One of the joys of Presbyterian government is the close ties that make separate, individual congregations one church. I have often suggested that the correct name for our particular congregation should be “The Tennessee Valley Presbytery meeting at Covenant in Chattanooga.” While not being catchy, it conveys more accurately our identity.
One of the consequences of our “connectionalism” is that when one congregation rejoices, we rejoice; when one weeps, we weep; and when one catches its breath, we catch our breath.
As I announced Sunday morning, our good friend, Randy Nabors, senior pastor of New City Fellowship, has been diagnosed with cancer. Specifically, Randy has B-Cell Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia.
Randy and Joan sent out a letter to the members of NCF, as well as “friends and the curious.” Assuming you to be one or the other, I want to share with you a small portion of what they have written.
“As far as I know this disease takes a very long time to cause trouble. . . . It may take years before any symptoms arise. . . . Right now there is no cure for the disease, and they don’t know how I got it, and since I am not sick there is nothing to do but ‘watch and wait.’
“Obviously to be told you have cancer is troubling, but so many others have gone through so much worse that I have nothing to complain about. That I will die someday is not news, but now I know of at least one thing I will die from if something else doesn’t get me.
“What should it mean for me to know that I will die except to be more passionate about preaching ‘as a dying man to dying men?’ That is what I have always been, and what I have been trying to do anyway.
“I want to finish well, and I don’t want to try and cut myself some kind of a break because of this disease. There is so much to do for the Kingdom and glory of God. I don’t want to live in any state of panic, but only in the same dilemma as the Apostle Paul who didn’t know if it was better to depart and be with the Lord, or to stay and minister to the Saints.
“Joan is one of the calmest, most practical, and realistic people I know. . . . She trusts in the Lord, and she loves me, and I imagine it will take some developments to see how we both react to things. I couldn’t have married anyone better for the life I have already put her through, and what awaits us in the future.
“Obviously your prayers and love mean so much to us. I think I am more concerned that my friends would hurt or be discouraged about this news. We don’t want anyone to grieve over this. . . . The need of the moment is to simply live this life God gave us. I want to enjoy everything God has given to me, and receive it with thanksgiving, while I try to be relentless for the sake of the Gospel, justice, mercy and
love. . . .
“Our love to you all. Thank you for loving us so well. . . . Randy and Joan Nabors.”
I’ve shared this letter so that you might be encouraged, challenged and informed. As you pray for the Nabors, pray that you and all of us might enjoy what God has given us, receive it with thanksgiving, and be relentless for the cause of the gospel of the Kingdom.
Pastor Caines