Dear cancer:
You probably thought of the nights and how they would trouble us. Because that makes sense.
You probably thought of the sadness we have wondering if we are going to be able to teach our 10 month old how to hit a three pointer. Because that makes sense.
You probably thought of the physical suffering we are going through. Because that makes sense.
You probably thought of our psychological and cognitive suffering. Because that makes sense.
You probably thought about our parents and how the idea of their child leaving before them must shake them to their core. Because that makes sense.
You probably thought about our four year old who asks “when is cancer finished?” Because that makes sense.
However………
You couldn’t have thought of a guy named Jesus who went through all of this and more and who goes through all of this and more with us. You couldn’t have thought of that. Because that doesn’t make sense.
You ain’t going to win, cancer. You ain’t going to win. Easter made sure of that.
MdH
74 comments
Comments feed for this article
April 8, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Dave B
Marissa,
I’ve just finished writing my first blog about the private hell and torment that this life has thrown at me for over the last 10 months and then Googled it to see if it was there.
It wasn’t but yours was so I read it.
It’s funny how just when you reach that point when it seems the clouds are closing in, a chink of light shines through giving you the inspiration to lift your head and say ‘ I will not give in’.
Thank you for your blog, you touched a soul today.
Good Luck with your fight, you are an inspiration.
April 8, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Mike and Karen Carmody
Thank you Mendelt for writing that.
Thank you Jesus for doing that.
Karen
April 8, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Rachel Wiersma
That was beautiful. Says it all.
April 8, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Lauren Heinen
Your strength never ceases to amaze and inspire me…wow, wow, wow. Thanks.
April 8, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Amber Vanderhout
Marisa and Mr. Hoestra
It is touching to see the strength you have to continue on through this.
It was good to see you in church today, you looked as great as ever Marisa and you were terrific on the piano Mr. Hoekstra.
You are in my prayers and thoughts
Keep holding on.
With Love
Amber
April 8, 2007 at 9:57 pm
gary
Dear Bloggers:
– a word picture for those far away –
As he often does, Mendelt accompanied our singing at worship today by playing the grand piano. His masterful and exuberant playing was equally matched by his wardrobe – a vibrant orange dress shirt, black slacks and matching orange socks nicely accessorized with a striped tie. (Zion sported a “gel-spiked mohawk” – just like Heit’s).
And as usual when he plays he invites – no insists – that you be drawn into the musical offering of praise. I like to think that when he plays angels also give pause, recognize those amazing fingers, smile, and then go about the business of God.
Today Mendelt in your last paragraph you wrote about winning and losing – I love that – it reminds me of Tony Campolo’s “It’s Friday but Sunday’s Coming”. God wins! — and in Christ we win too!
Thanks for helping make my our Easter Sunday special. He is Risen – He is Risen Indeed!!!
GT
p.s. (even in his busyness this morning you still found time to encourage our son Spencer who played several pieces for the service prelude-thanks)
April 8, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Joanne Guetter
AMEN!!!
As much as I hate to see you facing this “dragon” I am so thankful that you know that you are not fighting it alone and that you are on the winning team.
May you always feel His presence.
Love, Joanne
April 9, 2007 at 4:33 am
Servant of the Compassionate
Hello Marissa! I just stumbled on your blog accidentally. I’m not a Christian but i was quite touched by your post.
I wish you the best of luck!
April 9, 2007 at 5:31 am
Oom Henk en Tante Derna
Dear family,
It’s good to see Easter brings you hope and courage.
As always in our thoughts and prayers
Love, Oom Henk and Tante Derna
April 9, 2007 at 8:28 am
Chris & Cheri
Be proud and say it loud. Amen brother!
April 9, 2007 at 9:09 am
Kim Reitsma-VanHaitsma
Amen to Karen’s comment.
April 9, 2007 at 9:11 am
Trevor
Faith, fire, and hope. I love it.
April 9, 2007 at 10:38 am
Josh VanDyke
You certainly have a way with words Mendelt, my brother!!
April 9, 2007 at 11:43 am
Sid and Brenda Ypma
Profound and poignant words of Christ’s victory over darkness.
April 9, 2007 at 11:51 am
Theresa
A resounding AMEN!
