Update on Nan

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.
-1 Corinthians 16:13-14

As, I’ve been watching, standing in faith and believing for healing for Nan, I know God hears my prayers; as well as, the countless number of you who are praying for her. Through all of this sickness, she’s been brave and strong, and has even written a book on what it means to have God’s right now hope during this hard time in her life.

So, let us all continue to walk in God’s Love (Agape) regardless of what the world, the flesh and the devil wants to throw our way. Let’s keep our eyes focused on the Living Word in 2015.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Nan and Chuck.

En Agape,
Debbie Holland
Ministry Director
The King’s High Way Ministries

P.S. Please pray for their son, Mark, who’s also going through chemotherapy for cancer.

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September 25, 2014

Hi everyone,

Over the last three weeks, quite a bit has happened since Nan brought you up to date on the hope journey that she’s been walking in for over a year and a half.

In the last update she mentioned that the melanoma was back and that there was an experimental drug that she may qualify for.

A little over two weeks ago, she got word that the FDA had just approved a new drug specifically designed for melanoma cancer. It’s the first of its kind and is called “keytruda,” a melanoma immunotherapy. Last Friday, she began this new treatment and is the first patient at the hospital where she goes to be receiving it. Prior to this treatment, the only recourse would have been standard chemotherapy, which was not designed for melanoma. She will be going through this new treatment for three months.

Please know that she continues to rely upon the Lord for healing, just as she has been doing all along. (HIS Word says it; she believes it; therefore, she speaks it.) Also, she is using several natural therapies. So with prayer, natural therapies, and the new drug, she believes God is going to use all these things to accomplish His will.

I had the opportunity of being with Nan over a week ago. While I visited with her, we praised the Lord a lot, laughed a lot, and prayed a lot. We also had the opportunity to visit an amazing church where they prayed over her and gave her great words of encouragement.

She is very hopeful that God is going to use all these things for His Glory.

PLEASE NOTE: We have decided to reschedule “The Hope” conference in Franklin Tennessee. The original date was set for November 8, 2014. It has been reset to Saturday, February 7, 2015. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the ministry at 208-772-6976 or 866-775-5464.

Again, thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. I make sure that every email that is sent to Nan is forwarded on to her. Please know, they not only bless her, but bring tears to my eyes as well. WOW…the Body of Christ is amazing!!

En Agape,
Debbie
Ministry Director
The King’s High Way Ministries

“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” –Deuteronomy 31:8

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September 4, 2014

I don’t know of any more appropriate words for my life right now than these:

“Hope Against Hope”
(Romans 4:18).

The doctors have all told me there is no more medical help they can give me. In other words, we are out of options. The melanoma is back and in full force, not only on my nose (I look like a clown), but also in my lungs. More radiation and surgery are out of the question at the moment. The only thing left is a new melanoma drug that is not yet approved by the FDA. They are hoping it will be within the next three months.

There is a slight possibility that I might be able to qualify for another experimental drug study. That would be wonderful but that’s not what I am depending on in this moment. My precious Lord is in control, He cares about my life and He is faithful. Remember the Scripture He gave me several months ago: “You will live and not die” from Psalm 118. This is what I am hanging onto. Now, He might accomplish this in a totally different way than I expect or have different timing than I think. But I know He will be faithful to His promise one way or another.

A couple of things that are coming up that I am really excited about. I think you already know that Debbie, my dearest friend and ministry partner, and I are planning on doing a “Hope Conference” (on our new book Hope Against Hope) in November at Grace Chapel in Franklin, Tennessee. They will be taping and videoing the conference. Thus, Deb is coming here next week to help with the preparations. She is such a ball of fire and I am so looking forward to her visit.

The following week, my Chuck is coming “home.” Yea! It’s been so difficult for us to be apart these two years, but he has had to run the “New Zealand” operation and I have had to be here in the states for medical reasons. But, anyway, he is finally going to be here for a while and hold my hand. After 57 years together, you kind of become attached!!!!

And finally, at the end of September, my dear cousin (whom I haven’t seen in almost 15 years) is coming to visit. I am so excited to see her. We were inseparable as kids (born 1 week apart), but as we each married and had children, we kind of lost touch. So, how wonderful it will be to see her and catch up.

Again, I want to thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. You all have been such a blessing. I pray the Lord would return that blessing a hundredfold.

Agape,
Nan
Founder, Author
The King’s High Way Ministries

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July 11, 2014

Hi everyone—

Hope you’re having a wonderful summer! I know it’s been a while since we’ve updated you on Nan’s progress. Many of you have asked and we thank you for your love, prayers and support for Nan and the team at The King’s High Way ministries. Not only will Nan be sharing her own personal journey but, also, she has some wonderful news about what’s happening with the ministry. We feel so blessed about the new direction and season the Lord has planned for the future. We believe we are entering into a new season of where more Christians are beginning to have greater understanding of God’s Love (Agape), God’s Faith and God’s Hope. The message of God’s Hope is needed, more than ever, and we know the timing of Nan’s new book will be a tool to strengthen and encourage the body of Christ…for such a time as this… (Esther 4:14)

We welcome you to join us in this new journey.
Debbie Holland
KHW Managing Ministry Director

From My Heart…

Dearest Ones:

Please forgive me for the long delay between updates.

