I don't know how it was when they cut me because I was asleep. But it sure hurts now. The scars are all that remain from Last Monday's surgery. I can hardly believe the time has flown by so quickly. I am one kidney lighter, and hopefully, cancer free. The conclusive word will come with the pathology results which are pending as I write this. I know with cancer the dangers are ever present, so I try remain mindful that God may use me in anyway He sees fit. If it is gone, then it is gone to God's glory; if it returns, it returns to God's glory. May He give me the fortitude and spiritual strength to see that nothing but praise ensues from my life all of my remaining days.

Throughout these past several weeks many friends and fellow believers around the world have been praying for me. I am appreciative to each and every one of them for their intercession on my behalf, and for upholding my family during these uncertain days. I have shared with a few close friends something that I wish to disclose to the watching world, so to speak. During this entire ordeal, I have not once asked God to heal me. This may seem strange to you as you read this. It is because, over the last few years in my Christian pilgrimage, God has impressed on my heart the absolute nature of His Sovereignty, and far from being a mere doctrinal preference, it is becoming more and more as days go by a true way of life! God has shown me through the Bible and sound theology, of which I am reading more and more these days, that He has not only numbered my days, but has actually fashioned the content of each day, before there was one (Psalm 139). The Hebrew text is quite explicit about that. I am learning more and more to trust God through all circumstances, and realize everyday that "whate're My God ordains is right."

My family is pleased that I am home, and for those of you who may be thinking, "do you have a death wish?" I answer without reservation, "Absolutely Not!" I do have another wish, however. I desire that my life Glorify God absolutely. I want to live a God centered, Christ-focused life. I want my preaching on Sundays to be lived out not only by my flock, but most of all by me, on Mondays through Saturdays. I want the slogan, "Its not about me," to be more than a slogan.

These are the reasons I have prayed that God be glorified in my life and in my death. And the reason I have grown to trust Him all the more. 'The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away' is true of many things besides life, but most supremely of life itself.

Last Sunday (September 14, 2008) I preached my potential last will and testament to my congregation. If you want to hear what this dying man man preached to dying men, then tune into our sermon page and look up: "Manifesting the Truth." I was ready to go, and was ready that they should go forward. Thanks to a dear friend, Daryl Luna, behind the sacred desk stood a man, passionate for God's sovereign grace, breaking bread for the sheep this past Sunday (September 21). I am now raring to go and God willing will be speaking to my dear people this Wednesday. My testimony shall e're be: God is Great and greatly to be Praised. For to me: To Live is Christ, and to Die is Gain!!!

Theodore Zachariades