once again your words and your life are speaking volumes to the assurance and peace we have in Christ! Love and Prayers…Andrew
December 16th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
My dear Pastor James,
I will be praying for you in this season of your life. Thank you for sharing this trial with us. Your words of hope are very encouraging to me because they just confirm that I have nothing to fear with the Lord on my side. He will never leave us or forsake us!
God bless you and keep you!
yours in Christ,
Michelle
December 16th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
[...] his radio ministry Walk in the Word. Here is part of what he had to say today in his announcement: I have cancer. This of course confirms what I have taught so many times from God’s word . . . the effects of sin [...]
December 16th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I have been blessed so many times by your program Walk in the Word on WMBI. As one who has walked with the Lord since I was 21 and lived with MS since I was 30 (19 years now) I understand fully that we are not exempt to the fall of our sins because of the forgiveness of them. You and your family are in my prayers. I would recommend a song to you, Ruthless Perfection performed by Kim Hill. I wish I knew the author but the words “all of those who heed the call to their election, He’ll baptize you with fire and work His ruthless perfection”. On the same album are two other beauties I turn to, (Bring to Me the )Fire Again and Make a Joyful Noise. In days of deep anguish these particular songs from this one album (in many) are a source of encouragement.
I lift you up in God’s amazing strength and protection and plead with Him that your body be healed and heart be made strong. Thank you for serving God so well and justly and I look forward to hearing you do so for many years to come.
In HIS Amazing Grace
Carla
December 16th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
God bless you James. You’re in our prayers.
December 16th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I will be praying for you Pastor McDonald. You might be blessed and encouraged by reading a blog by a Christian brother who has brain cancer. http://www.bausermancottage.com is the URL. Look for the “Book of Joe” on the sidebar along with postings “From the Porch” and “By the Fire”.
December 16th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Godbless you pastor james.You have enouraged me in my walk with the lord.I first heard you preach on my lunch break about two years ago and iwas immediately struck by your fervency, love for truth, and ove for people when you proclaimed the word of god.You were preaching from pauls letters to timothy and you were talking about stirring up the fire within.it was a Godsend in my battle with discouragement at the time.it also was a breath of fresh air from the pathetic man-exalting,scripturally downgrading, eartickling and stomach churning “sermons” that are abundant today.I would eat my lunch in the car on my lunch so I could hear the preaching.As i would feed my soul I also fed my spirit.i am going to pray 4 you and I am thankful that i came upon your ministry when I did.God bless you.
December 16th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
my prayers are with you.
December 16th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Pastor James,
Your teachings have helped me grow in my faith. Your books are well marked. Your ministry has helped me through some rough times in my life, with phone calls and emails. You are truly a man of God. I pray that the healing hand of our Lord Jesus, reaches down and touches you, cleans your body of the sickness. I pray that you and your family continue to feel the peace that only He can provide. I am so saddened to hear this news, but again inspired by your proven faith. God Bless you Pastor James. I will be praying for you and your family.
Your sister in Christ,
Susan
December 16th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
[...] James MacDonald shares that he has cancer. So that’s it! I have cancer and I can diagnose the theology as well as any oncologist can diagnose the pathology. But here’s the great part. I truly believe those things. I am not especially anxious, I am not struggling with God’s goodness or asking a lot of penetrating ‘why’s?’ I am more aware of my pending mortality and the brevity of this life by eternal standards. [...]
December 16th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Hello my friend you have wisdom like Solomon, the strenght of David, the loving heart of John and the word of God. I know you will get through this and be stronger because of it. We are praying for you Kathy, Luke Landon and Abby.
Take care of your health now so we can worship the Lord together another 48 years.
Love and blessings, rick & family
December 16th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Brother James,
I just wanted to thank you again for your powerful ministry of the Word. My wife and I met you briefly a couple months ago when you were preaching in Orlando. Please know that my family will be praying for God to bring you through this trial and raise you back up for continued service. You are an example to all of us in ministry.
God’s best to you,
John Tracy
December 16th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Brother James,
I am a pastor in Navarre Oh. 2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I chose chemo and radiation and had multiple opportunities to share my faith with staff at the hospitals and clinic.
I grew so much in my faith and would go through it all over again… Prepare to be used like you have never been used before.
Currently, I am cancer free!
December 16th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
James,
Please know of our prayers for you at ClearView. You have been a light for me personally … a guide through some times of decision making. I will forever be grateful God brought our paths back across one another. Your messages feed this pastor’s soul daily. Your ministry stands as a beacon for many. You have stood by many you were not even aware. Now, we stand by you. You and Kathy are a constant on our prayer list. May God restore you to full health quickly!
December 17th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Dear Pastor James,
I just want you to know that you are my all time favorite radio pastor. I start every week day listening to you and feel like I know you personally. I have a wonderful pastor at my church and I love him dearly, so I consider myself very blessed to have two pastors from whom I can learn God’s word. You make waking up at 6:00 a pleasure and I go to bed looking forward to waking up hearing you preach God’s word, you are truly a blessing to me. I am saddend to hear that you have cancer, but I know we have a loving Father you loves you more than any human can and that he is with you and will comfort you and your family through this trial. He is good and I know He is with you, will bless you and make you stronger through this. I look forward to many more years of waking up to Walk In The Word. May the Lord bless and keep you. You and your entire family are in my prayers. Thank you for all you do.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Brother James, I have been listening to your program for sometime now and your sharing Gods word has become a meaningful part of my life. As this trial has come into your lives, I want you to know you and your family will be in my prayers. Here in this part of New Mexico we have a saying, may God keep the wind at your back and the sun on your face. As you deal with this obstacle I pray this and Gods grace be with you. God Bless. Hank Willemsma
December 17th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Dr. McDonald,
First and foremost, God loves you and so do I. “Victory is mine”, says The Lord! Your faith, as well as your ministry is my “Favorite” source of “Spiritual Food”. Our entire family, as well as all of Calvary Chapel Kendall, are in prayer and are already rejoicing in His Victory, and your complete recovery. What a sweet Jesus we serve, who has set the captives free and healed us “By His Stripes”. We love you and lift you up In Jesus Name.
Steve & Trachena Muchnick
December 17th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Numbers 6:24-26. I will pray for you and your family. You have been a blessing to me in your work and thank God for you. May he give you strength and wisdom during this trial.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Dear Pastor James,
I am so sorry to hear about this news. We will be praying for you. My father went in for a physical last week and his PSA was a 5.5 from a 0.17 a couple of years ago. We don’t know what this means. He is having a time getting in for follow up at the appropriate doctors. Please pray for us as well. The Lord be with You!
December 17th, 2008 at 9:11 am
James, we will be praying for you.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Pastor, I am a Children’s Minister in NC. I listen to you everyday at 9:30a streaming through my computer on 106.9 the Light, Billy Graham’s radio station.
My mother has battled cancer 6 times!! Just last week we found out the cancer is still gone!! It has been gone for 3 years now and the doctor has finally said he believes it may never come back (as we have always believed)! Praise God!
BUT just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego proclaimed, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace…BUT if not, let it be known to you that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the image which you have set up Daniel 3: 17&18. Even though we did not know if God would rescue my mom from physical death or not…that of course was not the point…the point is God’s promises prevail in this life AND eternal life! Whether He chooses at this time to rescue us from physical death or not, He is Able, Faithful, Wonderful, Awesome, and we will worship and TRUST Him!
God used the faith of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-Nego to change the heart of Nebuchadnezzar; God has used my mother’s faith so many times to influence and change those around her…including me. One doctor, whom she and many others, witnessed to, quit his job at the hospital to serve on the mission field. He went from being an agnostic to a Believer!!
I just wanted to write to you to let you know as my brother in Christ I am praying for you. You have meant so much to me..speaking the very words I needed to hear from God exactly when I needed to hear them. I love you as though you were the pastor here at my church. I will pray for you as I praise Jesus for His love and faithfulness to you…even though the fires of living in the bondaries of flesh can at times seem to consume us…we shall not grow faint…because with us in the fire is the pure breath of eternal life, breathed into us by the Spirit through our Faith, Hope, and Trust in JESUS the Christ! My husband and I love you and will continue to support your ministry!
December 17th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Dear James,
Be assured that the family at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and Cornerstone University will be praying for you. Thanks for getting your theology “spot on” in regard to these frail “tents” that are groaning and fading away. Until “that day” we hold each other to be faithful to the call… thanks for being faithful to the Bible and God’s calling in your life… God promises to honor just that!
December 17th, 2008 at 11:16 am
I heard you speak at The Cove last April and fed on your messages. My small group of ladies and myself will be praying for you and that the treatment will be effective. Blessings on you and your family.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Pastor James,
I have been following your ministry for the past 10 years. During that time I have lived in 8 different houses and 5 different cities. Throughout these many transitions you have been the one constant pastoral influence in my life. I have come to think of you as my mentor, even though I cannot meet with you face-to-face, your radio teaching, blogs, books, DVDs, and conferences have allowed God to speak through you, to me, in a powerful, and life-changing way. I am a youth pastor, with very little formal Bible school training, in fact much of what I have learned about preaching and communicating God’s Word has come from you. Thank you for your many years of service in God’s Kingdom, and I will be praying that God grants you many more.
December 17th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I have the privilege of hearing you on occasion and on most of those occasions like this morning was convicted by the Holy Spirit.You and your family will be prayed for by me a brother in Christ that you do not know but are linked by our blessed savior.
December 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Dear Pastor James (& Family),
I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks and love to you, your congregation and your family for the incredible work that you are doing. God is doing exceptional things through you!! For several years now, through your ministry you have been the one who has helped me understand myself, my sin and my true place in this world and in the Kingdom of God. You have helped so many people in so many ways. God Bless You! My family and church (High Point Church, Larksville, PA)will be praying for your speedy and painless recovery. (May i suggest a more Raw and Living Food Diet as well…it has been know to have beneficial effects on cancer. Look at http://www.naturalnews.com if you can, immensely beneficial to reversing ills of the body!! Seriously!!
December 17th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Pastor James, God bless you and all that you say and do. You have made such a difference in my life and I’m sure in the lives of countless others. If the power of prayer heals, then I know that God is listening to all our prayers for you and your family. You have given me such encouraging words through the struggles I have. I thank God that I am able to listen to your messages and learn about God in a way I didn’t even know or could ever understand on my own. God bless you.