As you know the brain cancer that God healed in February is gone, but since then, there have been other suspicious spots in my body that have popped up. Each week I thought we’d have more answers so we could bring you up to date. But, unfortunately, each week more questions seemed to arise. This week, for example, the CT Scan came out clear but the suspicious bumps on my nose are still there.

To be honest, I’m really tired of all the procedures, the confusion and the waiting for the results. In the last few months alone, I’ve had 4 CT Scans, 2 PET Scans, 4 MRIs, my nose has been biopsied 2 times, my stomach and lungs biopsied once. On top of this, I had the Gamma Knife procedure where they zapped the tumors in my sinus area with massive doses of radiation. The tumors have shrunk, but evidently are still there. I had another biopsy this morning on my nose, but it’s going to take another 2 weeks till we find out the results. It’s crazy! But, you can see why it’s been almost impossible to write an update, because even the doctors seem unsure as to what is going on.

But isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to depend only upon the doctor’s opinions or their procedures, but we can see all the things that happen to us through spiritual eyes.

I know God is training me and strengthening me for what lies ahead. However, last February when God gave me His precious promise in Psalm 118 (“You will live and not die”), I thought the “war” was won. I thought the battle was complete and that I had had victory. I just wasn’t prepared to keep on battling—almost every day a new war. But, despite what is happening and how tired I am, I’m not giving in nor am I giving up. I know God is faithful and I know He will bring about His will, if I keep yielding mine. God is in control of my life and He is the One whom I trust in all of this. My prayer is that I will continue to “see His Handprint” in everything and that the whole situation will bring Him glory.

The enemy, of course, would just love to discourage me in any way he can. I must recognize this and continue to wage war against him by “the blood of Christ, by the word of my testimony and by death to self.” (Rev.12:11) By the way, I heard the most wonderful sermon a week ago that has changed my whole attitude. Steve Berger of Grace Chapel (Franklin, Tenn.) gave a powerful message on June 15th about fighting the enemy and how to do it. It’s on line if you want to look it up. It’s been a life changer for me.

My book “Hope Against Hope” (the title of which gets more and more personal for me every day) is at the editors right now and soon will be off to the printers. I so appreciate your prayers for this book, as the enemy has done everything he can to discourage us and to stall its production. The Lord however has provided an absolute miracle for the funds needed to complete the project. So, we praise Him for His faithfulness.

Finally, let me give you an update on The King’s High Way Ministries. For sometime now, the Lord has placed a vision on our hearts to expand globally. In order for this new season to take place, we needed a different facility to fulfill what He is calling us to do. So as of July 1st 2014, the Lord opened a door to a new ministry location in Hayden, Idaho just a few miles north of our current location in Coeur d’Alene. This new facility is above and beyond anything we could have imagined. Now, we will have the ability not only to host conferences, but also to video these events and offer webinars in the near future. We will miss our precious Craftsman styled home that we occupied for over 12 years—a place where many marriages and lives were touched and changed for all eternity—but we are ecstatic about the new place. So keep checking our website for upcoming events we are planning to host in the near future. Again, we would so appreciate your prayers in this regard.

So, thank you dear ones, for your continued love and support. I never could have made it this far without you. As Paul says in Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” And, I truly do!

En Agape,
Nan
Founder, Author
The King’s High Way Ministries

Romans 4:20 seems so appropriate here: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded, that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.”

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May 6, 2014

Dear ones,

God’s ways are certainly not our ways. As Romans 11:33 says, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and His ways are past finding out!”

God continually allows situations into our lives that force us to answer His question: “Do you trust Me?”

Two months ago, the two tumor spots they found in my brain mysteriously disappeared and all of us were overjoyed knowing that God had touched me. He had also previously blessed me with Psalm 118:17-18: “You shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened me sore; but He hath not given me over unto death.” So, I know He is in control and I DO TRUST HIM.

This past week, however, (even though the two above spots are still gone) the doctors found another malignant melanoma in my sinus area. And this new one they said is growing rapidly. They want to do a “Gamma Knife” procedure on me next week where they zap the exact spot with a massive dose of radiation that is supposed to kill the cancer immediately. I covet your prayers on this, as they have never done a case like mine (with an artificial nose) and they said the rays are so strong they could collapse the nose reconstruction and also destroy the new blood vessels supporting the new nose. It’s so scary to think about because I’ve already been through so much this past year. But again, I know that God is in control and I DO TRUST HIM!!!

Remember the book that we are getting edited and printed right now is called: Hope Against Hope. This new situation in my life is just another opportunity for me to do just that! “Though You slay me, YET I WILL TRUST YOU..” (Job 13:15)

I love you all and, again, a million thanks for praying for me. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Agape,
Nan
Founder, Author
The King’s High Way Ministries

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March 28, 2014

Dear Ones,

Just a quick “update” to my precious brothers and sisters who have so faithfully been praying for me. I am doing so much better and every day I am gaining new strength. Again, thank you , thank you, thank you for interceding for me.

