First Treatment Down!

Hey friends of Wendy! What a blessing  to be able to hear from her today, right!? I am so proud of her and her willingness to share this journey with all of us, so we can pray, cry, laugh and encourage! 

I am sharing guest post tonight from Chris Ramsey, Minister of Music at RBC, and longtime Helton/Herweck friend/brother (and withholder of Wendy's big tambourine debut!) Chris had the privilege of sitting with Wendy today, and I asked him to share some of their day with you: 

“Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:9-13, 15

Today I was privileged to spend some time with Wendy as she went through her first chemo treatment. What a blessing to see Wendy and Andy face this together. Lisa Bullock was also there offering stability from a voice that has walked this road eighteen years ago! It is very encouraging to see Lisa ministering to Wendy and offering insight and guidance.

Today reminded me of so many experiences that I have had with Wendy over the past twenty years. Today’s treatment was a mixture of laughter, seriousness, reflection and a touch of emotion. Wendy and I have a tradition of sharing Krispy Kreme Donuts and so I brought her a dozen today, which got us laughing over some old stories. It is always interesting to me how the Holy Spirit often brings laughter into some of our most difficult life moments, and I’m so thankful that our friendship is built around our shared faith in Christ and the hope that He alone brings to our hurting world. Christ alone is Wendy’s comfort but He has brought a wonderful support network to help her. Christ’s hands and feet will be displayed through her husband, lovely family, and friendships.

Wendy is facing this season of her life with great courage, but the journey has now started and the variables begin as well. Pray for her tonight as she begins to deal with the side effects of chemo. Pray that God will bless her with sleep so she can recover and keep her strength up. There is still so much information to process, so pray for Andy as he attempts to stay “up to speed” on everything that the doctors and nurses are saying.

It seems appropriate to quote our Bible verse from Vacation Bible School this year that says, “and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21

Join me in praying that Wendy and Andy can constantly hear God’s voice through this uncharted journey that they have started." 

- Chris

Thank you for standing in the gap today for Andy and Wendy. It is heart-warming to see the legacy of friendship Wendy has built around her. Today there were countless texts, calls, Facebook posts, Profile picture changes, blog comments, orange wearers, and prayers today, and they were certainly felt by way of overwhelming peace! 

Wendy's attitude is amazing, and tonight her health remains intact short of a little tiredness from an overwhelming day and some minor soreness from the port insertion this morning. Pray that the soreness is able to quickly resolve. Also, please continue to pray for Wendy's health as the effects of today's treatment set in, as well as for her white blood cell count to rebound so that she can stay healthy and do the things she loves (and feels like) doing! 

Treatment 1 of 16 in the bag, folks! Cancer: strike 1.

Many blessings into tomorrow! K