December 17th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Jamie,
It’s been a lot of years but I still check in to see how you and Kathy and your beautiful family are doing from time to time. I’m sorry to hear this news but I know you will stay in a state of gratitude and celebrate the abundance in your life, and this with your faith will bring you through this difficult time. Much love to you both this Christmas.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Pastor James,
I just came back with you from our trip to Israel! How awesome was that!! I brought my youth pastor with (Adam) and I want you to know that we both enjoyed your humility and had a great time on the white bus! My wife and kids are praying for your recovery — whatever God’s path for you (Daniel 3:17-18) we are praying for God to use this in a mighty way. I listen to you almost every day through WITW – many times I feel as if I am the only one you are speaking to. (I am sure I am not alone on that)
Thanks for everything – Keep on bringing the message loud and clear, God is using this ministry in an awesome way.
December 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Pastor James,
We love you and your family and will keep you in our daily prayers. Thanks for your deep faithfulness in the midst of the refiners fire. You are such a wonderful example and encouragement to all who walk in the word with you. We immediately felt a deep sadness at the bad news but your message is such an inspiration and reminder of God’s faithfulness to His own. We pray that God will direct you to the best treatment and bless those who will care for you. We are so glad you will have a church home with Greg Laurie and his congregation. Greg is a man who knows adversity and pain and who has walked with the Lord through it all. Both of you are men of God whom the Lord is pleased. May God continue to strengthen and heal you, deepen your faith, grow your compassion, and advance His kingdom through your ministry.
We want to thank you for the radio ministry as it has deeply impacted us and our walk with the Lord and has been a catalyst for change in our lives. When tragedy or trials hit God’s messengers it impacts believers and is a great motivator to not take life for granted and to get right with God now. We believe God has a perfect plan for you and for us all as He sees you through this time. Merry Christmas to you, Kathy, Luke, Landon, and Abby. We look forward to the news of your first grand-child.
December 17th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Wow…
I appreciate your candor in this issue.
Thanks for the opportunity to pray for you and with you and your family.
You are loved and appreciated!
December 17th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
James, we are praying for you and hope your treatment will solve this.
We love you and your ministry
December 17th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Pastor James,
Please add my name and my wife, Sharon’s, to the growing list of ‘family’ that will be praying for God’s healing upon you so that you can continue to fulfill His purpose of advancing the cause of Christ for the “fame of His name!” I lead an early morning weekday mens’ fellowship that has embarked on your ‘Lord, Change my Attitude’ series. The guys will be holding you up in prayer too!
In great love and admiration,
Ed
December 17th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Pastor James,
There is no way to tell you how much we love and appreciate you and your ministry. Words cannot express the cries of our heart to the Lord on your behalf.
Sharon
December 17th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Our dear Pastor James:
I join with my wife, Sharon, in prayer to our gracious Lord and Saviour that you will experience His mercy and grace, and complete healing so that you may accomplish every goal He has laid out for you for ‘The Fame of His Name”. Our weekday early morning mens’ fellowship group – Cup O’ Joe is currently in the midst of your ‘Lord, Change my Attitude’ series. The guys will be holding you up in prayer as well!
With Love and Admiration,
Ed
December 17th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Dearest Pastor James,
You and your family are in our prayers and will continue without cease… God Bless you and your family through these trying times.
With Love,
Liz
December 18th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Dear James: Your ministry has been such a blessing to me and our family. Only yesterday I emailed my son again and encouraged him also to hear what God has in store forus when we yield and bow down to Him..Each morning early, God has used your ministry to draw me closer to Him. We continue to pray for you and Kathy and your ministry and that others will come to know Him because of how God is working in your life. May His blessing fall on you today in a very special way…you are being prayed for and we send our love
Sharon
December 18th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
James,
I am an administrator in a clinic where we deal with urological and cancer patients daily. But I also walk with the mighty creator of every cell in our body and see daily how the Lord heals through many different ways. I am not jaded to my clinical surroundings, but more in tune with God’s daily mercy and grace. God is not only good, but God is also enough. Bless you brother. My wife and I are praying for a complete healing.
December 19th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Pastor James, I just want you to know that you and your family are lifted up in prayer continually. I pray that the the Lord will strengthen you, heal you and shower you with comfort. We love you very much.
December 19th, 2008 at 7:37 am
From an ex-team mate and McNay street friend…
I am just excited about how God is going to bless you through this challenging circumstance.
I am confident this trial is something that God will use to have more impact for His glory and probably help all of us who are connected to Harvest or Walk in the word….
May God give you peace and protection.
December 19th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Beloved Pastor; “Time would fail me to speak of……..” all the ways you have ministered to myself and my family. My children walk close with Jesus in a large part due to your impact in their lives. My husband loves Jesus and longs to serve Him, due to your impact in his life. I long to make each second count for Christ due to your impact in my life. I know that Jesus speaks through you and I believe that the one who brings down Kingdoms will uphold you during this time. You have spent 20 years telling us how we are loved and now it is our turn. You are loved Pastor James. You are held in our hearts as precious and you are not alone. All love and prayers……Maida and Andy
December 19th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Dear son,
You are in my thoughts today.
God will supply all your needs.
love and prayers with out ceasing.
mom
December 19th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Praise God, James, for confessing that “the effects of sin visit themselves randomly upon the creation,” and are not instances of God’s specific will decreed from eternity. Thanks for being real.
Much love,
Matt
December 19th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Dear Pastor James,
We have always been humbled by the impact and influence you have had in our lives, marriage, and family. I (Scott), myself, having grown up without an earthly father, have always thought of you as a “spiritual” father having taught me the living Word in a way that truly made sense to me. We send our love and prayers to you and look forward how He will continue to glorify Himself through your life!
Scott & Jen
December 19th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Pastor James,
I know that a man like you and family like yours will not spend much time trying to “understand” this so much as you will endeavor to somehow see God glorified through it. You are very dear to God and to the multitudes that He’s reached through you. Your ministry has encouraged and challenged my own. Count on our prayers for you. Blessings!
December 20th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Hi Pastor James,
I met you in 2002 at a night of Worship and the Word in Burlington, the night my husband and I were saved. We praise God for what He has done through your ministry… for we can be assured of His love.
My heart goes out to you now in your time of trial. I have experienced much of my own serious health issues the past year and though I haven’t questioned why, I have struggled with believing God has chosen me in love. Thanks for your encouragement and we will have you in our prayers.
Rachel (and John) from Canada. P.S. Say hi to Bill C. and his wife for us. Hope they are well.
December 20th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Hi James and family,
I just want you to know that you will be in our prayers. I pray that the cancer will go away and that you will be healed if it’s God’s will.
December 20th, 2008 at 9:23 am
My grandfather had prostate cancer. He and his wife also did the proton therapy treatment in Loma Linda. Success!!!
It is an amazing therapy… and the size of the device (though you can’t see it all) is enormous.
Make the best of your time while having your treatment. Go visit the sites and sounds of California while you are there.
I will pray for wisdom and direction for you and your wife. I will pray for strength and good health.
Scott
December 21st, 2008 at 1:21 am
Pastor McDonald,
Your teachings are so powerful and so filling–every time I listen to you, I am so spiritually full! Thank you for your faithfulness to Him and His people. I am believing with you for total and complete healing. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. May the King of Glory be glorified in your life.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:50 am
Pastor James, Keep going. Just keep going. Many prayers and a hug from all here in central pa. Can’t wait till you get back out on the road! Mike crum
December 21st, 2008 at 4:47 pm
You are and have been a strong man of God for a long time for a lot of people. Now it is time for us to step it up (in prayer) for you. What is so amazing is that God will use this storm in your life, to further his kingdom. I love you and many of us in Nashville will be there for you in prayer.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:51 pm
James,
I just started attending Harvest Rolling Meadows this year. I have been a believer for a long time. I am your age and was also diagnosed with a serious type of cancer this year. I like you have not been anxious, and I have to say this has not been the worst year of my life. God has taken me to new depths of intimacy with Him, and has really taught me to use my time wisely as life is short. Even though I am single and have no family here, I trust God completely and I know he is good. You are in my prayers.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:58 pm
James,
You have been an inspiration to me for many years now, and are still my all time favorite teacher. As you always say; “God is Awesome” all the time… as is that which He leads us through for His glory. I know that this too will be a testimony of Gods power over and in your life. You are truly a gift to us all, and no matter what God has planned you will still be Gods instrument for His glory.
I miss being at Harvest and hearing you in person… and I hope one day to hear you on the air waves here in Lexington Ky.
I love you and will be praying for you and your family.
Jim Fuller
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:49 am
Hey James,remain positive and keep your chin mup.I’m living proof of how merciful The Lord is. I’ve been battling Squamos cell cancer since2000.Firet the Dr. did a wedge procedure which meant he removewd the thmor and the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck,then in May of 2002 i had 2 skip lesions appear, so as my Dr. said,we couldnt keep whitling away at my tongue,so i took 6 weeks of intense head and neck radiation.And then in feb. of this year another tumor reappeared causing me to have a partial glosectomy (having half of my tongue removed and some of my jaw bone as well. After weeks of rehabiltation with a speech therapist,i soon realised that i would never be able to communicate like i used to,as a matter of fact,my gift of gab was a trademark and one of my best talents…but the more i felt sorry for myself ,the more i realised how blessed i was,and when i felt sorry for myself,i didnt have to look around very far at the therapy center ,to know how lucky i was just to greet another sunrise,as opposed to some of the rehab patients confined to wheelchairs ,or trying to learn to walk and just function after suffering a stroke and alot of these wonderful souls were alot younger than me..God is Good ,and for the life of me’ll never know why He’s spared me for so long,but if i can survive after 8 yr’s of battling this disease that has no remorse then there is hope for you my friend…Never give up.or give in because with faith all things are possible.od Bless you and yours,and my prayers got ou to you and your family..Your Brother in Christ,Robert Wuerz.Dallas TX.
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Pastor MacDonald, I have learned a lot and loved listening to your sermons on Walk In The Word over the past few years. I appreciate your straightforward style. While it’s hard to imagine why God would put you through this trial, I know there must be a purpose for His Glory. We’ll pray for your healing and continue to praise God in good times and not-so-good times.
