Jillian - Health Update 8

Life update #8: 

During the third week of my first round of chemo chemo, the week I felt good, something started to happen. My hair began to fall out. While my body was feeling better, when I ran my fingers through my hair strands of hair start falling out, reminding me again of the rollercoaster that is chemo treatment. 

At first it was a couple strands, then chunks. I dreaded going in the shower because I knew the falling hair would clog the drain. But the worst part, hair kept falling into my food. I couldn’t do it anymore.

So, last Sunday, Mike shaved it off. Only my family has seen my shaved head and it has been a bit of a 🤯 to come to terms with. I’m not there, I don’t think I will get there for a while. 

I do have a wig. I’ve worn it a couple times. When I’m out in public where no one knows me it’s probably less noticeable. Around familiars I’m constantly wrestling with wearing it, but I don’t want them to see my shaved head either. Talk about your jumpscare! Tomorrow, we have church and I don’t know what to do. 

I’m sure you all are going to try and cheer me up. “You look beautiful.” “You have the head shape for it.” “Your hair will grow back.” And all the other positive encouragement things. But if I’m honest, it’s still really hard. 

Mike tells me everyday, all-the-time, how beautiful I am. And the other day I had to say, “just stop.” While I’m glad he doesn’t think I look like Shrek (although some would suggest he is a “hear me out” contender), it doesn’t change the fact that this just plain sucks. I don’t feel like me already and then looking in the mirror is a constant reminder that I will never go back to who I was before all of this started. All stuff I have to process on my own time.

But let’s end on a positive, the side effects this time around have been way less of a struggle. I was leaving the house after 7 days instead of 14. Whoo hoo!

Ethiopian Christians Killed

Ethiopia: A priest at the Arsema Monastery described the sudden drone attack that killed several Christians during a service.

The regime has reportedly carried out a drone strike on a Christian monastery.

Two nuns and six priests were killed in the daylight attack on the Arsema Monastery in Wollo, which was holding a church service.

Many more Christians are injured.

Pray for the Christians affected by this evil act.

- @Christian Emergency Alliance

Amy M. - Grandma in Hospice

May God continue to comfort and give Amy and her family His peace during this difficult time knowing that her grandma will be journeying onto glory soon. May God's presence be upon her Grandma during this time in hospice care. 

Jillian O B - Health Update 6

Life update #6: 

It’s been 20 days since my first chemo treatment, and tomorrow (Day 21) I’m back for Round 2. The first round kicked my butt for 14 days, but these last 6 days I’ve been chilling at about 85%. I didn’t know 85% could feel so amazing. Had a meet up with the oncology team today and they are going to give me extra fluids for hydration to see if that helps the side effects. I am hoping not to feel like I did 2 weeks ago. But alas, here we go again. 

Prayers are greatly appreciated. And while you’re at it, check in on Mike. He’s been a good one through all of this, and caregivers carry a lot more than people see. Send him a text, give him a hug (he loves them), or send him a Red Bull to remind him he’s doing an incredible job. He deserves lots of love and support too. 

Here’s to Round 2... may the side effects be ever in my favor.

I’ve also been binge reading and watching “The Hunger Games,” if you couldn’t tell.

Nigerian Pastor Dochomo's Family Deaths

It happened at midnight in Kum village, Plateau State, in Nigeria's Middle Belt. Fulani gunmen stormed the family compound of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the pastor who has spent years exposing the slaughter of Nigerian Christians. They demanded, "Where is the father of this house?" He was not home. So they opened fire on his family, killing nine relatives, including a two month old baby.

Days later, the same militia sent Pastor Dachomo a written death threat: you are next. This is a man who has stood at more than 70 mass burials for murdered believers, whose voice was recently amplified by President Trump, and whose crime is refusing to stay quiet. His response to the threat on his life: "I cannot run away."

The numbers behind his story defy belief. A six year study found Fulani militias responsible for over 79,000 deaths in Nigeria, roughly 36 people every single day, more than Boko Haram and ISIS combined. The U.S. State Department is now demanding Nigeria act. Pastor Dachomo keeps preaching with a target on his back. What would it take for the world to finally look? Pray for him by name tonight.

#PrayForNigeria #ChristianPersecution #EzekielDachomo

Don M. - Surgery Recovery and Healing

Many of you know that Don had brain surgery on Wednesday, July 15. His neurosurgeon was pleased with the results of the surgery and the progress he is making towards his recovery. He was transferred to the rehab section of the hospital in order to be given more intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy. The plan is he will be discharged to Home health care on July 31. We would appreciate your continued prayer for Don‘s full recovery. God is good and has been answering our prayers

Ugandan Pastor Killed - pray for his family

PASTOR, 25, KILLED HOURS AFTER CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DEBATE

A young Christian pastor in Uganda was killed just hours after taking part in a public debate where two Muslim women reportedly converted to Christianity.

Pastor Bernard Mulongo, 25, traveled to Mbale on July 18 for an open-air Christian-Muslim dialogue. A pastor who witnessed the event said Mulongo’s arguments persuaded members of the crowd, including two prominent Muslim women who publicly converted.

According to witnesses, an imam who participated in the debate became angry and confronted Mulongo afterward, allegedly warning him:

“Bernard, you deserve death for blasphemous deeds and leading our people to that false religion.”

Hours later, after Mulongo appeared on a local radio program, he and a friend were traveling by motorcycle when several men blocked their path. His friend escaped and called police, but Mulongo was later found dead with multiple injuries, according to Morning Star News.

The imam is now among the suspects in the killing. Police were investigating and had made no arrests as of the report.

Mulongo leaves behind a wife and two young children, just 4 and 7 years old.

Please pray for his wife, his children and Christians around the world who risk everything for their faith. 🙏✝️