Dearly Beloved in Christ.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10)

We are doubly protected. Even if the devil could snatch us from Jesus hand – which he most certainly can not! – the Father oversees and rules all things.

And yet, we live in “this vale of tears”, waiting for deliverance to be with our Lord in heaven. It would be convenient if we could blame a weak or capricious God for our sorrows: many do. But we were conceived and born in sin. We all deserve “temporal and eternal punishment.” If we honestly consider our conduct according to the Ten Commandments, we know this is true, and yet we still can not fully know our sin, “Who can discern his sin; cleanse me from secret faults, O Lord.” (Ps. 19).

God is merciful and gracious to us. He gives forgiveness of sins through Jesus death on the cross. Our sin is taken away, our guilt atoned for (Is 6). In Christ Jesus, we face death only in this world. Jesus has taken away “the second death” and promises, “Everyone who believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone living and believing in me, will never die.” (John 11).

My dear children in Christ, I am now living out the words of comfort I have spoken to so many of you.

On Sunday I went to the ER. A CAT scan revealed a golf-ball sized tumor in my brain. I am currently in Denver (Anschutz hosp.), where the plan is to remove the tumor this Friday. The prognosis for this phase is very good. Barring complications, I should return home soon, and have a 4-6 week period of recovery. It should be relatively pain free, and though I will be tired, I should recover well. During that time, a biopsy will be done on the tumor. Then we will have a long-term prognosis, and can figure out a treatment plan. I am told it is too early to speculate, and there is much that is unknown. But next year I will begin treatment for cancer – either in the brain, or from it’s original location (they don’t know which of these it is.) The outcome is uncertain, we place all our cares in the Father’s hands. For he loves us and will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus Christ has already gone into death for us, and now leads us through death into life.

We are blessed in the Wyoming District to have faithful pastors who go the extra mile to provide care to our members. I will be recovering during the month of December, and so will not be in the pulpit. Pastor Mumme, President Hill, and others will be covering for me during this time. They may need to modify the schedule. Please make an effort to attend, even if inconvenienced by this. If my strength returns, I may return in January at least on a part time basis. But regardless of the outcome, Christ’s word will endure forever. His mercies are everlasting, and we know the outcome. When we finish the race, we stand next to Christ. He wins the trophy, and hands it to us. We are given his victory.

Your prayers in the coming weeks for me are appreciated. I ask that you also include my family during this time, as they care for me and work through the implications of this diagnosis. So many of you have asked how you can help. We have already made a couple of requests, and they have been graciously received. To those who offer, we may make requests of you as well. Thank you for all you have done for us over the years. I often brag to other pastors about how loving you all are, and how much you encourage me in preaching the truth (and even insist on it!) It has been such a delight to serve as Christ’s minister in this place. My prayer is that I can return to this blessed office, and continue to preach God’s Word to you all. But whatever the outcome, I know Christ will remain the center and focus. He is the author and perfector of our faith. Let us, in all things keep our eyes focused on him.

+In Jesus most holy and precious name+

Pastor Winter,

Unworthy servant of the most high God.