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Dear James,
I heard about you cancer from the blog on crossway.org. I want you to know that God is on your side and this trial will bring maturity in your spiritual walk with the Lord as you lean on Him and His people for support. I know this full well because I have deal with cancer just not too long ago. I had hodgkins lymphoma, which I am thankful to God it was nothing more serious but at the same time, it helped me understand the uncertainity that people go through when they have a disease like cancer or any other disease. I want you to know that God has His hand on you and there is nothing you and Him cannot handle together. God showed me through my cancer that the good in Romans 8:28 is to be more like Jesus who walked with His Father and depended on him every step of the way. Even when you feel down and your body is spent because of the treatments, give God all the praise because it honors Him when we worship Him no matter if we have a good day or a bad day. Granted we do not want to go through cancer or any hardtimes, but God is the one who gets the glory. I hope with my cancer story I will be able to share God’s love with people and I am sure you want the same thing. I do not know much about you, James, expect i see you on the ESV website endorsing the translation, which I am a user, but this I know, you are a brother in Christ who I will be praying to the Father on your behalf, which did help me through my trying time, and God is going to get you through this that will give Him all the praise and draw people to Himself. God is on your side. Stay strong and stay in His word through this time.
December 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Pastor James:
As a husband of praying oncology nurse here in Ohio, I know that GOD uses the oncology caregivers to help cancer sufferers, and the Great Physician will watch over you as they administer their medical protocol. I enjoy hearing your voice on the radio and your website. I acknowledge the Apostle Paul’s words in ROMANS 8:28, and will continue to pray for you. I serve as a Prayer Partner with my Pastor Knute Larson, and I will continue to remeber you in our prayer time. God Bless you.
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:12 am
My first cousin and his son both had this problem and they both opted for surgery. My cousin’s son is about your age and lives in Chicago.
I also have a friend who is a Professor of Special Ed. at ISU, he opted to have radiation done at the Mayo Clinic. That was a couple of years ago, perhaps five or so.
I’d rather spend January in Southern California than Minnesota or even Chicago.
If you’d like to talk with either of them let me know.
I’ll be praying for you.
Art Ellingsen
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:04 am
Pastor James,
As I am awake too late at this point I thought let me write you because I wanted to tell you, I absolutely LOVEEEEE your Attitude of Grattitude!
Unbelievably awesome and positive and faithful are you man of God chosen to be one of His voices in this time in this generation right now.You are responsible in part of my understanding my salvation process last year and have since been growing and God has been filling me,for this I thank you for your part in ministry affecting millions I am sure . If you read this please know I just found out tonight on your sight about the cancer, I will pray for you,I wept for you,and I listened to your beautiful anointed music,as my husband sleeps and I listened with headphones I was wrapped in the Fathers embrace of love and comfort,knowing He is in control of you,your body,on a cellular level on an oxygen and blood level,on a spiritual level and He is responsible and in Charge of His creation,Fear Nothing,Jesus is coming He is on His way for the Fathers Glory and in His time it will be revealed. I urge you stay strong in the Faith,stay hopefull,remain in Him. You are being covered in prayer. You can do all things,through Christ who strengthens you He is doing it right now. Peace and many Blessings to you and your family and whole congregation. Much love thru our Father In Jesus name I pray,for the will of the Father to be completed,on earth as it is in Heaven Amen Tina
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:40 am
James,
I have been listening to your podcast ministry & have really benefited from your words & encouragement. I will be thinking & praying for a speedy recovery.
–Ryan
December 24th, 2008 at 2:07 am
Pastor James,
I wanted you to come to So Cal more often, but not for this reason. Will be fasting and praying for you. If you need anything, let me know. Family and friends work at Loma Linda or in the surrounding areas. If you need anything, please let me know. Love you brother.
Pastor Rene De La Cruz
December 25th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Dear Pastor James,
Words cannot express how your commitment to teaching God’s word without compromise has changed our walk with the Lord and blessed our lives. From the time we discovered you on the radio to Straight Up to being a part of planting HBC Milwaukee, your drive to take us to the deepest part of scripture has eternally changed us. When we heard of your cancer we were grateful to be able to call upon the Lord and bring you and your family to His throne of grace. Thank you so much for your faithful ministry and commitment to serving our Savior by serving people you have never met – now we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you in prayer and support of WITW. You are a beloved Brother in Christ and you are loved with an everlasting love! Know that Christ will exalt Himself through this – Keep on Keeping on James! For His Glory, through His Power and for HIS Name!
Trusting in Christ alone,
Mark and Sarah
December 26th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Dear Pastor James,
I don’t remember how many years ago I found you
on the radio or how many sermons I have heard
you preach, but I do know how much it has meant
to me and how many times I use your teachings in teachings I impart in my own ways. I can’t
imagine where I would be in my walk without the
wisdom you have shared with me. And I can’t
think of a better 2nd church to teach from than
Greg Laurie’s, whom I also love and learn from.
(and am listening to as I write this)
God works through people and, just as he teaches us through servants like you, we are
healed through servants like your doctors and
His power. I will pray for your total restoration and I will continue to look to the
skies anticipating his return, as you have so often taught me.
With all my love and prayers,
Mark Gilstad
December 26th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Pastor James, you have been a blessing to me by way of Walk in the Word since 1997. I am praying for you and your family during this time. My father had colon cancer a few years back, went through treatment, and has been doing well since. It was hard for us to see him go through everything, but he got through it. I know you will get through this also, because I have faith in our Lord to get you through it. When things get rough over the next few months, and they will, lean hard on God and he will support you.
Love you brother!!! May God provide for you and yours!!!
Eric Balli
December 26th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Dear Pastor James,
May you find some measure of comfort in knowing that so many of your brothers and sisters out here are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.Your heart for the Lord, and your teaching has both blessed and encouraged me, and brought me closer to the Lord.I thank God for you!We love ya,bro!
December 27th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Pastor James,
I have been listening to you for just over a year and a half now. You have been a great blessing to me and to my family. Your sermons encourage me and spur me on. I have listened to every broadcast, most of them several times, so much so that I feel as though I know you though we have never met, I am in the deep south. I am inspired and encouraged by your attitude and I believe you will overcome this. I will be praying for you and your family.
Grace to you,
Richard
December 27th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I have to listening to your radio broadcasts for years now. I am a better youth pastor, better employee, better husband, better brother in Christ, because of your unwavering teaching of God’s eternal truth. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to you and your harvest family. We visited your church a couple months ago and took pics with you. You told us, “Boys take care of your wives.” I follow you as I follow Christ Pastor James. My family will be praying for you and yours in this tough time. God is seated on his throne, and He is in control. Don’t get your eyes off him.
Grace and peace to you,
Sergey
December 29th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hello Pastor James,
I attend Harvest Bible Chapel in Davenport Iowa, listen to you daily on Moody radio and have taken many of the courses you have offered. Your burning desire for God and your passion for bringing the word of God to the fallen world we live in is an incredible blessing to myself and many of my friends. Even in the trial you now face I am amased at how God continues to work through you to reach others with his word. May God bless you and your family as you walk through this process with the Lord and I pray for a quick and full recovery. John
December 29th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Dear James,
I have been listening to you on the radio in Orlando ever since I saw you at the Precept National Convention in Chattanooga. You have impacted my life as well as my husband with your sometimes sarcastic but always truthful style of teaching God’s word. We were at the Windermere Prep School for your visit to Orlando and brought a friend with us who also very much enjoyed your preaching. As a teacher of the word you have modeled for me that truth is truth and I do not need to be ashamed of speaking it. As a matter of fact if I don’t speak and teach truth even if it means going against what “seems” to be okay I have forsaken the God who gave His all for the truth. Thank you for your boldness, your honesty, and your love of the word of God. You will be in my prayers and I know that God will provide everything you need.
Diane
December 30th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Dear Pastor James–
I’ve just been taking a break, catching up on blogs, and saw this news about your cancer. At the beginning of December, I was part of a huge downsizing at my company–it was a big shock; we were all told it was our last day. Didn’t see that one coming at all. On the way home, I was still in shock, but I turned on your sermon from “Family First Aid” about Abraham walking by faith. It helped me through a very, very difficult day.
Since I first started listening to you preach on the radio two years ago, you and your ministry have been such an encouragement to me. I will pray for you and Kathy and your family as you walk by faith through this trial God has allowed into your life. As you’ve said before, “God help us to know this: I will not leave this world one minute early or one second late.” Thank you for what an encouragement you have been to me. It’s a privilege to pray for you too.
God bless,
Alice
December 30th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I’m awed by your faith and blessed by your strength. Be brave and of great courage. I would like to recommend a blog that may touch you on the heavy days. http://www.marisavanderveen.wordpress.com
December 30th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Pastor James,
I am so grateful to God for you. God’s word through you has been a blessing to me and my family. I am a faithful listener of your radio station and although we have never met it almost feels like I know you. (I think I am not the only who feels this way)
I love you dearly for all God’s work you do and all the blessing you have brought to many people. My heart is sadden to know what you and your family are going through at this time, but I know that this will be a testimony for all of us and you will come out even stronger then before. I live in Ontario Canada and I pray to God that some day I may be able to travel to Rolling Meadows, IL “Harvest Bible Chapel” and have you baptize me. That is my wish to God and I will not cease to pray for that, and a full recovery.
Ana Clark
December 31st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Dear Pastor James,
My husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma 3 years ago. We are witness to the closeness the intimacy of our precious Savior’s hand on our lives through this trial. The Lord has given us so many opportunities through this journey to tell people of how we are loved by Him and how he tastes the salt of our tears. God has graciously held my husband’s illness at bay. We have had lots of false scares throughout the last three years as the enemy would like for us to doubt. The Lord has shown Himself mightily and gloriously. He is mighty to save. I know that you are keenly aware of all of this. We are praying for you and with you. We so appreciate your love for the Word and the gift of teaching that the Lord has given you. As a good friend said to us “We are standing with you on our knees.” God bless and keep you and restore your health.
In Christ’s Great Love, Kim Starnes
December 31st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Pastor James,
I pray for all God’s blessings and promises of good health for you and Kathy and your family. You obviously love and serve the Lord in so many ways. You have served Him through convicting me with your teachings. This has brought me much closer to Him. With your words above you have shown to love Him even more. Your inspiration and service continues even in this new season of your life. From Edmonton, Canada I pray for your full recovery and ongoing ministry, which is so awesome (only you can say awesome in that special way).
