During my sabbatical Woodgreen was blessed with a number of visiting speakers who filled the pulpit while I was absent. One of these was Neil Todman, Lead Pastor of Headley Park Church in South Bristol. He, his wife Elaine, and two young boys Isaac and Oscar, visited Woodgreen on 28th July when he preached in the morning service.
A few months before this in March Neil's brother Clover visited Woodgreen with his two young daughters for one of our 'More to Life' guest services. Few will forget the moving testimony he shared about the death of his wife Sarah, to cancer. He testified how God had been his rock through this terrible time.
Imagine the shock then, when just before Christmas Neil's wife, Elaine, was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
On Tuesday Elaine underwent surgery to remove cancerous tissue in her colon and ovary. This was successful, however during the operation the doctors discovered that the cancer has spread to her abdomen. Neil and Elaine were told on Tuesday that there is no surgical or medical cure for this.
Carolyn and I have known Neil and Elaine for 22 years. Carolyn was at university with them both and I met them through her. They are among our closest friends and the fact that they are also in full-time pastoral ministry has only drawn us closer together. Put simply, we are heartbroken for them as a family.
Today we visited Royal University Hospital in Bath where Elaine is recovering from the surgery and we had a wonderful day with them both, reading the Scriptures, praying, crying and laughing - yes, laughing - together. In human terms the future is bleak, but their faith in the fact that God is good and trustworthy is secure. God's sustaining grace is so evident.
For those who wish to pray and keep up to date with their news, Neil is writing a blog on the Headley Park church website. Can I encourage you to read this. Not only to fuel your prayers, but also to witness how a godly couple are responding to a heartbreaking test of faith. Please pray that God will heal Elaine. But if that is not His will, please pray that they will know his peace and presence as Neil and the boys face the future.
CLICK HERE to go to the blog entry where Neil broke the news about what the doctors had discovered during Elaine's operation.
As you will see, rather than accuse God - they are clinging on to him. Rather than question God - they are trusting him. And therefore, rather than radiating despair - they are radiating grace and hope.
In the darkest of times, Jesus is shining brightly through them.
Direct Link: http://www.headleyparkchurch.org.uk/news/latest-news/post/84-update-on-elaine-s-illness--14th-january-