The Lord has been so faithful in answering yours and my own prayers. As you know He gave me Psalms 118: 17-18 on February 4th of this year: “[You] shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Then, He repeated the promise: “The Lord has chastened [you] sore; but He hath not given [you] over to death.” One week later, the doctors called and said that the CT scans of my brain that they had taken earlier and that showed cancer cells, were now totally clear with no cancer showing at all. Truly, God healed me! He performed a miracle and even the doctors were blown away.

It’s been a tough few weeks since then, however, as I am regaining my strength. Even though the Lord healed me of the cancer, the withdrawal process from all the heavy medications has been brutal. The Lord is so faithful though. A couple of weeks ago when I complained about feeling so poorly, He gave me a perfect Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 which says: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” And, He has done just that. God’s promises are true and will come to pass, but it’s always in His timing and in His way, not ours. He healed me of the cancer; now He is in the process of restoring my body.

Great news department! Debbie just came and spent a week with me and we completed the “Hope Against Hope” manuscript. Koerchel/Peterson Design Company has done a fantastic cover for us. I can’t wait for you to see it. Now the manuscript goes off to editing, page layout, printing, etc., which usually takes a couple of months. We’re hoping to have the book printed and out by early summer.

Chuck is here with me now and then he goes back to New Zealand for a couple of months. You can pray for us, because being separated is very difficult. But, there’s no other choice at this moment. I have to get stronger so I can begin to travel. Speaking of travel, Deb and I hope to do a conference (possibly the end of summer) on “Hope Against Hope.” I have lots to share.

I love you all and thank you again for your incredible encouragement and your prayers.

“Hope we have as an anchor of our soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that which is behind the veil.” (Hebrews 6:19)

En Agape,
Nan
Founder, Author
The King’s High Way Ministries

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February 12, 2014

Dearest Ones!

One week ago, on 2/4/14, the Lord had me read Psalms 118:17-18. It was my normal devotional time, so I had no expectations of what He would say to me. I wasn’t familiar with the passage of Scripture He had given me to read either. This is what it said: “You shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord!” It went on to say, “The Lord has chastened me sore, but He has not given me over unto death.”

Those two little verses touched me so profoundly that I cried all night long knowing in my heart that the Lord had healed me.

Let me back up a little so you can understand what has gone on in the last three weeks. Monday, Jan. 13th, I had a relapse and ended back in the Emergency Room Hospital. They found two things (one, the CT Scan showed a small lesion on the left frontal lobe of the brain; and two, the MRI showed some suspicious cancer cells floating around in the brain fluid. I was experiencing dreadful headaches, with vomiting. So, needless to say, the last few weeks have been filled with “test after test” and “doctor’s office visits,” and, of course, lots of concern, lots of prayer and holding tight to Him.

In the Hope Book that I am just finishing, I have been writing about a place called the Holy Place–“The Secret Place,” a place of hiding out with the Lord. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty…(Read Psalm 91:1-115) I actually felt like I was living there, prostrating myself between the Incense Altar where I knew He was hearing my prayers; the Lampstands where He was lighting my way and the Tables of Showbread where He was discerning the thoughts and motives of my heart. I was safe; He was holding me; and the intimacy and closeness I felt to Him has been absolutely overwhelming…and NOW…

And now, the doctors called yesterday afternoon and validated that the cancer has NOT gone to the brain. The Scans are clear! God has healed me and I just had to shout it from the roof tops. Like Job, I can now say “I had heard of You by the hearing of my ear, but Oh Lord, now mine eye sees You.” (Job 42:6)
My dear brothers and sisters, thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s your prayers and your Love and your supplication that He has heard and that He has answered. There are no words to tell you what you all mean to me.

I love you and can’t wait to hug each and every one of you.

Agape,
Nan
Founder, Author
The King’s High Way Ministries

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January 30, 2014

Your outpouring of love and concern for our precious Nan has been amazing!

The last two weeks have been particularly challenging for her and the ministry. We have seen God’s Hand in every little thing that we have been going through.

We’re asking for continued prayers for our dear Nan. Several days ago she found out that she has two lesions on her brain that look suspicious. Nan and her family have chosen the medical route that they believe God wants her on. Please pray for the doctors and staff that will be making decisions.

On this journey of Psalm 23, the Lord truly has been her Shepherd and has been with her in both the still waters and in the valley of the shadow of death. And because of her love and faith in Jesus, there are no fears in her tomorrows because she knows God is lighting the path every step of the way.

This journey of understanding God’s Hope has been amazing! She’s excited and looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone. In fact, she told me the other day, “Debbie, I can truly say, in all this tribulation I am exceedingly joyful!!”

We’ll keep you posted!

Much Agape,
Debbie Holland
Director/Manager
The King’s High Way

January 7 Update

Hello Dear Ones,
My thanks and appreciation again overflows for all of your notes and letters and cards.  I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to answer them.  Please know that I read every one, I personalize the prayers and I listen to all the advice and suggestions.  YOU–my family–have continued to hold me up during the times (especially in this last round) where I couldn’t do it myself.  May the Lord return to each of you a hundred-fold the blessing that you have been to me.