January 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Pastor James,
I am a avid listener to Walk-in-the-Word and I wanted you to know how the Lord has used that program to strengthen my faith and bring my family and I closer to him. The Lord Jesus has answered so many of my prayers such as dealing with diabetes and obesity. I gave it all to him and he has changed my life. Thank you Pastor James. May the Lord heal you and work through your illness to bring the Truth to others. You are such a blessing! We pray for you. In Christ’s Love.
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Pastor James, Please know you are covered with the prayers of many here in the little congregation of New Life Community Church, Chewsville MD where I attend. We are strong prayer warriors who have seen many prayers answered! I am only one of many around this nation who have come to know the Lord more deeply through your program “Walk in the Word”. I listen to you on WRCH and via your Podcasts daily. I have been strengthened often by the power and conviction with which you expound His name and the Good News of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior. May God richly bless you and your family through this trial and bring you through it safely on the other side. My prayers and the prayers of our church are with you.
Your Sister in Christ Jesus,
Tammy
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Pastor James, I have “sat” under your teaching for many years and have been priviledged to receive some of my counseling training from your church. I am thankful for the access I have to your teaching and for the insight into my spiritual life as well as my God your teaching of God’s Word has given me!
I am praying that you have physical energy and stamina for the months ahead and that God gives you His grace for this journey!
January 4th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Pastor James, Recently, a small group from our church in Oak Grove MO completed your study on Lord Change my Attitude and it was awesome. In fact, it spoke to many hearts and we are doing the study again for the entire church.Thank you for your clear teaching on the Word of God.We as a church will be holding you up in prayer knowing that God is in control and has His hands upon you and your ministry. God bless you and your family during this “Bend in the Road”.
January 4th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Hi Pastor!
I pray the Lord sends your way the right doctors that can assist you and take care of you in the best of ways. But thank God for the Supreme Doctor of Doctors, His name is Jesus! His name is EL-RAPHA, The Lord is my healer! I thank God for the many promises of healing in His written word, and most of all praise to God for His faithfulness in keeping His Word!Jesus HEALS. TRY HIM.God may be taking you through this trial to be a LIVING TESTIMONY to others that yes! HE DOES HEAL TODAY LIKE HE DID WHEN HE WAS ON EARTH!
I’ll keep you in my prayers, Pastor.
January 4th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Pastor James -
I just learned about your diagnosis and want you to know that I am praying for you, your family, and your ministry as you walk through this time. I listen to you faithfully on Cleveland’s Moody Broadcast 103.3 FM! I cannot tell you how much I get from your preaching – you are clearly one of the best preachers/teachers in our country today! I especially appreciate that you have not “watered down” the Gospel truths just to accommodate those who criticize them! You are truly a great man of God who is making a monumental impact around our world AND in my home and I consider it both an honor and a pleasure to pray for you! May God continue to greatly bless you as you continue to serve Him, Pastor James!
Proverbs 3:5 & 6
God Bless You!
Nora
January 5th, 2009 at 12:51 am
Pastor James, my name is Kevin Meadows. I am from Blacksburg, Virginia and currently in college in North Carolina. I am going to a very solid Bible College and following the Lord’s leading to one day Pastor. I am 22 years old and have a pacemaker/defibrillator. In October 2007, my pacemaker wire became infected. The infection grew to my valve in my heart and was called endocarditus. To make a long story short, I almost died. The next month, my dad was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma the day before Thanksgiving. The last year and a half has been difficult. But God’s grace has been sufficient. God has brought me to the point where I have had to face the reality of my own mortality. I don’t think I was ready for it. But God thought otherwise. The Body of Christ has been so incredible. My dad and I were blessed by David Jeremiah’s book, “When Your World Falls Apart.” Just want you to know that the Lord has used you greatly in my life through Walk in the Word. Thanks for being faithful to the text. I will pray for you and that this storm indeed shows that you have built your house upon a Rock. Stay Faithful.
January 5th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Pastor James:
You are one of God’s men for this hour. I have been more than blessed to be under your ministry. Your ministry to our son continues to be strong through the resources God had blessed Harvest with. FOr this, we praise God and thank you.
Know that you are being held up in prayer daily by Marie and me. I can’t wait to hear the messages on trials.
January 5th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Dear Pastor James and Kathy: Just wanted to let you know that Harvest – Cambridge is praying for you and your family too. We so enjoyed our time in Chicago this past Fall – becoming part of the Harvest famly. This really cool guy wrote this a long time ago (better than I could say it) “And so from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Martha Jolliffe
Cambridge
January 5th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
We are kicking off another one of your studies 1/11/09 at Heritage Baptist in Montgomery, Alabama, ‘Gripped by the Greatness of God.’ We will be praying specifically for you as a group and know God WILL be glorified! He is a great and awesome God! God bless you and get well!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Hello Friend
This email comes to you with great encouragement and prayer for you at this sensitive time. I must tell you that we were sad to hear of your diagnosis, but only for a little while. I want to tell you a little about us. My husband began listening to you shortly after we became new people in Christ (9/02). Your messages quickly began the most talked about topics in our household. I myself was a bigger listener to David Jeremiah and so began the “favoritism”. He would talk, talk, about YOU and I would talk, talk, about David. Our conversations were always respectful and so rich in the word. Well needless to say, one day, he left one of your Cd’s in the car and I began listening to your message “A Pain in the family” and I was hooked…absolutely hooked! I listened to that CD for about 2 weeks straight…no lie! I would meditate on it, I would allow for the LORD to speak to me through it. You were the vessel GOD used to heal so many family hurts that I carried for so long. Well, I told my husband about this and do you know that he was absolutely upset that I had listened to you, “That’s MY favorite guy!” he said. Well, here we BOTH are now thinking, hurting and praying for you! The day he found the announcement on the website, he called me and said, “you’ve got to read this as soon as you can” I did…..and then……we looked at eachother and said….”Lets’ get it on!” We are going to pray and have faith! We couldn’t get sad to the point of crying, we immediately reacted with a knowledge of the enemy’s attack and THAT infuriated us. You are our friend in Christ and we will NOT allow for you to go through this alone. We love you and your family and we are in agreement with the LORD’s will for you! We have never met and we would love to one day meet you, but for now, our hearts are with you, your family, your church, and your staff. In Christ ~Eddie & Joanne Cruz, New Braunfels, Texas
January 5th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Your ministry has helped me as a single mom grow in faith. Your magnets are on my refrigerator holding up your essay “Work it out” and “8 Principles to Live My Life By.” I susbscribe to Our Journey and purchased a subscription for my mother. I along with my
best friend, another single mom, swap your teachings and DVD’s. We listen online and on A.M 1130 KRDU radio in our area for the past few years. When I found out about your diagnosis today tears filled my eyes and are there now as I type. However, my heart is comforted knowing and reading about your faith staying strong. Please know that there will be two single mom’s in central california praying for you and your whole family. I could say so much more but it’s not about me, it’s about you and your family. We’ll be praying, Tanya Russell
January 6th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Dear James,
Wow this sucks! James I listen to you every day via Podcast and I am so blessed by your teachings from your books and MP3 downloads as well. I do not feel the Lord is through with you, and that you will be much stronger and more Christlike when you get through this. Please know that I will be praying for you. When you get better come down to Augusta, GA , I would love to take you to The Masters (seriously) I believe you have heard of the little tournament that goes on here! Love You Brother, Chris
January 6th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Pastor James,
I’m praying for you and your family. I thank God for giving me a thirst for His Word and I praise Him for using you to encourage the likes of me by igniting that passion through the proclamation of Truth. I’m looking forward to what God is going to do through you and your ministry this year. I’m so thankful that our God is bigger than ANYTHING the enemy can throw at us!
Prayerfully yours,
Bob Fletcher
January 7th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Our family would like you to know how much we appreciate the gift the Lord has given you. We are fellow Canadians and love to hear what God has put on your heart when listening faithfully to Walk in the Word. Our prayes are with you , we lift you up to the Lord.
God Bless You
The Vogts
January 7th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Pastor James,
Brother it is conquered. The first day I heard you was your story about David and how when you get to Heaven you want to rewind that tape over and over watching that great one on one battle.You captured my heart for the Lord that day and also for Harvest.When you were in Toronto last year with your family I was so happy to be able to see you in person. It filled my heart with joy to see the man who helped bring me to Christ standing on that stage. Thank-you James Thank-you. I ask that this should be and so it shall be for threw our faith ALL things can be accomplished. You Are Loved.
January 8th, 2009 at 1:51 am
Pastor James:
While I am so sorry to hear the reason you will be in So Cal, I know we will be so blessed by hearing you speak at our church. I originally heard you speak when I was in Rolling Meadows for business and needed a church to go to over the weekend. That was like 9 years ago and I have looked forward to trips to Chicago that required a weekend stay ever since! You are a gifted speaker and obviously a faithful man of God. I know you will get through this and we will all be praying for healing and for the Lord’s will to be done. God Bless you.
January 8th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
God has used your obedience to Him in remarkable ways already and my life is touched and changed by the truth of His word that you so wonderfully teach. I know our God is faithful and He will use even this hard thing for His glory and honor and in your continued obedience and faith He will draw you even closer to Himself. I will pray for you and your family for peace and comfort and that God will remove all fear from your family while you walk with God through this. These are the times when what we say we believe is proven in real world and real time for everyone to see. I can’t wait to see What God will do with this trial and test He has chosen to trust you with.
January 8th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hi Pastor James
I have a very good friend who only a few years ago went through the program at Loma Linda. His experience there was overwhelmingly positive, and his doctors believe the procedures to be a total success. I am praying — selfishly, to some degree, — that God will heal you and allow you to continue to teach us the Bible.
January 8th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Pastor James,
I have has such a love for messages that you have allowed God to use you to deliver. I can truely say I have never been blessed by preaching as much at any time in my walk with God. Thank you so much for searching God’s word and finding a way to link God’s message in today’s context. I was playing the messages on ‘God’s love the missing link’ and when I saw your face (internet broadcast)God led me to pray and intercede for you. I did not know at the time you had been diagnosed with cancer. I know now why my spirit was so burdened to pray for you and your family. There are so many of us out here that need you!!! We will create an atmosphere of prayer and faith. Thank you so much for being a stardard bearer.
Maranatha, Steve C
January 9th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I have been really grabbing ahold of God’s desire to stand in the face of Difficult circumstances, There is no question we will all face challenges here that at times may appear to be more than we can handle.