Thank you.
April 9, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Liz Schouwstra
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
Our seven year old year Jeremy was reading Genesis 17:1-8 today for Bible and as I listened I was reminded what you wrote on Easter Sunday. What God promised in verse 7, “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting convenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you” was completed when Christ died on the cross on Good Friday and rose again in victory so that we might experience the hope of that promise.
May the Lord continue to give you faith and grace to never doubt that promise – the Lord is your covenant God who loves you more that you will ever know. He will never leave you, nor forsake you despite how you might feel at times.
Our love and prayers are with you continually. The prayers of so many are protecting your soul and keeping you in the palm of the Lord’s precious hand.
Love,
Brian and Liz
April 9, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Marcel
Is wish you lot of strength! I know it’s hard, but you have to keep hope. Nice you tell your story by blogging!
April 9, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Christine and Chris Hill
Wow!
Mendelt, I didn’t know you had such a way with words. You needn’t say any more. And you’re right, Easter made sure of that!
Love you both, you’re in our thoughts and prayers every day,
Christine and Chris
April 9, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Niobe
Marisa : May your strong faith save you. I just lost a dear friend with AIDS, but your post helped me feel so strong. Thank you very much
April 9, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Loretta
hi Marisa, I just surfed in from wordpress and I’m so glad I did; this is a beautiful post. I am sending you my support and love for your fight. I know these feelings you speak of: my dh is a survivor himself. Twice. By age 30. I know these feelings. Yes, Jesus knows all about suffering. Everything He did for us, He did through suffering.
with love,
Loretta
http://witnessingencouragement.wordpress.com/
April 9, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Sherri
Wow! Hallelujah! You are ALREADY vicitorious!
And you have just gained a sister in Christ who WILL pray for your healing.
Sherri
April 9, 2007 at 4:29 pm
brianhurlburt
Dear Marisa;
Tear filled my eyes as I read your post, because it makes sense. Christ did die for us, and he will heal us!
A number of people in my family, and abroad, have over come cancer and you can too, because that makes sense.
My heart, as I’m sure do many others, goes out to you and prayers are lifted up to God, because that makes sense.
Let us all band together to help each other in our times of need, because that makes sense.
Let none among us be overcome by negativity and fear, for that does not make sense.
Let us all call on Jesus to become over overcomers, because that makes sense.
Sincerely,
In Prayer,
Brian Hurlburt
YarmouthCounty.com
April 9, 2007 at 4:40 pm
boristhecat
This is amazing, and true straight to the core.
April 9, 2007 at 5:24 pm
vnandigam
Dear Marisa, your “dear cancer” had a profound affect on me and really shows how much strength you have inside of you. I’ll pray to my Gods as well for you and your family.
April 9, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Lynn Groot
I am amazed at all of the people who have found this site and join together in prayer. It is so evident that the Holy Spirit is moving something inside of everyone, no matter what situation they may be in. What a blessing to have an army behind you fighting the fight.
” Saul replied, ‘You are not able to go out aganst this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man since his youth.’… ‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine’ replied David… David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel.'”
Marisa, you may only be one person in this big world, but through faith, you have the power to win this battle because ‘you come in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel.’
Keeping fighting the fight and keep the faith… praying for you and your family is you press on.
April 9, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Betty Haagsma (VanderVeen)
Dear Marisa,
I ache for you guys. You are in our prayers. I am reading a book that talks about how “Gods aim in human history is the creation of an inclusive community of loving persons, with himself included as its primary sustainer and most glorious inhabitant.” This blog has certianly embodied that! To God be the glory!
April 9, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Trinda
CHRIST IS RISEN!!!!!!
HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!!!!
BECAUSE HE LIVES, I CAN FACE TOMORROW
BECAUSE HE LIVES, ALL FEAR IS GONE,
BECAUSE I KNOW WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE,
LIFE IS WORTH THE LIVING
JUST BECAUSE HE LIVES………
April 9, 2007 at 10:22 pm
brokenman
dear marisa, this entry made me cry. its very inspiring. i have leukemia and undergoing chemo therapy and more often than not, i feel depress. but reading through the entries in this blog, i felt God touching me, telling me that i’m not alone, that there are still reasons to be happy. God bless you. take care always.
