We were so ready to tell you about some of the great things that have been happening at MARC in Alaska:

 

For example, already through the first half of the year, MARC has conducted over 210 air missions (by the way, that's more than 1,656 takeoffs and landings), ministered in 80 different Alaskan communities, and cut the cost in half for over 300 kids going to Bible camp this summer!

 

Also, we've been able to increase the number of people we're communicating with as an organization by 37%, and God has also blessed MARC by increasing the number of individuals who are supporting our missionary families by 39% so far this year.

 

We have so much more to share that has encouraged recently, but unfortunately we need to share an urgent medical prayer request with you:

 

Last night, David received a call from his dermatologist with the pathology report from an unusual lump he removed last week from David's back. Despite earlier favorable biopsy results, the lump was diagnosed as "Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma."

 

David will get a CT scan next week to make sure the cancer isn't anywhere else, but as long as the one lump on his back is all there is, the excision already done may be all that will be required. He might need radiation too, or other treatment, but hopefully nothing else will be found.

 

So far it appears to be a "good" kind of cancer to get if you have to get one. His brother Steve, a surgeon in Spokane, is also getting additional input from oncologist colleagues, so we should have more info as we go forward.

 

We're doing fine with the news, knowing worry isn't helpful and God is ultimately in control, but we wanted you to know so you could help pray.

 

Pray David's CT scans next week will come back "all clear." Pray for the medical team that will be recommending our treatment course of action, that God will grant them insight & understanding on David's behalf. Pray God will provide for the unexpected medical expenses as we test our medical insurance caps for the first time.  And pray for patience and encouragement--for both of us!

 

We'll send an update once we know more. Thanks in advance for your prayers!

 

With love,

David & Karin Reese