But, All things are possible through Christ who strengthens us. Your strength in the midst of this news is a real testament of your faith. It just strengthens mine to hear you speak about this situation that has been thrown your way.
There are many things we will never understand on this side of heaven, but if we only believe, and trust God. He will see us through, even when we are unable to see through, God will be their waiting on the other side. Cheering us on to finish the race, however that race is to be run according to his will.
You have had such a big impact upon my life, I want to publically thank you for all your teachings and your deep devotion to God and his message.
January 9th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Dear James,
I was told I have breast cancer the day before Thanksgiving. It was very strange to say the least. Same as you there were little hints here and there. All that I could think of was this came on me when I was on the mountain top walking with God. I thought how kind Jesus is to reveal it at a time when I was happy and abiding with Him. My husband has been amazing, a true friend and true love, what a blessing and how it lightens the load the could bare down on me as woman in terrible ways. He has been my brother in Christ and a sincere adoring husband.
I think of all the scriptures that tell us we’ve already passed from death to life and how we’ll have tribulation in this world, but “be of good cheer. I have overcome the world”. Those wonderful words of “…death where is thy sting.” The grave having no power over us are all eternal truth. What keeps going through my mind is that Jesus did so very much so we would not be afraid of death or anything else but God Himself. “Fear not that which can destroy the body and cannot touch the soul, but fear Him who can destroy both the body and the soul in the lake which burns with fire.” Jesus made it so I would not even have to fear the lake which burns with fire. The least I can do is have confidence in His tremendous effort, and I do. This is where it really matters. We don’t have to be afraid of the terror at night. Was He kidding or was He telling the truth. Well since it’s impossible for Him to lie, everything really is OK, and what we endure He endures with us and makes us what He wants us to be. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” I don’t believe that even cancer has the power to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. We don’t have to be anxious but acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will direct our path and the yoke will easy be and the burden light even as we face cancer. Most definately in comparison to those who either don’t have Christ or don’t understand what they actually do have in Christ dispite their cancer. We have the hope of complete healing and I do pray and believe for it, how ever it may come, I am already victorious in Christ Jesus. As you have said so many times. “Our God is faithful” Amen. I will be agreeing with you in prayer and I maybe you can pray for our family as well. As we go forward on our journey may we remember to rest in Him. I do understand and it’s good to know you understand too. Much Love to you and your family, Lisa
January 9th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Pastor James and Family,
I have listened to Walk in the Word for many years. Your ministry truly has been a blessing to so many. You are being used as such a mighty instrument for the Lord. We will stand in agreement and lift you up in prayer for your complete healing and full recovery in Jesus’s name. We pray for all the wonderful doctors and nurses taking care of you and pray for wisdom, direction and discernment in their care for you. We are thankful for them as they too are a gift from God. We already know you have the BEST- Master Physician- JESUS taking care of you.
May you and your family be filled with His peace and comfort.
God Bless,
Peg
January 11th, 2009 at 2:57 am
Dear Pastor James,
I have heard you on the radio many times & appreciate your teachings. One time, I even had the privelege to listen to you speak in person.
We will keep you & your family in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this & we pray for your healing. We pray for strength & peace not only for you but also for your family.
Love & God Bless,
Diane
Jeffrey & Jessica
January 13th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Dear Pastor James,
I have heard you on the radio many times and appreciate your teachings. One time, I even had the privelege to listen to you speak in person.
We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this, and we pray for your healing. We pray for strength and peace not only for you but also for your family.
Love and God Bless,
Diane
Jeffrey and Jessica
January 13th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Pastor James, I just learned this morning of your illness. I was listening to you speaking at Harvest.org, blown away again at the powerful message you shared on James 1:2-8. I’ve been listening to you every day for a year now on the internet and am so blessed by the ministry God has given you and His giftings in you. Please know that I love you and will be praying for your complete healing. We have experienced cancer and healing in our home and I know God will do His good and perfect will in you. God BLESS!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Pastor James….I have been leading a ladies Bible Study for quite a few years and just before Christmas we finished your study, “Lord, Change My Attitude”. Out of all of the Bible Studies we have done this one generated the most excitement and eye opening revelation as we looked at areas of sin in our lives that we had come to take for granted. We almost had perfect attendance every week as 20 plus ladies could not wait to get to class. This study was making a difference in their lives! Our attitudes were and are continuing to change. God has truly gifted you to speak His Word in such a way that it penetrates our hearts and pushes us toward Holiness. We are forever changed for having taken this study. We were so sorry to hear of the health challenge that is now yours but we will be praying for you individually as well as collectively when we resume our classes this week. We are asking God for your complete healing because we know that HE IS ABLE and are trusting that he will manifest Himself in your life and that of your family as never before. We look forward to the wisdom that will come forth from this your latest and greatest challenge for we know that it will be used to encourage and lift up the lives of many for years to come. Our prayers are with you.
Starr & the ladies of the Bible Study
Asheboro, NC
January 14th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Wow! I was listening to James McDonald’s message for Greg Laurie’s blog and during the message, I thought I heard James say he had cancer. I sat back and said “what” I had to listen to it again.
James through the grace of God, you have been such an inspiration in my walk with Christ! My prayers are with you and your family.
January 17th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
James….Brothers forever! Your brothers and sisters at NewSong are lifting you to the FAther. We pray that God will give you deeper and meaningful insights about His power and grace through this trial my brother. Keep looking up….I will be bringing you more “whoopee pies” at Harvest U buddy!!! Love in the Master PJM
January 17th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Pastor James,
I just wanted to thank you for your unwaivering faith and your passion for God and His word, even in this time of adversity for you and your family. It sure puts things into perspective for me. Not only have a been…well basically “wining” about my life and the small problems that occur, but I quite honestly have had a very hard time dealing with issues like this myself. You see, there has been a lot of cancer deaths in my family and I had some bitterness about that. My grandpa(who was basically my father for several years)had pancreatic cancer and passed away when I was 9, my grandma then passed away from lukemia 2 days after my wedding in 2003, then my aunt sherry just recently passed from brain cancer. It was very difficult for me to deal with for many years, until my aunt sherry got diagnosed. That’s when I was actually able to overcome that bitterness and fully trust God and His will for ours lives. Your teachings with walk in the word and now extreme example of walking by faith has truely changed my life forever. Thank you again for being unwilling to compromise even in this season of suffering. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 19th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Dear Pastor James, I live in Vancouver, WA (NOT CANADA) and I love, LOVE hearing your sermons. They always hit something in my life that needs tweaked by God. My main church’s lead pastor had a bit of cancer a couple years ago in his thigh and had it removed – clean bill of health since then. Another local pastor had prostate cancer and got it treated at some amazing facility in Florida…clean bill of health. I am going to be praying and believing for YOU to have a clean bill of health when this treatment is all over in March. I really don’t like when I read “OH, so and so had that….they died.” I just don’t think that is encouraging at all.
I mean, sure…we ALL die – duh, but it’s just NOT encouraging to say “oh yeah, they died” when someone has the same thing.
Anyway, keep your chin up, don’t be afraid to do a whole-istic (as opposed to holistic) approach and include alternate therapies as well. God didn’t just give people WESTERN medicine knowledge as a way of healing us, and He created IN us an amazing healing power… please remember that.
I look forward to meeting you someday and hearing you speak in person.
God bless, and keep up the great work for God!
January 21st, 2009 at 2:07 am
Dear Pastor James – Over the last few weeks, at the prompting of my brother to listen to your messages on line, God has used you tremendously to be encouraged in midst of our trials, and now I hear you have this. It is no wonder to me now why he has directed me to you. We lost our home in October 2007 to the wildfires in Los Angeles, and then I was laid off in the following March. We have been seeking God for over a year now, earnestly for his provision and direction. God has used many people and circumstances to provide for us and to sustain us. And He has used you recently to help us keep us focused on His plan and allow this trial to finish it’s work in us. The last message about Why Trials hit especially home to me this week. It was as if you heard every word I have been saying to God during this trial. I will be praying for you in earnest during your trial. I am so thankful for God’s ministry through you.
Blessings to you and your family.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:44 pm
James, I have been comnig to Harvest for 13 years. I love doing life together and I have prayed for you way before you were diagnosed with cancer. In 13 years I have seen so many of your struggles and I have seen so much of your discipline/growth. Both bless me and encourage me.
My earthly father now 77 years old has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. After a 9 hour surgery, he almost died. During that time he saw Jesus and asked him for help. My dad was a missing dad for most of my life. he was a gambler, womanizer, and a pathological liar. I have grievd not having a father and his blessings, I have cried out to the Lord. I cried out to God with the parable of the vignard, I asked him to save him even on his death bed. Next week he comes home and I will have fellowship with him. He has asked everyone for forgivenss. I have gained a brother and a dad in one day. Praise God!
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 am
Pastor James,We would like to extend our love and prayers to you at this time. WE would like you to know, we have purchased several teaching tapes, and DVD.s for the Church here at Calvary Chapel New Holstein WI.
A.K.A. Hungry Hearts Ministry. WE are a small church of about 30 now. We meet in our home in the Basement, and we have been so blessed, challenged, and encouraged, to have your Teachings as a resource for the Body of Christ Here. We Love your Passion, and straight forward talks. Your the Best.
Just Know you are Loved, and will be in our prayers!
Keep going Buddy! God Bless you. Love & Prayers, H.H.M.
P.S. > That is so cool you’ll Be teaching at Greg Laurie’s Church. That is where my Husband and I got saved 29 years ago!
God is so Good! And is still on the Throne! =0)
January 26th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I learned of your ministry through my friend Karen. We did the “Lord, Change My Attitude” study together and then we each began to listen to you on the net each morning. We frequently chew on those truths you share and have grown in our love of God through them. For me, you have a way of cutting through all the stuff and aiming God’s Word at the bulls eye of my heart. I so appreciate your directness, your honesty and transparency, and your faithfulness to God’s Word.
I’ll be storming the gates!
January 27th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Dear James,
I begin each weekday of ministry listening to Walk in the Word at 8 am. Thank you for being a pastor to pastors who are also hungry for a fresh infilling of God’s word. You feed us and then our ministry of feeding others is greatly enriched! I’m encouraging the members of our congregation to listen. (I tell them you’re a preacher who shoots from the hip without losing your hip!) And my Partners in Prayer and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Looking forward to March this year, and then to a joyous, cancer-free celebration of Easter for you and your Harvest church family. We all need you and the truths you proclaim so boldly. We’ll be tugging at the Father’s hem.
