On August 26th, John was rushed to the Mayo E.R. in Jacksonville, Florida, after exhibiting concerning physical and mental behavior, only to receive the diagnosis no one hopes to hear... The most aggressive form of a Stage 4 Glioblastoma cancerous tumor was found on his brain.

 

As a loving husband to Karen and proud father to 4 (& dog dad), plus an extended family of hundreds through his lifetime dedication to ministry, their world was flipped upside down in an instant. Within the next 4 days, he underwent his first brain surgery, without any family visitation rights due to Covid 19, or any idea of the mental or physical deficits that would follow.

 

Thankfully that initial surgery removed nearly 70% of the cancerous tumor (as John said, "God was gracious, merciful and good to me during that surgery", as his mind and body show no deficits), but now the long and arduous road of chemotherapy and radiation treatments begins this week to ensure the tumor does not grow back. With this comes an immense financial burden, which is where we get to come in to support Team Phelps!

The initial goal to help offset the magnitude of expenses that come at a time like this is $50,000. If that goal is surpassed, all funds will be covering essential needs, as the weight of the financial challenges still ahead are unknown. As you all know, this is a family who has devoted their lives to service and ministry, constantly pouring into others for the Kingdom, taking far less than they constantly give. John and Karen have touched countless lives - some in ways they have yet to even know. So let's link arms with Team Phelps and walk through this valley together, coming through in a great and mighty way to shoulder their financial burdens for them, so that they may use all their remaining strength to weather this storm without any unnecessary financial worry.

 

As John shared last week on his blog (without knowing a fundraiser was being created): "Please know that I have prayed for and thanked God for each person who has given financially to help me and my family during this season. I have wept with each gift knowing the love and sacrifice expressed. I honor and value all of you who are standing with me in the valley."

 

In addition to prayer, scripture, and words of love & encouragement, the most immediate physical need will be help tackling the mountain of medical bills that lies ahead as tomorrow, September 23rd, starts his 6 week treatment of radiation combined with oral chemo pills. The financial burden is so great that Karen will not be able to leave her full-time teaching position, so each afternoon M-F, Karen will leave her classroom after 3PM to pick up John and be at the hospital for his 4PM radiation.

 

John asks on his blog: "Pray that the side effects of the treatment will be minimal and that I will be able to continue with my work in some capacity. Of course pray that the treatment is successful and that the stage 4 Glioblastoma does not grow! Pray that God will give me peace and courage through the process. Lift up my family that God will be their comfort and strength."

 

John also writes: "I covet your prayers and will lean into your faith alongside of mine. Like the paralytic I am counting on your faith to bring me to the feet of Jesus for healing. I will do my best to keep you informed with as much detail as possible about my journey so that you can support me in prayer."

 

(You can follow along with John's personal thoughts, prayers & updates on his blog JohnPhelps.org.)