A quick update:  After 4 weeks of radiation (which actually weren’t too bad) to 4 weeks of recovery, which have been so difficult, I’m finally beginning to heal.  The side-effects of radiation are monstrous.  A mixture of boils, blisters and scales formed like cement over my entire face and now (4 weeks later) is only just beginning to peel off.  But, praise God, there seems to be a nose underneath it all.  It hasn’t collapsed as they feared it might!  Yea!  This is such an awesome answer to prayer.  Thank you so much for praying for me!

My next MRI and PET scans are scheduled for February 5-7.  Then, we’ll know just how much of the cancer they got.  I’m looking for another one of God’s miracles.

In the meantime, I’m recuperating with my family.  Most of my medical procedures have been done close to where my children live.  We have had beautiful times of fellowship and many memories.  How wonderful it was that they could come and visit me for Christmas.  My Chuck also flew over from New Zealand to be here with me through the radiation and for Christmas and we’ve had a blessed time together.

Best news of all is that the first manuscript for “Hope Against Hope” is finally finished.  Now we have to begin the huge editing process, which of course, takes time.  Our goal is to have the book printed and on its way in the late spring.  Lord willing…

Again, I absolutely love every one of you and can’t tell you how much your correspondence and prayers have meant to me.  That has been especially true this second time around…

I’ll keep you posted what we hear in February. But please keep on praying for the book “Hope Against Hope” and the same for me.

Agape,
Nan
Founder
The King’s High Way Ministries

December 20 Video Update

November 27 Update

This Thanksgiving Nan is especially thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers from all of you. Chuck and Nan have asked me to express to each and every one of you how much the Scriptures, prayers, testimonies, and words of encouragement have meant to her.

Praise God, her brain scan came back negative and the cancer has not spread!

She is now more than half way through the radiation treatments. The burning and discomfort that is associated with these treatments has been very intense. Her nose is very sensitive to touch, so again, she has not been able to wear her glasses. Her daughter, Lisa, came up with a creative idea to attach her glasses to a visor. It works great!! Nan is now able to put the final touches on her new book, “Hope Against Hope”.

Please pray that this last leg of radiation would go smoothly and that she would have no sickness. Also, the radiation is very close to her eye, so please pray that these treatments would not affect her eyesight.

Nan and all of us at The King’s High Way Ministries pray that tomorrow as we celebrate Thanksgiving, we all would reflect on God’s goodness and all the ways HE has blessed us.

Agape,

Debbie, Tim, Lori, Kathryn & Davey
Staff at King’s High Way

November 11 Update

Thank you all for your continued prayers and words of encouragement for our precious Nan.   Not only does she have a great attitude, but the peace of God is with her and her family.   She attributes that to your heart-felt prayers.

In the October 17^th update, Nan wrote that the melanoma had returned on her nose and she was going to see a specialist regarding how to proceed.  The subcutaneous cancer (not a skin cancer) that is in the mucous lining of her nose is very rare and is spreading at a very rapid rate.  She waited on the Lord for direction because she knew the radiation would destroy the reconstruction that was done in May.   She has no other option at this time, except to go with radiation treatments.

Please know, many options were considered, but after much prayer and hours of research this was the best medical solution.  She has one of the best melanoma specialists in the world as her doctor.  Over and over again she has told me how wonderful and brilliant he is!

Starting Monday November 11, she will begin treatments that will continue daily until December 5^th. Please continue praying as the radiation will be close to her eye and brain.   Also, on Monday, she will be getting an MRI of her brain to make sure that the cancer hasn’t spread.

She asked me to let you know that she has read every one of your emails that were forwarded on to her.  Thank you again for all the suggestions and the different forms of treatment that you have made her, Chuck, and the family aware of.   She is overwhelmed with the love you have shown to her.   She feels confident that the road of recovery that she has chosen is the one God wants her on at this time.

She has almost completed her new book on God’s Hope.   Let’s pray that next year at this time she will be teaching this anointed “right now” message.

With much Agape,

Debbie Holland

King’s High Way Director

October 17, Letter from Nan

Thank you again, all my beloved brothers and sisters, for your faithful prayers and letters of encouragement. They have been such a blessing to me. This little update is to ask that you please continue those prayers…

I am still back East with my precious family and enjoying my grandchildren, many of whom I have not seen since we moved to New Zealand. It’s been an incredible time. Chuck flew in two days ago and we have all had a great visit.

But, unfortunately, we just got the results back from my recent biopsy and it looks like the malignant melanoma has returned and is in the very same area as before. I am scheduled to see another specialist this week to see if there is any other option besides totally removing the entire nose (the new nose septum and the old nose top).

Truthfully, I don’t have the strength to undergo another radical surgery, so I’m totally depending upon the Lord for His strength to see me through. (2 Cor. 12:9) I don’t understand it all, but I do unconditionally trust Him.

