Things Are Falling Into Place

This is a time of intense insecurity with a backdrop of tremendous insecurity. 

COVID-19

COVID-19 is part of that background and at this very moment in my county we are at the highest level of public health emergency. Yesterday the deacons and I decided to once again cancel our in person services and ministries. Now we are going back to ministry by YouTube, email and phone calls. But how long will this last? When will things get back to "normal?"

POLITICAL DIVIDE

The recent presidential election is another part of the background. The country is very evenly split. One side things everything will return to "normal" now that their candidate has (barely) won the election. The other side thinks that we are descending into the abyss of socialism that will be working to decrease their personal freedoms and redistribute their wealth. Some think we are on the verge of a second civil war. What will really happen?

Against that background I am moving inexorably toward my SCT.

UNCERTAINTY

It is impossible to say what will actually happen. There are so many variables - known and unknown. Will I live or die? Will I suffer serious organ damage or have chronic GVHD? How long will it take for me to regain my strength - and how much of my strength will I recover? Will I be well - or will I be unwell? How long will it be before I can once again have an immune system that allows me to be in groups of people?

But as the title suggests, things are falling into place. 

MY HEALTH

I am in decent physical condition. I have not had even one transfusion. I do not have any blasts in my peripheral blood. I feel well enough to work. My main complaint is daily fatigue and itching.

THE MATCHES

Cleveland Clinic sent me three profiles of 10/10 matches and I understand that these have all been contacted to give approval for their information to be sent to me. I was also informed that the transplant team has chosen one of those matches as the one they would like to use as my donor.

THE SUPPORT

The matter of support during my hospitalization and subsequent convalescence looks encouraging. My wife can be my 24/7 care provider for the first 100 days as long as I can also have supporters who will commit to driving me to Cleveland for appointments and/or emergencies. We will also need help with cooking and cleaning during that three months.

THE CHURCH

Meanwhile, my church is willing to give me a year of leave to try to recover and return to ministry. Hopefully that will work out and we will also be able to provide a substitute pastor who will take care of the church throughout my absence. Those arrangements are still being made, but things look very promising.

GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY

Many years ago I surrendered myself to God for his glory. At the time I did not realize where exactly that would lead - but my commitment was to go anywhere and to endure anything to serve him. That is my prayer about this SCT.

I would rather work as a pastor without going through the near death experience of an SCT. But if this is what God has for me - then I know he will bring good out of it one way or another.

God's sovereignty is not "falling into place." (Smile) But my coming to a place of greater peace because of God's sovereignty is part of my sense that everything is falling into place.

Onward! Forward! Let's get this done!