April 10, 2007 at 10:38 am
Frances
Loved your letter to cancer – and it’s so true, because of Jesus, cancer is defeated. Still so poignant that Zion asks, “When is cancer over?” Love you guys, think and pray about you everyday.
April 10, 2007 at 10:45 am
Liz Schouwstra
Marisa and Mendelt,
I am reminded that when life doesn’t make sense prayer does. To quote Beth Moore on the topic of prayer: “Prayer matters. The Spirit of God released through our prayers and the prayers of others turns cowards into conquerors, chaos into calm, cries into comfort. The enemy knows the power of prayer. He has been watching it furiously for thousands of years.”
Be assured that you are lifted before the throne of grace constantly by so many and the victory is ours through Christ. And because of that we can experience the peace that passes all understanding – our understanding but never God’s understanding.
Strength and blessings for today.
Love,
Liz
April 10, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Jen R
I am praying continuously for you.
This blog was really beautiful.
Your words are a comfort, really.
May God bless you.
I’m praying.. so much.
Jen R
April 10, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Linda Smith
Your faith is so incredible to me! You are still forefront in the prayers said at my house.
Mendelt, it was good to see you and give you a little wave the other day as you were walking with Zion to the bus and to see that somehow life continues to go on even during these very difficult times.
May God continue to give both of you the strength you need to get through this.
April 10, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Helen
Marisa and Mendelt
My prayers go with you; may you feel lifted on the wings of the prayers of many. Our God is an awesome God; may HE give you all that you stand in need of, now and in the months ahead.
Blessings to you-
Helen O.
April 10, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Annette and Rob Schreuders
Christ the Lord is risen indeed! May His power and peace be yours now and always as you TAKE COURAGE, minute by minute, day after day!!
sending many prayers, hugs and love.
Annette and Rob
April 10, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Samantha Aantjes
Strong words match a strong battle, keep holding on
God Bless, Sam
April 10, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Jared Lindeboom
“You ain’t going to win, cancer. Easter made sure of that.”
These words are beautiful, encouraging and grammaticaly correct (because ain’t is in the dictionary). I find myself so often taking things for granted, including Jesus’ gift. Thank you for reminding me to reflect on how good our God is. Your strength gives me strength and I hope that this comment and the others will replenish this strength of yours. I continue to pray for you, Marisa, Mendalt, and all the little ones.
Love Jared
“You ain’t going to win, cancer. Easter made sure of that.”
April 10, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Erica L.
You guys are AMAZING!! So good to see how real God still is in your lives…..very evident in your blog. Christ has indeed risen and the devil IS defeated!! Praying for you always.
April 10, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Diane Bakker
Dear Marisa and Mendelt
Your testimony was the highlight of this Easter. Glory be to Jesus
April 11, 2007 at 4:39 am
Joel and Courtney Van Geest
Absolutely beautiful and so very true. Mendelt and Marissa (and the kids too) are all in our prayers everyday. Keep on staying strong.
Joel and Courtney
April 11, 2007 at 7:07 am
Sonya Eikelboom
Dear Marisa & Mendelt,
I hope you’ll have a good day today. 🙂
I was at a worship meeting last night…we’re starting to lay some foundations in our church about the worship ministry. One part of the document talks about “the why’s of worship” and it is a quote from a book called “The Vision” by Rick Joyner.
“This is why I went to the cross. Giving My Father joy for just one moment would have been worth it all. Your worship can cause Him joy every day. Your worship, when you are in the midst of difficulties, touches Him even more than all of the worship of heaven. Here, where His glory is seen, the angels cannot help but to worship. When you worship without seeing His glory in the midst of your trials, that is worship in Spirit and Truth. The Father seeks such to be His worshippers. Do not waste your trials. Worship the Father, not for what you will receive, but to bring Him JOY. You will never be stronger than when you bring Him joy, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
When I read that, I thought of you, and I just pray that you will keep on praising Him and worshipping Him through these trials…and the Father will be incredibly blessed.