It’s interesting, because the premise of the new book “Hope Against Hope” that I am writing is that when circumstances make no sense, when they have turned out just the opposite of what you have been praying and when you can’t emotionally, mentally or physically do what is required, that’s when by faith you HOPE in Him. It turns out that the Greek words “hope” and “trust” have the same root meaning. This is exactly where I am walking now. (Job 13:15)

I will keep you posted as best I can, but for now, my prayer request is for a miracle and also for supernatural strength to walk out whatever the Lord allows…
I love you all…
Agape,
Nan
Founder of The King’s High Way Ministries

August 28, Letter from Nan

Again, thank you all for your prayers, your love and your wonderful e-mails and letters. They have been such a continued blessing.

I am still with my family and recovering well. My “new” nose is amazing as day-by-day I see the bumps, the swelling, the soreness and the redness receding. It still feels like a “clown nose” at times, but again, I am so thankful to have a nose at all, not a hole. I am continuing therapy under doctor’s orders. Right now I am seeing a couple of radiation oncologists for consultation. They are anxious to radiate the margins around the original mucosal melanoma. Please pray for me to make the right decision as I am very hesitant to do this and have a huge check in my spirit about going forward. Some of the side effects of this type of radiation (so close to my eyes and on the newly reconstructed septum) not only can be dangerous, but also could destroy the new nose structure. I really don’t have peace about doing this, but felt the Lord would have me at least hear the doctor’s opinions and all their arguments for doing so. (For “skin” melanoma’s they don’t usually radiate, but with “internal” melanoma’s, like mine, they do. My specific case, however, is so rare they don’t have any precedents to base future treatments on. They said I am one in a hundred thousand .)

God has been so faithful to go before me every step of the way, so I am confident that He will show me what He wants.

I’ve started the new book, Hope Against Hope. Yea!!! Finally!!! Now, that I can wear my new light weight glasses for an extended period of time I can actually “see” to write. It’s wonderful! How I thank God just to be able to see again. The words for the book seem to flow as they are from my heart, not my head or some book knowledge. I now personally know what it means to be “hopeless,” (I’m not talking about our “eternal hope” in Jesus’ soon return, but “temporal” hope—moment by moment hope—where you pray and pray and pray for something and nothing changes…that kind of hope.) So I pray this book will minister to many who are or have been walking in the same place.

My Chuck is busy in New Zealand having weekend conferences at the Lodge, receiving resident students and recording new briefing packages. It’s very sad for us to have to be apart, especially after 57 years of marriage. But, our insurance is only good in the U.S. and it has been phenomenal. (You can only imagine what all of this has cost!) Chuck will be back in the U.S. in October for his big KI conference. But, He too, thanks all of you for the love and support and prayers you have shared on behalf of our whole family. You have been and continue to be a huge blessing to all of us.
Again, as I’ve said many times before, I know I could not have made it through this ordeal without your prayers. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (Phil. 1:3)

Agape,
Nan
Founder of The King’s High Way Ministries

August 23rd Update

Debbie gives a good report on Nan in the video we posted today. Here’s the link to the VIDEO.

July 3rd Update

…Again, my blessings and my thanks to all of you who prayed for me (and especially those of you who wrote encouraging e-mails to me) over the past few very difficult months. As Philippians 1:3 says, “I thank my God [daily] for [all of] you.”

I wanted to begin by giving you just a quick update: I was finally able to get a new pair of glasses last week (which are made out of a light plexi-glass material that can handle tri-focals). The glasses and frame weigh less than one ounce. Thank You Lord, I’m now able to wear these with a pad over my nose and I can see! Seeing is one of the many blessings we so often take for granted—just to be able to read, to write, to e-mail, to phone, to type, to text and to converse and see my own beloved family. I so appreciate the ability to do those things again!!!

Being able “to see” also allows me the privilege of driving again. Yea! I love to drive—I’m a born and raised L.A. freeway driver (I’ve driven horse trailers, boat trailers and U-Hauls all over the country). Driving gives me the freedom to do my own thing (get my own groceries, my own prescriptions, go to my doctor’s appointments, etc…; little things, but oh so important for our own independence).

The best news of all, however, is that I had a follow up MRI last Thursday and it came back clear—no new cancer cells!! Praise God! Oh, how I love the Lord! I really could not have physically or mentally gone through any more surgeries. (By the way, thank you all for your suggestions on radiation and chemo. I’ve read all of them and am praying as to what the Lord would have me to do.)

Before I close though, I thought I might share a personal lesson (among the many) that the Lord seems to be teaching me through this traumatic experience. It seems to me that trusting the Lord through difficult circumstances (and I’ve certainly had my share of those), is much easier (in my opinion) than going through constant physical pain. Physical pain wears you down; at times it is unbearable and often, it is unending. You lay there and you choose to trust Him, and then you choose again and again and again, but the pain continues. If you don’t know (or have memorized) His Word and His promises, it’s very difficult to hold on, almost impossible to focus and hard to have hope. This is where I fell over the past few months. (Thus, my respect and admiration has tripled for those saints who continually fight this battle. I thought I knew what it might be like. I wasn’t even close!)