The Rev. Joyce E. Nelson
January 27th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I’m very saddened to learn this news. As you know, my family & I empathize whole heartedly.
I speak for the entire Roger Eichhorn family when I say we love you. We’re praying for you & your family. You’ve made a lasting differnece in all of our lives.
I’m in Southern California — an Azusa Pacific graduate. If possible I would love to see you and Kathy. I’ll look for you at Greg’s chruch.
With hope & love,
Emily
January 27th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I must say there are very few men who catch my husband’s attention. You are one of those few men. He began listening to you several years ago and he has gone to “Downpour”; we also saw you at 96th Street Church in Indianapolis two years ago.
You have been a huge influence on his life and his walk with God. He is in seminary off and on as time and money permits and he patterns his style much after yours.
I cannot thank you enough for your daily ministry that always points back to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There are many “preachers” in our world today, but few are true examples that point to Christ. Thank you for being one that always points back to Christ.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you endeavor this trial. May God continue to bless you and your family as well as use you as His vessel to reach others.
I pray that God will see fit to heal you completely of this and that He will bring you closer to him and others as well.
Finding this news out was disheartening in ways, but it makes me realize how much more I value my own husband and family. Your response also makes me realize how much we need to value our personal walk with Christ. Thank you again for God’s mercy and grace radiating in your life.
God bless you and your wife and those who surround you. May God see fit to give the doctors wisdom and you strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 is my life verses. I think that it sums up where our hope should lie no matter the circumstances.
Thank you and God bless you and yours in this difficult season. With gratitude and prayers, Michelle H.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Pastor James,
I am sorry to hear about the cancer, but I’m glad to see you standing strong in the Lord, and drawing close to Him.
You’ve impacted my life and ministry from a far in ways you may never know. Thank you for being true to the call, to teach and preach the Scriptures, and glorifying the Lord, even in the midst of this trial.
I’ve heard you say; “If your faith hasn’t changed you, it hasn’t saved you.”
Well, I can see your faith is true and steady in our loving Lord, and you’re a strong witness to me and others as you walk through this clinging to Him.
Only a person who is saved and changed by Jesus Christ can truly do that.
I and the people in the church I pastor will be praying for you and your family.
God bless you brother, I love you in Christ.
Paul Durham
January 29th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Pastor James,
What a wonderful ministry God has blessed you with. You are such an inspiration to me. There hasn’t been a message of yours that has not touched me in some way and pointed out to me just how much we are loved by our Heavenly Father.
I pray that in the weeks and months to come that you and your family will feel God’s closeness like never before. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you loved one:)
Crystal Jones
January 31st, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Pastor James, I know God will bless you and your family in this trial.
Praying for you…
Judy and Len Marcy
February 1st, 2009 at 7:40 pm
James,
You words speak right to my heart. I just found out you have cancer and my heart is saddened. I take heart in how your handling this and how you live your life.
We love you here in South Florida.
God Bless You.
Tom Boyle
February 1st, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Pastor James, let me start by telling you my wife and I are praying that God heal you. I have had the opportunity to meet in person on three occasions two of which were at the men’s retreat at Pastor Graham’s church in the Dallas area, the other here in Houston. It was almost six years ago when I started listening to the local station who carries Walk in the Word (KKHT). I had been very much out of touch with God prior to my finding WITW, and God had allowed some circumstances to come into my life thru bad relationship choices. Upon the Lord allowing these times to become so trying, I got to a place where I needed something to anchor me. That thing would be GOD’S WORD. I got a tip about KKHT and began to listen. It wasn’t long before your style of preaching began to stand out to me. It was and is such an inspiration to be all God’s is calling me to be. I’m quite sure you hear testimonies of this kind frequently, but want to thank you personally for what you do in Pastoring me as well from Chicagoland. Again our prayers are with and wait to hear you each day on the radio. God Bless you and your family and ministry.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Pastor James,
Thank you for your service to God’s people. I will be praying for you. James 5:16
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Our family was blessed to recently move back to Dallas (to attend Prestonwood), and we were able to faithfully listen to you on KBJS. Dr. Graham just mentioned you were diagnosed with prostate cancer last Sunday, and our family has kept you and yours in our prayers. I’m a urologist, so this dx means a bit more to me than some, and we’ve also had it in our family, so I seen it from both sides. My wife and our children have so enjoyed your style and the Truth which you speak! I recall perhaps best your series on “going down for the last time” and the “change me!” series. Riveting, absolutely riveting. What a season we’ve seen…Steven Curtis Chapman, Greg Laurie and now you. Thank you for not wavering in your faith, and thank you for all that your teaching has given to us. We pray for decades more of the Spirit’s insight to be revealed through you in your customary fresh and crystal clear style! Even though you’re not one of my patients, let me close with a well known truth from the Word that has meant so much to me, especially with delivering (and hearing) such tough news. “for I know the plans I have for you…” Jer 29:11
Blessing to you and your family.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Pastor James,
I listen faithfully to your program, Walk in the Word every morning @ 8:00 EST on Philadelphia’s radio station WFIL as I commute to work from my home in Voorhees, New Jersey to Philadelphia.
What a blessing and impact your lessons from the Word have on my life.
I was sincerely saddened to hear of your diagnosis of cancer.
I pray that God surround you and your family with His love and may you feel His presence and guidance.
Please know that you will be in my prayers.
Peace,
Mary Jane Gray
February 5th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I only just heard about your bout with Cancer (my father was treated for prostrate cancer about 20 years ago, and is still clean!;o)). I have been listening to WITW for as long as you have been on in the Phoenix area, you are a great blessing! I am so tired of the watered down nonsense preached in many churches, and finding a faithful minister of God’s word has endeared you to our whole family.
I was saved in Greg Laurie’s Church in 1973, and am so excited to hear that you are teaching there currently. What a blessing for Harvest, and for Greg as we know their family is also facing a season of grief. I pray that the 2 of you are able to minister deeply to one another. May Pastor’s with a heart for faithfulness to God’s word increase, and may your and Pastor Laurie’s ministry birth many more like minded Shepherds.
Warmly,
Kate (4th generation Californian, now living in Phoenix AZ, with a son at Multnomah Bible College)
February 6th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Pastor James,
Listening to your teaching through podcast has absolutely blessed my life daily! I have grown so much in my walk through your teaching. You and your family are in my prayers!
Walking in His Light,
Delaina
February 7th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Dear Pastor James and family: Wanted to let you know we are praying and coming in agreement with you that this cancer will be cursed, wither and die. Our senior Pastor (Don) is dealing with cancer also and he is believing in his healing. I pray Ezekiel 37:1-14 over you and our dear pastor. Please know that I am holding on to verse 14 that says “I will put in my Spirit in you and you will live.”
May God grant you the desire of your heart, continuous hope, trust to believe and receive.
In His strength,
Nicole
February 10th, 2009 at 5:52 am
James, thank you for being such a positive example in such a trying time. I am trying to deal with a “cancer” that I had in my life too. Mine was more of a cancer of the soul and your teaching has already been very impactful on me. To see you live up to that teaching and truly applying it in your own life is very inspirational. You and your family will be in my prayers and I look forward to many more years of your teaching.
February 12th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Dear Pastor James; I bring greetings from the East Coast of Canada, Fredericton, New Brunswick. I was sorry to hear about your health. Please know that I join a host of people committed to bring you before God each day; believing that you and God would connect at a level that you never have before.
Our church is going through ” Gripped by the Greatness of God ” and absolutly loving it; I shared with the group last week, when I first read about your condition; theirs about 40 people going through the course and so they wanted me pass along their thoughts and to let you know that they are praying for you, Kathy and your family and faith family at Harvest.
Your ministry has been such a huge blessing to me personally and to our church; this is our second DVD course; the first was I Really want to change so help me God; another amazing study.
Be encouraged James; a year ago I went through a health condition where there were more questions then answers; but when I bowed myself and shared with Christ, I was unsure spiritually, where my three kids where; it was at that time God pored His peace over me like never before; I told God I was willing for Him to take me ,if that’s what it would take for my kids to come to a saving knowledge.
This is the day the Lord has made for you James; as it was for me; I WILL rejoice and be glad in it.
We serve an AWESOME God and He loves you so much; and so do we.
February 13th, 2009 at 2:52 am
Pastor James, God has blessed us all with the gift of his word through you. Our mens group in Kenai Alaska will be praying for you. You are a member of our gathering and a true servant to our Lord. If you see your self in Alaska you are invited to some of the greatest Salmon & Halibut fishing in the world right in our back yard. Might just be the cure for what ails ya! May-June is the best time for fishing & weather. Kenai New Life Assembly of God. Your Brothers in Christ!
February 13th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Pastor James, I listen to your broadcast every night at work. You are such an amazing speaker, God has used you in so many powerful ways.
My whole family was shocked and upset to learn that you have cancer. My parents had the opportunity to see you at the Anchorage Baptist Temple here in Alaska. We all love Walk In The Word:)
Listening to you preach with such confidence about trusting God, even through all of this, has impacted me greatly. I truly have grown to love your ministry, I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Thank you again.
Your sister in Christ,
Shaylene
February 14th, 2009 at 12:30 am
James,
I thank God for using you to speak to me and so many others, and I pray that you will have wisdom and comfort that can only come from Him.
Tony – Harvest in Holland, MI
February 14th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I have been a WITW listener for about two years now. I am so blessed by your instruction. I will be praying for you as you walk through this time.
God is so good to us. Even as we walk through difficult times he still brings blessings. Congratulation on becoming a grandfather, Carter is a handsome boy.
February 16th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Pastor James, I have an appointment with my urologist tomorrow afternoon to learn the results of my prostate biopsy that was done last week. I have pretty high PSA numbers that indicate about a 65% chance of cancer. But I am at peace. I listen to Walk in the Word, I have a number of your CD studies and use them in my small group studies, I saw you at Harvest in Orlando last year, and I attended your church in Elgin with my wife when we visited my old stomping grounds two years ago. Along with my local church, you have helped so much to increase my understanding of God’s Word and strengthen my faith to the point I am not worried about the biopsy results. I’m in His hands, and what safer place could there be! My prayer today is that you and I both persevere through the trials that lie ahead whatever they may be, never forgetting what God told Joshua, “I will be with you wherever you go.” He is with us too. God bless you, brother.