You are in my heart and in my prayers,
Love, Sonya
April 11, 2007 at 8:12 am
Janet
I don’t know you, but I know Jesus, and I “see” how His Holy Spirit is helping you through. I so appreciate your post “Dear Cancer,” and I love the reminder you give at the end about the victory Jesus has already won! My aunt Teresa is currently in battle with cancer, with her Lord right by her side every step of the way. I will let her know to visit your blog also. She has been in my prayers continuously and now you will be also. May God bless you for sharing, encouraging, and ministering to others…
In Him,
Janet
April 11, 2007 at 8:23 am
Paul and Jessica Vanden Brink
Marisa and Mendelt,
2 Cor. 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” I used to read that only in the future tense — that when we go to be with Christ (or he returns), his glory would shine through us in a spectacular, even astonishing, way. Suffer now, glory later. Then I read this post…your troubles certainly do not seem light or momentary to me, but they are ALREADY achieving for you that eternal glory…there’s no other explanation for such beautiful words of triumph in the midst of such terrible suffering…already spectacular and astonishing! Thank you for your testimony.
April 11, 2007 at 8:49 am
witham centre
We continue to pray for you guys and WOW what a source of inspiration you folks have been to all those reading your blog.
We pray that God keeps his huge arms of love around you all.
Your friends at Witham Centre.
April 11, 2007 at 9:33 am
Truth Seeker
Marisa,
“You will waste your cancer if you do not believe it is designed for you by God. You will waste your cancer if you believe it is a curse and not a gift. You will waste your cancer if you seek comfort from your odds rather than from God. You will waste your cancer if you refuse to think about death.”
– John Piper
See Piper’s entire article at http://www.crosswalk.com/1383847/
May the Lord manifest Himself in your life.
Truth Seeker
April 11, 2007 at 10:17 am
Jodi
Wow! your faith amazes me . What a Saviour we have! Keeping you in my prayers. Jodi
April 11, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Mark & Laura Bassie
Dear Cancer:
We agree with our “brother” – there is no way that you can win – Christ has already won the battle. You are powerless – Christ is ALL POWERFUL!
So there!!
Dear Mendelt and Marisa:
May God continue to give you strength; strength to overcome and peace; peace that envelops your entire soul. We pray that Jesus Christ will continue to be your hope and light.
“Hope of the Nations” by Brian Doerksen
Jesus hope of the nations
Jesus comfort of all who mourn
You are the source of Heaven’s hope on earth
Jesus light in the darkness
Jesus truth in each circumstance
You are the source of Heaven’s light on earth
In history You lived and died
You broke the chains You rose to life
You are the hope living in us
You are the rock in whom we trust
You are the light
Shining for all the world to see
You rose from the dead conquering fear
Our Prince of Peace drawing us near
Jesus our hope living for all who will receive
Lord we believe
Grace & Peace,
Mark, Laura & Family
April 11, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Brit
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid groud
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love?
What depths of peace?
When fears are stilled when strivings cease
My comforter
My all in all
Here in the love of Christ I’ll stand
April 11, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Ilona Ytsma
He has risen indeed. Sending lots of hugs and lots of prayers. Keep the faith and feel the peace.
Ilona, Andrew & Tiffany
(p.s. Tiffany sends lots of wet kisses)
April 11, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Lisa Scharringa
God is so Great.
Not only is He so amazing, we are able to conquer evil, sorrow, pain and suffering through Him.
I dont know if you still remember me, but i definitely remember you. Choir with you and Mrs. Wood. I wasnt the easiest student to get along with then. I remember graduation day, apologizing and just feeling overwelming emotions.
Youve been on my heart, and in my prayers.
your sister in Christ,
Lisa Scharringa
No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who lvoed us. For i am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, niether height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
April 11, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Justin Cook
Marisa,
in your suffering, you have become a wounded healer (to use a Nouwen phrase) to people from God knows where (brokenman, etc.)
Mendelt,
In your strong moments and prose, you also are being a healer…..
All of this is a mystery to me. I cannot understand, but neither could Job. I pray that you’re both able to say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” And that his presence gives meaning to the incomprehensible.
Rachel and I love you both, and pray for a new day on april 27th.
April 12, 2007 at 2:45 am
wicket sunny
It’s good to see your faith in yourself and more than that you have faith in god.
