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The
Wilson Times Journal
Editor's
Note: Jim
and Deb Wilson are involved in leadership training ministries in the Philippines
and have been missionaries since 1989. Their daughter, Christie, is a high
school junior. Their son, John, is in sixth grade. In June, Jim had a severe
headache and lost some of his peripheral vision. Masses were discovered
in his nasal passages and lymph nodes. This is their story.
MEDICAL UPDATE
Following our visits to Mayo Clinic, our doctor there consulted the Center
for Disease Control in Georgia, a lab in California, and the M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center in Texas. While it was difficult to get an exact diagnosis,
in the end, it was determined that Jim had picked up a parasite through
his skin, which later moved to his brain. After a single dose treatment,
he was released to return back to the Philippines. He will remain on anti-seizure
medicine for three months, and have follow-up MRI's over the next year.
If additional MRI's look good, no further treatment should be needed,
although it will take about a year for the swelling in his brain to go
down.
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Jim
discussing ministry with Filipina missionary.
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We
arrived back in Manila on Sept. 5. Jim is excited to be back and with
his churches here once again. Each day he wakes feeling thankful to be
alive. One of our greatest joys throughout has been the support we have
seen from you, our friends. Being around hospitals makes one aware of
how many people out there are hurting. It is amazing to us, that in the
midst of your own troubles and trials, you have cared and prayed so diligently
for us. "Thank you" is hardly sufficient. We are indeed grateful.
THIS IS WAR
When we moved to Manila last year, we were aware we were entering a spiritual
battleground. After Jim was asked to oversee the annual conference, weekly
prayer and fasting for the Manila/Luzon ministry seemed a good place to
start. Momentum began to build. Excitement and morale improved. The new
church plant was prospering. And then, on June 16, during an Urban Consultation
led by Dan Sheffield, Jim experienced an excruciating headache and had
to return home — thus began our three-month journey with his medical
problems. While facing difficulties on a physical level, we also felt
that we were doing battle with an age-old enemy on a spiritual level.
While
Satan has slowed us down, he has not stopped us. For a couple months,
we thought it quite possible that Jim might only have a few years left
to live, as the doctors in both the Philippines and the U.S. thought that
he had a fast-growing brain cancer. And yet we remained encouraged and
without anxiety. Our blessings during this time have been countless. We
have seen God's hand in many details and His continual watch over us.
God's care for our family has been especially great. The churches in Manila
have continued to stand. Pastors are becoming stronger in their commitment
to prayer. The past few months have not been easy, but war rarely is.
Victory is ours! Thank you for partnering with us through your continued
prayers.
KIDZ
CORNER
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Deb
teaching at Faith Academy.
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Christie
returned to the Philippines a month early to be present for the beginning
of classes at Faith Academy. While staying with friends John and Mary
Cranston, not only did she endure, she blossomed. We came back to find
her involved in the Student Body Council and a multitude of other social
activities. She enjoyed having a "sister" for the first time.
We owe the Cranstons big time, but don't tell them.
Upon returning with John, we found many things in place for which we've
all been praying and working towards prior to leaving: 1) not only one
but two helpers for the middle school (MS) resource room, 2) a
change in the MS schedule allowing MSer's to take more optional courses,
and 3) the woodworking class opened to John's grade — is he ever
happy!
Both kids have remarked that this is their best school year ever. Oh,
is God good!!!.
PRAISES
AND PETITIONS
- Pray
for our continued growth in language acquisition and encouragement in
the endeavor.
- Pray
for the complete return of Jim's left peripheral vision.
- For
protection against the enemy as God's Kingdom is enlarged here in the
Philippines.
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