February 16th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Pastor James,
I’ve been listening to WITW since I gave my life to the Lord in 2000, and your voice has always been a clearly discernable word from God in the intervening years. I met you once in Houston, and was glad to spend Easter Sunday with you and your church in 2007. What a glorious day.
Circumstances in my own life had led me crashing back to the Lord, and only now do I see how far I had drifted from him, as I celebrated the “good times” in my own strength, which left me completely unarmed when the Enemy started pulling things down.
Thank you, THANK YOU for being here for me, and for providing such a strong example of how we should pursue a loving relationship with Christ.
God bless you as you face this challenge, and may He bring it all for the Good.
Michael
February 17th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Pastor James,
I’ve just started listening to your podcasts only a few weeks ago and you’ve been extremely inspiring. You’ve helped me already become a better Christian. Your messages will live on as long as the good Lord allows technology and the world to exist. The podcasts have really really been a blessing. I’ve been sharing them with Lost people, other believers, and I listen to them just about all day long especially when I feel things getting tough.
I will pray for your Health James. As a believer such as yourself, I’m sure you’re excited to be with the Lord yet sad to leave your family. I just hope you find some comfort in knowing the Lord will be with you and your family always.
Thank you so much for all you do for us to bring us closer to Jesus.
Sincerely Frank D
February 17th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Pastor James,
You will never know – this side of heaven – how your faithfulness to the commission of sharing and teaching God’s Word has transformed my life! Thank you for allowing yourself to be used by the Holy Spirit to challenge, convict, comfort, inspire and to infuse hope in to my life. Your shepherd’s heart, coupled with the way in which you use your gifts of wisdom, discernment, and humor to illuminate God’s Word, has left an indelible imprint on my heart; and, as a mother of two young children, you have indirectly influenced their lives too. As someone who disciples other women in the Truths of our Savior, I often find myself sharing your insights with the women in my life. I love how you unapologetically speak with boldness, clarity, and gentleness, using real-world relevance to amplify the Gospel. I listen to your podcasts every day while in the car. And while my experiences with WITW started out as listening to a pastor over the airwaves, I soon came to feel like I was sharing my time with a trusted friend. I was heavy hearted to learn of this new trial in your life. I pray for your healing, Pastor James, and for courage, rest, renewed strength, and a greater intimacy with the One who will faithfully carry you through to the other side of this trial. Your life is a blessing to so many people. Your teachings have already touched the next generation. And the ripple effect is no doubt far reaching. May all that you’ve so faithfully and fervently given to others, be returned to you in the fullest measure. Your partner in prayer, Colleen
February 18th, 2009 at 12:49 am
Dear James, Sardines are great for helping with prostate cancer.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Sir,
I am sorry to hear you have cancer. I will pray with your family for your full recovery.
Glen
February 22nd, 2009 at 6:40 am
Dear Pastor James,
I was so shocked to hear you have cancer and even as I write this I’m close to tears. You’ve had such an impact on my life through your teaching, particularly in my first few years as Christian. I used to listen to your radio broadcast almost daily back when I lived in Toronto, and I still listen off and on over the web from Seattle.
The first couple times I heard you I was so shocked by how challenging your sermons were, yet at the same time it was so refreshing to hear the truth so bluntly.
May God strengthen you and your family during this time, and may you be filled with hope. I’ll be praying for you.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah
(Psalm 62:5-8)
Jon
February 22nd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Dear Pastor James
You have touched us ALL at Harvest Christian Fellowhip in Riverside, CA. Although we don’t want you to leave our church in Riverside, we are grateful to have had you and feel you are now a part of “us” (aren’twe ALL family in Christ?!) and we are privileged to be a part of sending prayers to our Heavenly Father interceding for you. Hey, that’s a LOT of prayers going up!
Anyway, on a personal level, you have ministered to me, my husband and my family in a very powerful way and we are so grateful for the timing of the Lord. We sure do need each other in these trying times. The Lord knew who to send and who would make a big impact on our hearts. We love Pastor Greg , OF COURSE, but God is gracious in letting us hear other godly men reach out to us too. We are blessed beyond what we could’ve imagined here in Riverside.
I am happy to be able to receive your updates too.
In Jesus love
Cindi (and Danny)
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Pastor MacDonald,
First let me say that you and your family are in my prayers at this time. Upon reading this, my heart sank and tears sprung to my eyes as if I know you personally! I’ve listened to you for the last year or so by radio and internet. Your ministry has been such a blessing…God has really used Walk in the Word to impart the truth of His word and to enlighten the eyes of my understanding. I can only encourage you to cling to the truth that you share with millions of others. God is sovereign and good all the time.
Love and blessings,
Shanna Cunningham
Virginia Beach, VA
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I’ve been listening to Walk in the Word for the last 3 years during my commute. Hearing His word explained the way you do has impacted my life significantly. When I describe your style to others out this way (Graham, WA), they know what it means when I say it’s more like “boot hitching, suspender snapping, honest to God truth”. I also appreciate how whenever you mention Kathy, it is with genuine love and respect. Thank you for your example. You are much appreciated and we continue to pray you through this fire. God be with you!
Under His wing,
Jo (for the MacKay’s)
February 25th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Pastor James,
You have touched my life & my wife’s lives in ways you will never know. We just heard of your cancer diagnosis and I am speechless. We are praying for you and seeing Kathy’s video confirms that you are in the best of hands. I am uplifted by your wonderful attitude yet I expect nothing less from you.
The fact that you grumble about walking up the hill daily makes me chuckle a bit as you once teased me from an SUV as I climbed that mountain at the Billy Graham Center in ill fitting cowboy boots.
You mean so much to us. We appreciate you sharing your illness with us so they we all might be of some help in prayerful support of you and your family at this challenging time. God Bless!!
Darrin & Heather Mish
February 25th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Dear Pastor James,
You and your family are in my prayers. My husband and I are Life Group leaders in our home here in Florida,and we’ve done two of your studies. Your studies are convicting and encouraging. We will be doing “Lord Change My Attitude” soon. I’m looking forward to it.
I admire your strength and you are inspiring.
In Christ,
Sylvia Caruso
February 25th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Kacey and Steve from Alaska send their prayers and warmest thoughts to you and your family. Thank you for your dedication to the Lord. Your teachings have made a tremendous difference in our walk as believers in Christ.
Thanks.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Pastor James,
My husband and I visited your church just one time when we lived in Chicago. Your CDs helped remind us of God’s grace when we were fighting for our marriage while living in TX; we wish to encourage you with God’s strength.
Isaiah 40:28
He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
We pray that when you are weary from these treatments that God increases your strength.
In Christ,
Fred & Julie Harrington
Canton, MI
February 25th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Dear Pastor James, I have just learned of your cancer diagnosis and the news has hit me like a ton of bricks. My prayers are with you and your family as always. I just want to thank you for the great impact your teachings have had in my life and my walk with Christ. It was so exciting for me to discover “WALK IN THE WORD” on the radio, that I listened every day while taking notes. The teaching at the time was “I REALLY WANT TO CHANGE,SO HELP ME GOD”. Imagine my suprise when that book was a gift to the retreat group I went to Green Lake Wisconsin with! That was truly a blessing to me . I’ve been a listener of yous ever since. I will continue to pray for your strength and do whatever else I can to help ensure others will be able to be as blessed by your ministry as I have been. In Christ, Charlene Jackson
February 26th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Pastor James…This is one of those times that “words fail me”..Just know that I am faithfully believing that God’s will is to heal you. Your ministry has done more for my walk with my savior Jesus than any other preacher. I have been blessed to have heard you in person at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale when I lived in South Florida. I used to have lunch with you everyday in my car. I live in Tallahassee now and can not seem to find you on the radio here..I am missing your daily dose of wisdom. I believe I am determined to get on the internet and listen to you daily. You truly are an inspiration. There is no doubt that God is always smiling when HE looks down at your life. Please tell Kathy that she is in my prayers as well. Godspeed!!
February 26th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Pastor James,
I’ll pray that you recover this physical challenge so you can continue to lead others to God. Your faith put into action through your teaching has inspired me over and over again to listen to Gods word in my life, ask Him for help, act, and overcome challenges that keep me from staying in line with His will. The result has been countless events that glorify God. Thank you for setting such a great example. God bless you and your family.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
James and Kathy,
I am at a loss for words to correctly express all that my heart feels for the trial you and Kathy are going through at this time. It breaks my heart to know my friends or loved ones are hurting physically or emotionally. I know the Lord is in control and will use this for His purposes which will have a profound effect on many lives; yet I know it’s easier to be the one saying these words than the one receiving them.
I want you to know that my husband and I also live in Redlands. When I watched Kathy’s video I recognized the canyon and realized we live only a few minutes away from you. My husband and I are more than willing to help both of you in any way we can; this is a sincere offer. I know you are involved with Harvest in Riverside, and many others have probably offered help. I am an excellent house cleaner, I can do laundry, cook, run errands and my husband is great at yard work and a good handyman or if you need a ride to your doctor’s appt. I work an hour away in Rancho Mirage for USC’s Doheny Eye Institute at their satellite office, but my husband Michael works for the Gas Co. in Redlands and can be there to help you within a few minutes and is allowed to leave the office when necessary. At any time and for any reason you or Kathy need help, we are available. We are both 53 years old and have free time in the evenings and weekends.
I started listening to your radio broadcast about a year ago while driving to work. I want you to know that the Lord has used you to greatly impact my life and my relationship with Him. The Lord uses you to reach deep inside my heart and mind like no other pastor has. When you speak I am on the edge of my seat, listening to every word, allowing the Lord to speak to me even if the words are uncomfortable and convicting to hear. You have challenged me in so many areas that have effected my walk with the Lord but especially regarding antidepressants and tithing from my gross income, which I had never done. After prayer, I chose to be obedient to the Lord and He has continually blessed me emotionally and financially. Most of all my heart is full of joy because I have opportunities to show the Lord that I love Him through those specific areas of obedience.
Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord and thank you for your ministry. I listen to you on radio, online and have bought CDs to listen at home and share with family and friends. I have showed my appreciation with financial support and regular prayer. Also, I have been a fellow Miami Dolphins fan sincd 1970. It would be my priviledge to show my deep appreciation to you and the Lord by serving you and Kathy in any way during this trial in your lives. We will continue praying for each of you and your ministry.