May god bless you.
April 12, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Barry & Peggy Carmody
Dear Mendelt & Marisa….
I have cried many tears in my time but the tears I cry every time I read your Adventure,are tears of growing strength and faith in God for me.
I Thank You Both for that and when I pray at night I start and end with Praying that God will keep his arms around you Marisa….
Peggy
April 12, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Kimberly Dykstra
Thank you for keeping us updated and for being honest through this all. Marissa you and your family are in my prayers. Christ has risen!
April 13, 2007 at 3:56 pm
G & R VandenBerg
Hi Marisa & Mendelt!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and concerns!
May you ALWAYS know that we are all part of God’s family. God will always be with you. For the eternal God is your refuge and underneath are His everlasting arms to guide, love and hold you as a lovable-special family!!! Love and prayers R & G VandenBerg
April 13, 2007 at 9:47 pm
EscRiBiTioNiSt*
Dear Marisa, I just clicked on this post from the first page of WP. I agree with you. Cancer cannot win us who know how get rid of it. Take care of yourself. Eat well, live your life happily, and we are here to support you 🙂
April 14, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Jill Vanderveen
Dear God, Show us how to be compassionate. Show us the Divinity in all
things. Show us the Love in all things. Let us have the peace of perfect
understanding. Let peace on earth begin in our hearts.
Strength and courage and big deep felt hugs to you Marisa and Mendelt and the little ones.
Peace and Love Always.
Jill
April 14, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Kim Reitsma- VanHaitsma
Hi guys…
I just felt the need to write something, because you have been in my thought all day. Now I’m sitting here having writer’s block, and have nothing really substantial to tell you…
I’m in the middle of washing clothes… took the first load out fo the dryer and put them in a basket, then went to turn on the washer to put antoher load in. From all the piles of clothes, I grabbed the one that had just been washed and dried, and put them in the washer AGAIN. That’s the kind of distracted day I’ve been having. Saving the envnronment one step at a time. (By the way, Meesie, I am still in my pajamas, and its after 3:00.. I know! I have no shame. I’m doing it for your benefit, so you don’t have to feel bad if you’re doing the same thing…haha))
I keep thinking of the verse, “Come all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest….” My mom was talking to your mom, Marisa, and she said that you have been so tired… I hope and pray that even if your physical body is tuckered out, your mind is at peace.
With love, Kim
April 14, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Nicole Mobach
You’re so right the cancer will NOT win.
Just keep remembering that on the days
when things are not so good and the days that are good.
I’m praying for you and your family so keep holding on
you’ll make it through this!!!
April 15, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Jim & Trish Krale
Dear Satan,
You must have been delighted that another of God’s children had been afflicted with cancer – that’s what we’d expect from you.
You must have been thrilled when they started this blog – you probably saw it as a cry for help.
You must have been excited every time one of us click on the link to read this blog – cancer has affected many others.
Until last Sunday.
Now – oh how you must be trembling. Once again Jesus’ nail scared hands have reached from the tomb and beaten you!
Because of Easter, these two children of God – the afflicted – have been able to minister to many – the affected – with their strength and faith. These two, whom many would expect would need support and offerings of hope, have provided that support and hope to the rest of us with their incredible display of strength and faith that they have received through the grace of God.
“Because He Lives!”
Mendelt and Marissa,
Thank you for the ministry that this blog has become those who know you and to those lead here through cyberspace.
Jim & Trish
April 15, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Juliette
Hello,
I’m a friend of Christy’s and have been thinking and praying about your family from time to time.
Close to Easter, I was reading about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and I came across this verse:
“This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” JOHN 11:4 Just through reading your posts, I know that God had already been glorified through this sickness as you continue to lean on Him and turn to Him.
I guess we have the unmoveable and sure hope that this cancer will not end in spiritual death because of your trust in Jesus! But, I do pray that as well it will not end in physical death and that this verse will be true for your sickness, too, Marissa.
Juliette
April 15, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Jody Roest (Vandeputte)
A prayer for you…..
Dear God,
Tonight, the light
So fiery red of setting sun
Bathed the trees and the road
In glowing red pink light
Like the glowing of
Embers in a campfire
I thought,
How can this beauty be?