So, the lesson I’m personally learning, is that it’s not only important to daily read God’s Word (or listen to it by CD or DVD), it’s also important to memorize His Word and His promises. Then, if by some chance, like me, we are unable to read or listen to His Word for awhile, we can still hold on (& fight the enemy) by speaking forth His Word, focusing on the Lord (not the pain), and having hope. This is what I’m praying the new book, Hope Against Hope, will address but in a very practical way.

In closing, you might want to read 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 which tells us some of the “things” that the Lord might allow IN our lives. But, verse 7 gives us the answer as to how we are to get through these things. And, of course, God’s answer is: BY His Word of Truth, His Power and His Armor on our right hand and our left.

En Agape,
Nan
Founder of The King’s High Way Ministries

2 Corinthians 6:4-7
(4) But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,
(5) in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;
(6) by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
(7) by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

UPDATE 14 – May 31, 2013; from Nan!

Dearest Ones;

Just a quick “update” and to again thank you for your incredible, encouraging and uplifting e-mails.  Your love, your prayers and your Scriptures have not only been a blessing, I believe they have saved my life. Your messages of Godly support gave me the hope I needed to continue on.

I just wanted you to know I’m doing much better.  I’m up and around, even taking short walks and able to support my glasses on my new nose for an hour or so…So praise God!!!  In that precious hour, I’m starting to gather together all my notes the Lord has given me during this difficult time (40 pages worth) on the new book “Hope Against Hope.”  Some of His thoughts and insights have been totally new to me, even after being a Christian over 57 years!

My sweet Chuck was here last week and we spent some very special moments together.  He now has to return to New Zealand, but will come back here next month.  I am to see the Radiologist on Wednesday and we’ll see what my own plans will be for the coming months.

But, again, thank you for giving me such “Godly support” when I couldn’t do it for myself.  You truly have been a part of saving my life.

My new favorite Scripture is 2 Corinthians 4:8-12:  “We are troubled on every side, but not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus,  [so] that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body…”

Agape

Nan
Founder of The King’s High Way Ministries

UPDATE 13 – May 7, 2013 – Letter from Nan!

Wow!

How do I describe the last three months?  As Charles Dickens said, “They have been the best of times, they have been the worst of times.”

The Best…I now have life, my life has been saved:  The cancer (malignant melanoma in my mucus membrane) has been removed.  So I thank God with all my heart for the life He has restored to me, and I pray that He will use it as He desires.

The Worst…the agony that I’ve been in these last three months has been un-imaginable.  The first doctor that I saw told me that if it was his 75 year old mother, he would NOT recommend the operation because of the excruciating pain it would entail.  And another doctor said that, “If you don’t let them take your nose and surrounding area of your face, you will literally have 2 months left to live.”  So I believe with all my heart, that without your prayers, I would not have made it through.

I have not been able to write, because I cannot prop my glasses on my nose, but have to hold them up to my eyes with one hand.  Even now, I am dictating this letter to my daughter to type.  I have read all your emails and they have blessed me and kept me going when I just wanted to give up.

Thank you all for taking the time to write, quote scripture, and share stories, all of it has helped me keep my eyes on the Lord.

I am still facing possible radiation and chemotherapy, etc… but the “Big” stuff—surgery and reconstruction, are hopefully behind me.  God truly has held my hand through all of this and has ministered to my heart.  HE has been waking me up at night with words of hope to get me through all the pain.  With all the surgeries on my nose, my prayer is that I would be able to support my glasses soon, so I can finish my book on Hope.  We have decided to call it, “Hope Against  Hope” (Rom 4:18) as much of it will be based on my own personal experience.  I will describe more of the fascinating details of the procedure, it is truly a miracle.

I love you all … and thank you for helping me make it through this difficult ordeal.  May God be praised and may all His purposes one day be known.  Job 19:25 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

Agape,

Nan
Founder of The King’s High Way Ministries

P.S. A note from Debbie—

…I was just in contact with Nan and she wanted me to let you know that she’s had a huge breakthrough with the intense pain in her head.   At this time, the excruciating headaches have subsided and she has had an amazing energy boost.  (More energy than she’s experienced in a long time.)  Praise the Lord!!!    Thank you for your continued prayers…

UPDATE 12 – April 22, 2013

We just heard from Chuck regarding Nancy’s surgery this morning.   The doctors said that phase 2 of the reconstruction went beautifully and according to plan.  They are very pleased with the outcome.  Nan will be recovering throughout the night at the hospital, and, if all goes well, she will be released tomorrow.

When I spoke with Nan yesterday, she told me that she was able to feel the end of her nose and that it didn’t feel like a “clown nose” anymore.   What a miracle!

Thank you for your continued prayers for our dear sister.

As we know more, we will keep you updated.

O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] forever. (Psalm 107:1)

Agape,

Debbie

KHW Ministry Director

UPDATE 11 – April 20, 2013

Praise God that Nancy has had a couple of weeks to recuperate and is feeling much better.  She has been able to sit for short periods of time and read all of your emails.  The words of encouragement, prayers and love that she felt from everyone helped in her recovery and blessed her beyond words.

