Dear Prayer warriors,

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”  Prov. 16:9

Otto:  After all the days and nights of hard work, on the 15^th of January, I finally finished the revision of my dissertation and handed it in on time.  I thanked the Lord for our friend who accompanied Grace to doctors’ appointments so that I could concentrate on my work.  Now I have to wait for the approval of my advisor, yet I was so thrilled and thought that Grace and I could have a good time celebrating our 25^th anniversary (20^th of January).  But that same evening, Grace was called by the doctor to tell her……

Grace:  When I went for my mammagram,  I was told that there were two suspicions of my breast and my lung.  My heart sunk but I could not share with Otto.  I needed to support him in this tough time.  So I only phoned Jenel and Jesed and requested them to pray for me.   Surely, they were very sad.  The MRI was scheduled for a more accurate report.  God did answer prayers.  My breast was clear.  But the Oncologist told me that a tumor of one inch was found in my left lung.  You can imagine that this kind of news really scared me.  But God gave me the peace.  Certainly,  we could not go anywhere.  Many exams had to be scheduled.  All this happened against our expectations!!!!

Dear brothers and sisters,

We know that you are concerned.  We really did not want to tell you this during the Chinese New Year but as a team, we need your prayers.

Prayer Requests:-

1. Since Grace has to stay in Philadelphia for all the medical procedures, we have to look for a place to stay.  Please pray that we can rent an apartment during this time.  Before we left Peru, we packed very simply and we planned to be back soon.  It is not easy to set up a simple place in such a short time and in such cold weather.  Please pray.
2. We will apply to our Mission for a short sick leave during the time of Grace’s medical procedure and recovery.
3. We thank the Lord that the Rector of the seminary was very supportive.  God is really controlling all.  Before Grace left, she had helped to set up the Chinese Gospel Center in La Molina, Lima.  Praise the Lord for the 3 missionaries, (one couple just came one day before Grace left), another short term missionary will join in February.   This really relieves the worry of Grace.  She does care for the Chinese there in Peru.  Please pray for the 4 missionaries there.
4. The Oncologist has not yet decided what the procedure will be.  Brain Scan, Bone Scan, Pet Exam will be scheduled.  Please pray that all these exams can be done promptly.  Please pray that the doctors have the wisdom to do what God wants them to do.  They want to find out whether this cancer’s origin is in the lung or if it has spread from another place.
5. Please pray for our medical insurance.  If Otto graduates in May, there is a great concern regarding our medical insurance.

Again, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” 

Prov. 16:9

Much love in Christ,

Otto & Grace