Such delicate, burning light
Mixed in with pain and sorrow
Yet, we sigh
So touched by Your love
Dear God, let Your light
Gentle, glowing red
Illumine our way
The road ahead uncertain
But for Your gift of life
Dear God, let Your light
Bathe our sorrow
Ease our darkness
Warm us like campfire embers
So touched by Your love.
Jody
April 16, 2007 at 5:25 am
Jack & Ruth
Marisa and Mendelt
We have been following your blog to see how you both are doing. We cannot begin to express our feelings in words compared to all the wonderful heartfelt messages you have already received.
It is usually the parents who inspire their children; however, in your case we are extremely in awe as we read your messages.
In the words of someone we once knew “It is in the difficult times that you can see the really GOOD ones….they are the ones that SHINE”. Well let us tell you that in your case we had to put our sunglasses on as the radiant beams were hurting our eyes.
May your faith and support of family and friends give you comfort, strength and peace during this difficult time.
If you ever want some peaceful time away the cottage is yours for the taking.
Love
Jack & Ruth (Peter’s parents)
April 16, 2007 at 7:31 am
Marjorie
Hello! I came across your web-site while searching for some “hope” which is often my style. Only later to remember that the “hope” I’m searching for is within me all along.
At any rate, I wanted to pass on that I have just prayed for you, Marisa. I have prayed for your complete healing and I feel that God has definitely heard my prayer. I, too, am waiting for a healing but it is not of cancer and nor is it for myself. It is for my 7 year old daughter. She has an incurable disease to man, yes, to man. I hold on to God, however and he clearly is not limited as man is. I want you to know that through 7 years of hope and prayer, I have gained great strength. It has actually gotten easier…….not harder and though there are times of pain and hopeless thoughts, they have become fewer and fewer in number. She continues on, strong and full of life and I continue on believing against man’s judgement. : ) Press on and believe knowing deep in your heart that God is indeed in control and there is nothing he can’t do today! No matter what you have to face……….know that ALL IS WELL! Those words were given to me one morning while in deep prayer and when I face my darkest days, those words come back to me. I wanted you to hold on to them as well. : ) Blessings to you and your entire family………how blessed you truly are to have such a beautiful family and such abounding love!!
April 16, 2007 at 8:06 am
Julie Pilling
Heavenly Father, Loving Lord,
You are the one who gives; you are the one who takes away; may we always praise your name.
Help us to bless your name when the sun shines on us and all seems right with the world.
Help us to also bless you when we sit upon the ash heap, not quite knowing what has hit us.
Dear Jesus, you have been here, you know how terrible it can be in this sin filled world, where it sometimes appears as if Satan truly does have the upper hand.
Help us to trust in your ability…no your desire to deliver us from ALL evil. Help us also to understand that we are living in the battlefield of spiritual warefare.
When we read the book of Job we begin to catch a glimpse of the role that Satan plays in our suffering. He seeks to put us through hell in an attempt to tarnish our faith…question your love and protection….and ultimately squash our belief that all of what we go through makes sense…devine sense.
Help us to acknowledge always that you are God, and though we are caught up in this mysterious…sometimes all to frightening battle between good and evil we trust you.
We bow our heads, we admit that we don’t always understand.
We focus on Jesus, we know that He is here with us..in the middle of the fear, the questions and the confusion.
Like Medelt said Lord…to Satan, cancer, and the world…it doesn’t make sense…but to us who claim victory over death because of Easter…it is the ONLY sense.
Jesus will carry us through
That’s what we know.
That’s what we believe
And that…that is more than enough!
AMEN!
Sine Qua Non John 15:5
April 16, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Kim Schenk
Dear Marisa,
I know Cheryl has told you what our family just went through with my dad’s cancer diagnosis, and this song has been such a comfort to me the past few weeks. I wanted to share the words with you today. Continue to rest and trust in “The Love of God”…
The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell,
It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win:
His erring child He reconciled and pardoned from his sin.
O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure, the saints’ and angels’ song.
When years of time shall pass away and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray, on rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure shall still endure, all measureless and strong:
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race, the saints’ and angels’ song.