On Monday, April 22^nd, she is having “phase 2” of reconstructive surgery done on her nose.   The doctors don’t expect it to be as long and drawn out as the first surgery.  They are anticipating that there will be no problems and that her surgery will be very successful.  But, please pray.

Also, pray that her body does not reject the new cartilage or septum that she received in “phase 1” of her reconstructive surgery.   That would be horrific…but, so far everything looks wonderful.    We will keep you posted as soon as we know more after the surgery on Monday.

With much Agape,

Debbie

KHW Ministry Director

UPDATE 10 – April 8, 2013

I was able to speak with Nancy last Friday and Chuck today.   Everything is going according to plan and the surgery on her nose looks wonderful.  She had her “bandages” changed and is finally able to breathe out of her nose.

The plastic surgery was very extensive and many new procedures were used.  In fact, doctors from around the world are watching and learning from her surgery.

The greatest concern was that her nasal area would not reject the new septum and cartilage that was put in and that there would be no infection.  So far, things are looking great.

Because of the bandages over her nose and the sensitivity to her face, she’s not able to wear her glasses.  So she’s basically been blind.  She relies on them to see close up and far away.   The family did manage to make her some make-shift glasses that she can wear for about 10 minutes so she can see at a distance.

Her next surgery is scheduled for April 22^nd with the same plastic surgeon.  We will keep you updated with any new information as it comes to us.

Again, thank you for your prayers, the warfare has been intense.  Nan really believes that without the prayers from everyone she would have lost hope.

Agape,

Debbie
KHW Ministry Director

UPDATE 9 – March 29, 2013

We heard from the family last night and this morning. Nan’s surgery went according to plan.  The surgery lasted for over six hours and she was in the recovery room throughout the night.   The plastic surgeon was very encouraged by the results and how well everything went.

Right now, she is resting in her room but in a lot of pain and exhausted.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Words can’t express how much they have meant to Nan. Multiple people have been awakened in the middle of the night to pray.   Many of you have been fasting.  Families and Bible study groups from around the world have been praying.  Individuals have been given Scriptures to pray and beautiful words of encouragement.  It’s so beautiful to see “The Body of Christ” working the way God intended.

Thank you, again, for your outpouring of love; Chuck and Nan are so blessed and appreciative.

Agape,

Debbie Holland
KHW Ministry Director

UPDATE 8 – March 27, 2013

The outpouring of love and prayer continue to overwhelm all of us here at the ministry.    We’ve been moved to tears and have had our spirits lifted with your emails of encouragement.

Nan’s surgery is still scheduled for Thursday March 28^th.  Thank you for your continued prayers on her behalf.

Agape,

Debbie, Tim, Lori, Kathryn and Davey

PS…The King’s High Way Ministries is known for Agape–God’s Love.   Holy week is a time where we reflect on and consider the death and resurrection of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We’ve had some new insights on God’s Agape Love that we put into a short 3 ½ minute devotional.   We pray this will encourage you in your walk with the Lord this week.

UPDATE 7 – March 25, 2013

First of all, we want to say thank you for all the beautiful prayers, words of encouragement and love that you’ve shown to our beloved Nan.   She is in awe of the outpouring of concern that people have shown to her and Chuck.

Since the last update, the doctors were able to get the blood flow under control and part of that process involved removing the temporary stints from the back of her nose.  The original plan was that they would start radiation treatments this week, but because the stints had to be removed, and other complications, the plan changed.

The doctors have decided to go ahead with the reconstructive surgery this Thursday, March 28^th.   The plastic surgeon who will be doing this procedure has been a nose doctor for over 26 years.  Apparently, the type of reconstruction that Nan needs is something he’s never done before, but he feels very confident that everything is going to go great.

Currently, Nan is resting and recuperating at a home near the hospital.  I’ve done my best to forward every one of your emails to her.  When she has a chance, she tries to read a few at a time. They have ministered and blessed her beyond words.

Again, thank you for your prayers.

Agape,

Debbie Holland
KHW Ministry Director

UPDATE 6 – March 19, 2013

We just heard from the family that Nan has been taken to the emergency room several times throughout the last two days. They are having difficulty stabilizing the bleeding from her surgery.  This has added to the pain she is already experiencing.

Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and that Nan’s pain would be controlled.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.      (Romans 15:13)

Agape,

Debbie Holland
KHW Ministry Director

UPDATE 5 – March 14, 2013

Moments ago I just spoke to Nan from her hospital bed at home.  Yes…at home!!

The results came back from the lab this afternoon and Praise God—they got all the cancer!

Nan wanted to thank each and every one of you who are praying because she said, “It was your prayers that got her through.”  Especially Tuesday night…  She was in surgery at 7:00 in the morning and didn’t get into her room until late in the evening.   Throughout the night the warfare was intense — emotionally, mentally and physically — it was beyond anything she has ever experienced in her life.  But in the midst of her hopelessness, she had a wonderful encounter with the Lord.   HE gave her three pages of notes to add about “His Hope” to her new book.

Radiation treatments to her nose will begin in 2 weeks, then reconstruction following.  Please pray for the plastic surgeon because most of the procedure work that needs to take place has never been done before.  We will keep you posted because your prayers are vital.