Love In Christ,
Denise
Denise:
Your letter is already a blessing to us. thanks for your kinds words. We have just two weeks to go and are trusting the Lord for a full recovery. Much love to you and yours in Christ.
james
February 26th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Dear Brother James,
Pastor James, what an encoragement it has been to hear you preach the Word “in season, and out” year after year. So many times I say “preach it” and “amen!” to the Word you preach with boldness. Thank you, from the very depths of my heart for not being ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. I know you are trusting the Lord, and I just want you and your wife to know that we will be praying for you fervently. The world (saved, and unsaved) needs more preachers like you. Thanks for giving me a bar to assess, to observe, and perhaps, with God’s help, to run at it again and again until I clear it and rejoice as I hit the mat on the other side. Thanks for being a reflection of Jesus. For strength, Isaiah 40:28-31. Gazing Upwards, pastor Scott in Scottsbluff.
February 26th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Dear Pastor James,
I am praying for your health and healing during your cancer treatments. Thank you for sharing your story with us and in doing so teaching us that God is with us during our trails and how important it is to trust in God and believe in him. I had already been listening to Walk in the Word when I was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer in 12/05. During the that time of surgeries and treatment if I was near a radio at 100pm I made sure to tune you in. Still do to this day! You got me some really rough times when I was down and didn’t know how I was going to get through this. With 2 little boys that needed a mom I needed to pull through this. Quick story, one day laying in bed feeling so overwhelmed because I couldn’t work at that point I was so worried about how we were going to pay the bills, what would happen to my boys, who was going to cook, clean, grocery shop etc.. how was this all going to get done, how were we going to make it. My prayers were pretty intense that morning when God came to me. He spoke to me, What seemed like a million little post it notes came floating down from heaven with “Prayer answered” written on it! I knew instantly that everything was going to be ok. A few days later we got a call from my son’s confirmation teacher that he was organizing a fund raiser for us ( which later raised 10k), my neighbors and friends set up meals to be brought over, a cleaning lady to come help out with the house, they grocery shopped for me….I could go on and on! I just have to say God does answer prayers. He does listen. I learned through all of this to put my faith in God. I never asked why me. Why not me! I would do it all over again just to be closer to him. Being home sick everyday gave me so much time just to spend with God and it was AWESOME!!
May you be blessed with the same peace.
Laura Eggert
PS I am in remission!
PPS Thanks be to GOD!!!!
Laura Eggert
February 27th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Pastor James, you have been a spiritual mentor to me during my spiritual growth when I lived in Chicago and even now still today. Your testimony of staying the course even through trials is truly a testimony of the power and strength of our living God. You ( & your family loved ones) are in my prayers, especially during this season in a battle we know Christ has already won. You are LOVED. gwen
February 27th, 2009 at 8:18 am
James:
I just wanted you to know that I thank God for how he allows the Holy Spirit to work through you to reach millions. He has definitely touched my heart through you, for I am a prodigal daughter.
I know now that God relocated me to Orlando so that I could tune in to WTLN and listen to your delivery of how God loves me and has never left my side.
My background faith comes from the Christian Catholic Community, very active, babtized and confirmed in my teens. But, unfortunately, turned my back on HIM. I recently found a Christian Community here in Ponciana and have re-committed my life to the Lord.
The Lord wants you to know that I listen, pray, and thank God he introduced me to you everyday.
Sincere Love, thanks, and prayers,
Kelley
February 27th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Hi James.
You may not remember me but you and I suffered through Glen Riders greek classes a London Baptist Seminary. Acts class with Prof. Hill? As well as other guys that we didn’t realize were moulding and shaping us like David Barker … Rolland Smith, Don Howard, Gerry Benn (in fact Gerry is here doing an interim spot at Eastwood Fellowship Baptist Church) … etc.
I pastored Fingal Baptist Church (after Jo Scott) while we were at L.B.S. and left there to plant a church in Aurora.
Before that I attended Faith Baptist Church in St. Thomas.
Congratulations on your grand-baby … it’s a great time for do-overs – believe it or not I’m a grand-dad three times over with a fourth on the way.
Anyway … just wanted you to know that you are in our prayers and I have our church praying as well. One young man that was a member of our church for a year and a half (before moving to Nova Scotia) worked for ‘Rogers Cable’ and listened to your ‘Walk In The Word’ every moment he was able.
We have seen God do incredible things with people diagnosed with the big ‘C’ here at Harvest Christian Fellowship in St. Thomas and we KNOW that God has everything under control. I have come to knwo that “no matter how big the obstacle or the mountain – Jesus is bigger!” (I know, how cliche, eh?)
Anyway, like I said, you probably may not remember the days we spent at L.B.S. (along with Todd Duggard, Brennan Basler, Art Cairncross, Rick Donald and others) yet perhaps this email will bring an old ‘face’ to mind,
Looking forward to hearing good news regarding your condition.
We’re praying for you and your family.
David
Dr. David Reid
Pastor
Harvest Christian Fellowship
123 Churchill Cres.
St. Thomas, Ontario
February 28th, 2009 at 6:35 am
Pastor James,
I have just found this specific blog after reading your newest postings. I have attended your church a few times with our daughter and son-in-law who attended while at Trinity–Matt and Liz.
We are praying for you and your family for a complete healing. I know your place of treatment well since I did my residency there many years ago.
Thanks for sharing your heart so openly in you blogs and through your teaching. I am always blessed to hear your teaching podcasts.
John
February 28th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
James,
So sorry to hear of this trial for you and your family. Me too, same thing, only different – obviously
We used to be in C&C that met at Cliff and Barb Talbots’, back in London. Then met up again when you guys were at Riverside in Windsor and MBC.
James, God will be present with you through this – in ways you never dreamed.
Trish (B)
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 am
02.03
James,
I guess I wonder if you will get this message, but I only just listened to Kathy’s video update on how you are doing not realising the news that you had cancer! As our Kenyan friends say ‘poli sana’…very sorry.
I thought what Kathy said was really good and it really reminded me that it is important we learn our theology in the good times, so that when the dark and difficult times come along our faith will remain strong.
Your www teaching has helped and challenged many of us here in good ol’ England and we will pray much for you and the family through this challenging season. May GOD bless you and keep you and may his face SHINE upon you and do you GOOD, even as His will is worked out in your life.
God has a plan and a purpose…..Grace & peace my friend!
Tim
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 am
Now I’m the one who needs to..
In Issues on March 2, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Repent.
I had no idea that Dr. James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel was undergoing treatment for cancer when I posted criticism of his being thankful for our new president, given that the president has opened funding for abortions in foreign countries. If I had read his website fully and learned about his condition before posting, I would have certainly understood why he would be merciful looking for the best in the president. Dr. MacDonald exhibits great mercy.
Dr. MacDonald did not deserve my lack of due diligence in learning more of his ministry.
Had I learned more about Dr. MacDonald, taking time to read about him, and from him, I would not have been so harsh. I would not have agreed with him on that single post, but would have been more thoughtful towards him. Now, I face these very appropriate words taking them to heart… ”Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” – Proverbs 29:20
Dr. MacDonald, my apologies for allowing myself to be incited, jumping into commenting without taking the proper time to reason, fully deliberating how to give a good and godly response. I regret being unknowingly insensitive to you in this time of trial also, and I’m thankful for your gracious subsequent post.
Additionally I’m thankful for your insight into discernment, especially fleshly discernment. This exhibited great understanding and compassion, in the spirit of grace you so readily deliver. As one who fits this category, the challenge is and will be to keep discernment disciplined, pure and peaceable, disallowing harshness as much as it is the desire of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for your insight and exhortation, it was a good word you gave.
With that, I pray that you will be healed completely and thoroughly head to toe, to continue your ministry in the grace of our Lord.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Dear Pastor James:
My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of your illness. Walk in the Word starts our day every weekday morning at 5am on WDCX in Buffalo and we have been both challenged, convicted and of course, extremely blessed by your preaching of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!!!!
The news of your illness has hit home, especially with me. You see I too might hear those words that you heard. I’m scheduled for an exploratory surgery this thursday, March 12th at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. While it’s not prostate cancer they will be looking for, it might be in my throat or glands. So needless to say, I am a bit anxious over this. But I know that nothing happens without God’s approval and that he is using this occasion to draw both my wife and I closer to his Son. I am certain he is doing that for you and Kathy as well!!!
Our prayers are for a speedy and complete recovery for you and we look forward to continuing to be change partners with your ministry for many years to come!!
Take care and God bless you!!
Joseph and Marjorie Baldi
March 11th, 2009 at 9:50 am
James,
The oddest thing happened to me this morning. I was seeking through radio stations, you know how you here a couple seconds and then it moves on. I heard your voice! I know it instantly. I had to go back, what station was that. The commercial confirmed what I already knew, it was you. I rushed to my computer the second I got home and found the website. Saw recent pictures of you and thought, he looks sick. That’s the nurse in me. Then, I saw the blog about your cancer. I bookmarked your page and will listen to your messages now that I know you are here. I’m just learning the ropes of this “digital world.” I love what you said today about actually hand writing a note and what that could mean to those you love. A family member of mine just received news last week that she too has cancer and is going through the testing to find out specifics. I can’t get her off my mind and her family. I’ve been praying for her and I think finding you today is an answer to my prayers. I am going to make sure my family member knows about you and I know she will find strength in your teaching and life experience. Thank you for your ministry and God bless.
March 11th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Dear Pastor James:
Your radio ministry has been a blessing in my life. The wonderful way you preach with no compromise is very inspirational. I sincerely hope and pray that God will completely heal you of this illness and give you many more years to share the wisdom of his word with us.
Sincerely,
Reynelle
March 30th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I listening to Walk in the Word on WMBI Moody Radio, for many years, When I lived in Chicago. I listen now on the Internet. I have James and his family in my prayers, he is anointed in the Word and he will be blessed with the healing of GODs word. Thank you Pastor James. I live in Katy Texas now, but I Pray for Harvest in chicago.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:23 pm
One bit of advise to help your prayers work better.Take graviola especialy if you have been diagnosed as terminal.It kills the cancer without killing your good cells! My tumor was operable, but I didn’t take chemo & I am totally free of cancer for two years. A friend of mine compared to the practice of blood letting!