This Support Network Email shares three prayer requests from individuals and families struggling with various forms of cancer.  Cancer has been labeled the scourge of our time.  It represents the most frequent request for prayer the Support Network receives.   Let these prayer requests be representative of the many others across our constituency and in our congregations who are also dealing with cancer, about whom we do not know. 
 
Hear my prayer, O Lord!  Listen to my cries for help!  Don't ignore my tears. 
Psalm 39: 12a
 
LOSS OF A DEAR SON
On the evening of August 10, Jacob Suderman passed away suddenly at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, diagnosed with Leukemia.  Jacob had been experiencing flu like symptoms and had seen his doctor several times, but his condition remained undiagnosed.  On August 9, he went to Palmerston Hospital and was immediately transferred to Grand River Hospital where he died a day later.  Jacob was baptized on his confession of faith at the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Tillsonburg in May of 2007.  Pray for his young wife, Anna (Dyck) Suderman, as she so suddenly adjusts to the loss of a husband of only one year.  They were married in July 2007.  Pray for his parents, Jacob and Katharina Suderman and his eight siblings as they cope with the unexpected loss of a dear son and brother.  Pray for the church community as they surround and comfort the distraught family.
 
A RARE FORM OF CANCER
Don and Sheri Fecher from Elgin, Illinois covet your prayers as Sheri struggles with a fairly rare form of cancer in her sinus cavity.  Sheri underwent surgery on Thursday, August 14 and a cancerous tumor was removed from her left sinus..  The prognosis for this cancer is somewhat unknown.  Within the next week they hope to be informed about the next steps regarding chemo and radiation treatment. "We greatly appreciate the thoughts and prayers of friends, family and fellow Christians and firmly believe in the power of such prayers raised out to God" says Don.  The Fechers attend Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Illinois.  Don and Sheri have two children, a 21 year old son in Muncie, IN and a 26 year old daughter in Korea who has come home to be with her parents during this uncertain time.  Don Fecher is in the process of becoming an agent with MAX, a process postponed by this sudden development.  
 
A CANCEROUS BRAIN TUMOR
Keep Jim and Helen Schapansky from Niverville, Manitoba in your prayers as Jim literally faces a life and death struggle with a stage 4 cancer.  While vacationing with friends at a cabin at the end of July, Jim lost the use of his left side and was rushed to a hospital in Winnipeg.  A CAT scan revealed a golf-ball-size brain tumor on his brain.  It was removed on August 1 and found to be aggressively cancerous.  Jim is facing a regimen of radiation and chemo therapy.  Only 48 years old, Jim is praying for God's will on a negative prognosis.  "I am praying for healing and miracles".  Let us join our prayers for Jim, Helen, their two children and the members of the Niverville Mennonite Church as they walk together on this uncertain path. 

Jim's sister, Valerie Belknap, describes Jim as a person of strong faith.  Valerie is a MAX agent in Hesston, Kansas and grieves the fact that, as his only sister, she lives so far away from her oldest brother.  Feeling helpless but wanting to show her support, she has decided that, "since Jim loves to wear caps or hats and Canada can be cold when you have no hair",  she will invite friends to show support for Jim by sending him a cap or hat.  If you would like to join the "mail Jim a hat" support campaign, contact Valerie at  vbelknap@maxwholeness.com.  Jim's MAX Canada cap is on its way.
 
CELEBRATING GOD'S BLESSINGS
We end on a note of celebration.  On August 31, Mel and Leeta Horst of St. Jacobs, Ontario will be celebrating sixty years of marriage.  To celebrate the occasion, their family has organized a special worship service of thanksgiving for God's gracious care.  Their faithfulness to each other and to God is an inspiration to many.  Let's extend this recognition to the many other MAX members across North America who have been blessed with sixty years or more of marriage.  Mel and Leeta have also been faithful mutual aid insurance supporters throughout their marriage.  It's the only property insurance they've ever had; for many years with Mennonite Aid Union and more recently with MAX Canada.  Thank you for your support.