Chuck and Nan, their family, the staff at The King’s High Way and Koinonia House want to thank all of you for all the outpouring of love and encouragement you’ve shown.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.   Psalm 5:11

Agape,

Debbie Holland
KHW Ministry Director

UPDATE 4 – March 13, 2013: 4:45 pm PDT

All the staff at The King’s High Way Ministries appreciate the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of you on every continent who have been praying and fasting for Nan.

Both Chuck and Nan have said that they want to thank you for your outpouring of love and prayer.

The doctors were quite pleased overall with the surgery, but there are a number of important decisions needed now, some unexpected.

Nan had a rough night last night because of pain, and it is still an issue for her now. We covet your prayers for our dear Nan! May each of us experience what Paul wrote about in Colossians 2:2a,

…that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love…

Agape,

Debbie Holland
KHW Ministry Director

UPDATE 3 – March 13, 2013:  10:41 am PDT

Moments ago we had our first report about Nan. She’s out of surgery but in much pain and needs our prayers. As soon as we know more, we’ll let everyone know.

UPDATE 2 – March 11, 2013

Nancy will be among the first into surgery tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Please pray for her, for her family, and for her surgery team. You might also want to watch a short video we did as preparation for prayer.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.   (James 5:16b)

UPDATE – March 8, 2013

We just received news from Nan.

1. The Mayo Clinic has accepted her as a patient. The doctor who saw her earlier will continue as her doctor.

2. Her insurance OK’d her for the surgery. It has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 12^th.

All of us at The King’s High Way Ministries want to thank everyone who has sent prayers and encouraging notes to Nan.  Please know every one of them was forwarded to her.

Nan wrote back and said, “I am over whelmed with all the responses!  Wow!  I feel very loved and prayed for.”

Please continue in prayer for our beloved Nan.   We will keep you updated.

Agape,
Debbie Holland
Director of Ministries- KHW

March 5, 2013

Dearest Ones!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your love, your support and your prayers for me, my family and the ministry.  We have all felt your prayers and what a God-send you have been. “May the Lord return the blessing you have been to us, a hundredfold.”

I’ll bring you up to date as best I can, as the story continues to unfold… How quickly our lives can change…from a beautiful, serene “paradise existence” in New Zealand to a wild ride here in the states with an ending that only the Lord knows.

Three weeks ago, while visiting my family, my daughter saw a lump on my face and made me go to the doctor (I’m not good at doing that).  The doctor was concerned and sent me to an ear, nose and throat specialist, who took a biopsy of the lump and found it to be a malignant melanoma in the sinus part of my nose (in the mucous lining inside my nose, which evidently is very rare–1 in 100,000).  That doctor then sent me to a surgeon who gave us a very bleak prognosis:  literally take my face off (my nose and any other area where the tumor has already spread), followed by radiation and chemo.  He said that if I did nothing, it could be fatal in just a few months.

Wow! What a blow!!!  Again, how quickly our lives can change.

But, if we belong to the Lord, He is always involved in everything.  Right!!  So, here’s the miracle part of the story.  Yesterday we saw a radiology specialist (radiation won’t necessarily eradicate the tumor, but it will slow it down considerably).  In the middle of the conversation, he asked if I wouldn’t mind his talking to a “colleague” of his about the situation.  This “colleague” happens to be one of the chief endoscopic surgeons at Mayo Clinic (one of the best hospitals in the U.S.)  Of course, I said “yes, please do.”

So, the miracle is that there is a remote possibility that Mayo Clinic might accept me as a patient (because my cancer is so rare).  There are still some huge hurdles to jump over (like I don’t have the right insurance, etc.), but again if God is involved and He wants me there, an exception will be made.  So, I would really, especially on this matter, appreciate your prayers.  What a wonder that would be and so like our precious Savior!  I will keep you posted…

On a ministry note, as many of you already know, I am still in the middle of writing the book on “hope.” (Hope, the Anchor of our Soul).  Isn’t it so like the Lord to have us personally experience everything we are writing about, because we really can’t share thoroughly on a subject, unless we have first “lived it.”  Well, my physical situation is, at the moment “impossible” (hopeless) by the world’s standards, but with the Lord involved, there is always hope!  So this book is going to be a very personal journey of what the Lord does in my own life.  Truly, He is the God of Hope…

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God…” (Ps. 146)  I love you all and again, thank you for your continued love and support… “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”  (If you can, read all of Philippians 1.  It’s such a blessing and exactly what God is trying to do in all of our lives.)

Agape,

Nan

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Philippians, Chapter 1

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

We just received news that her insurance OK’d her for the surgery and it has been scheduled for Tuesday March 12^th.   

All of us at The King’s High Way Ministries want to thank everyone who has sent prayers and encouraging notes to Nan.  Please know everyone of them was forwarded to her. 

Nan wrote back and said, “I am over whelmed with all the responses!  Wow!  I feel very loved and prayed for.”

Please continue in prayer for our beloved Nan.   We will keep you updated.  

Agape,

Debbie Holland

Director of Ministries- KHW