O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure, the saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry,
Nor could the scroll contain the whole tho’ stretched from sky to sky.
O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure, the saints’ and angels’ song.
(Lyrics by Frederick M. Lehman, 1917)
Dear Marisa, I’m praying for you right now. Keep opening your heart up to be filled with that immeasurable love that has no end. (I love that last verse about draining the ocean dry…) May you experience a rich measure of that love every minute, and especially in the deepest, darkest hours. I’m praying God will keep pulling you up to see His great love for you and that you’ll continue to cling to the cross and live every minute in the joy of the new life you have in Him. Keep shining for Him! We will continue to pray for a good report at the end of the month.
love in Christ,
Kim
April 16, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Matt
I’m calling for a prayer and fast for Marisa and your family in my church.
ps. you taught me music in grade school
April 16, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Andrea O'Neill (Clark)
Hello Marisa
You may already know this and I’m sure I have heard it before myself but it really sank in yesterday at church and what I learned was so very encouraging that I just have to share it with you. Did you know that Jesus also prays for us? Yes, in Hebrews 7:25 it says “…He always lives to make intercession for them (meaning us).” So, while many down here are praying for you and that is awesome just remember that Jesus too is praying for you and who better could you want to be praying for you than him?!
In Him,
Andrea
April 16, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Dad VanderVeen
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
Thank you Mendelt for your entry called ,Dear Cancer, last Sunday . It touched my heart to the core and the tears came. I love you both so much. God’s love for us all knows no bounds.
Love,
Dad
p.s. Dear Kim R. Thank you for your humourous story about washing the clean laundry pile. I saw myself. One early morning I was ready to cook my oatmeal porridge in the microwave and I put the bowl in the fridge instead. I was ready to punch the start button and realized my mistake. I was so glad that I was alone but I still turned red. Then I started laughing.
April 19, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Eric MacKeigan
I found your blog through Matt Vaandering’s own blog. I just want to encourage you in saying that I personally know that cancer can be beaten. My brother’s ex-wife was diagnosed with interuterine cancer just 4days before they were to be married. The doctors told her that she would never have kids and that she may not live long because they were unsure of how far the cancer had spread. Well, 7 weeks after diagnosis she was cancer free and now has 2 kids with my brother (aged 4 and 6). Our family was determined that we were not going to let her die given ANY circumstances let alone the ones we were facing at that time.
This post you wrote is absolutely right. Cancer couldn’t have taken Jesus into consideration because he HAS defeated it and as the Bible says WE will do greater things than He, so if He beat cancer, then it is not a challenge for us.
April 25, 2007 at 6:00 am
Dee
(((((((((((((((((((((((Marisa, Mendelt, Zion, Jacoba and Zekijah)))))))))))))))))))
Dear Cancer, you might think that you have won but you are mistaken as Our Lord Jesus has won and Marisa and this family are eternally his.
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
You are not alone in this battle. Love to you all. Prayers continually go up. Dee
April 25, 2007 at 8:27 am
firefly8868
Your letter to cancer makes sense, and your attitude makes sense.
Cancer is on the run, not you or your family.
We are all fighting right along beside you, even though you don’t know us by name or face. We are here with you, with your wife, with your children.
Best to you all,
firefly
April 30, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Cancer Versus Easter « Green P@stures
[…] she and her husband, Mendelt, are taking head on by the faith they have in Christ. Reading their website, it is clear to see that while Marisa may have cancer, cancer certainly does not have […]
May 3, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Elissa VanderVeen
Dear Marisa & Mendelt,
It’s pretty cool knowing that me and Marisa have the same last name, even though we aren’t blood related.But what’s even cooler is that we are related through Christ,and he is always gonna be there for you. I just hope for all the best when times get tough, and knowing that Jesus is there for you everyday,plus family and friends, it probably makes cancer just a little easier to handle. I want you to know that with all your srtuggling, and all the pain you have to go through, I and my family are praying for you everyday.
God Bless you and your kids,
Liss
October 12, 2009 at 10:07 am
AB
Hey Mendelt,
Shared this “Dear Cancer” post in my Thanksgiving sermon today.
Miss you!
AB