Author: Chris Luzio

I’m not a big fan of rollercoasters, even figurative ones. Especially when the ups and downs are on rails of cancer. I really wasn’t afraid, but I wasn’t riding with my hands in the air either. I was hanging on tight.

First the eye doctor suggested that since she couldn’t find anything wrong in my eye that explained my recently noticed blurred and double vision, the problem might be behind my eye. I’m not an expert in anatomy, but the only thing I could think of behind my eye is my brain, and the possibility of brain cancer did cross my brain. Fortunately, and gratefully, a blood work-up, an MRI, and exams by three other doctors led to the conclusion that the problem was caused by a wrong lens that had been put in my glasses nearly a year ago!

Then it was time to follow up on a PSA that had gone from 5.5 to 7 in six months. As I noted last week, the biopsy was a piece of cake. The resulting phone call, not so much.
I was told the biopsy had tested positive for cancer, and the doctor wanted me to read a book on prostate cancer before meeting with him for consultation on how to proceed. After hearing the relatively good news that even though the cancer was on both sides of the prostate it was low grade, and having the options explained, I was weighing the pros and cons of surgery or radioactive seeds. I then asked what I hope was a Spirit-led question. I asked him what he would do if he had what I have. His answer stunned me. He said he would do nothing!

I haven’t yet talked with my family doctor, but at this point I think I’ll probably do the same. I will, however, follow up with periodic PSA’s, and if there is a radical change, I’ll obviously reconsider the options.

As I mentioned Sunday, I really do appreciate all the prayers and expressions of concern that have been shown to me. And I do ask that you continue praying, especially for discernment to know how God would have me ride out this rollercoaster.

God Bless, Rick

Reading through the Bible in a year is a challenge, but I’d never heard it compared to a prostate biopsy. Until Saturday morning. But it’s not what you might think.

Dave had dropped by to walk the dog and pick up bills, and he popped into the office to see if I had any results from my biopsy. I told him I wouldn’t know anything until next Thursday, but told him that the biopsy wasn’t anything like I had been led by some to expect. It wasn’t a picnic, but it really was a piece of cake. It didn’t hurt at all.

We went on to talk about other things, and I asked him if he was excited about an upcoming event he had told me about. He said yes, but then said what he was most excited about was reading through the Bible this year. He was loving it! He looked forward to it every morning, and had a hard time not reading ahead. He then said he had thought it was really going to be hard, but had discovered it was kind of like my biopsy. It wasn’t at all what he had thought it might be.

Some, however, have found it to be challenging. I even had someone ask me to hold them accountable because they were finding it very difficult. And I know it can be, especially when you are attempting it for the first time. Just finding time is hard if your life is already full of activities and family responsibilities. And when you are tired, it’s hard to stay focused. And then you begin to wonder if you’ll even remember what you’ve read. I won’t even mention that we have an enemy who doesn’t want us to read God’s Word.

Let me encourage everyone who has taken the challenge, to stay the course. Don’t worry about remembering, or even understanding, everything. Just read it, and trust God will implant in your heart and mind what He wants you to know. At least this time through. Next time He’ll no doubt give you something more.

Like Dave, I really look forward to reading the Bible every morning. And if you want to know what exciting new things God has already shown me in the first few days of this new year, just ask.

God Bless, Rick

How quickly the years roll by. It’s hard to believe that Chatham Christian Church celebrated its 47th Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service this past Christmas. Marilyn and I have only been here for 45 of them, but I believe Jim and Mary Sexton have been to all 47.

Over the years we’ve done a variety of things on Christmas Eve in addition to the communion service, presenting cantatas and the like, but I have to say I really enjoy what we do now more than any. Some of the enjoyment may come from the fact that I don’t have to be a part of the musical presentation, and can just enjoy the service. But I also really do enjoy seeing how all the pieces come together.

When I make it known that we need special music, and invite any who might have something to share to do so, I never know what to expect. But as I start hearing from those willing to share a song that reflects their love for Christ and Christmas, it quickly becomes obvious that we’re going to have a great night of celebration. And according to the comments I heard, this year’s was one of the best.

The attendance this year was also very encouraging. Attendance had slipped a bit over the years, and I was beginning to wonder how long we would be able to continue with this tradition. If this year is any indication of our future, I think we can plan on hosting many more.

I put out 200 candles this year, thinking that would be more than enough. When I went through the baskets after the service, however, I only found six that had hadn’t been used. And then I started hearing about some who didn’t get a candle because their basket was empty. I know we haven’t had 200 at our Christmas Eve service in a long time, and I have to admit it really felt good to see so many here.

I don’t know what God has in store for us in 2018, but I know our future is in good hands. In fact, I believe our big Five-0 will be here before we know it. And, Lord willing, I’m looking forward to my big Five-0 as your preacher.

God Bless, Rick

I guess it shouldn’t surprise us that good news is quickly followed by bad news. Shortly after an angel declared, “I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people,” and the magi came from the east asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews,” Herod was moved with jealousy and lied in an attempt to remove the King he thought to be a threat to his throne.

I’m sorry to have to report that in similar fashion, the good news we received from Haiti has been followed by what appears on the surface to be bad news. I wouldn’t even share it with you during this time of year, but everyone who is supporting a student at Haitian Christian Ministries has probably received a letter that makes serious charges against the current leadership of the mission.

Shortly after we started supporting the mission, the founder, Manno Laguerre, unexpectedly passed away. For a time the leadership passed to his widow, Prisca. When the board noticed a lack of transparency and accountability in the finances of the mission, Prisca was asked to make some changes. She refused to do so, and was eventually asked to step down from leadership.

When Mark and I met with the chairman of the board and the two lead pastors a couple of months ago, we were thrilled to hear of the progress the mission was making. Not only are more children being served, but new churches are being planted in Northern Haiti. We were impressed by the straightforward answers to the questions we asked by the chairman and Pastor Paul, who is now heading up the mission in Haiti. We are confident that the mission is in good hands.

The letter that many of you received from Prisca is apparently the result of hurt and bitterness, and after conferring with Mark Zimmerman, who is on the board, we can assure you that the accusations are a misrepresentation of the facts. We are very thankful for the opportunity to be supporting a very effective ministry in Haiti, and appreciate your confidence in the elders who oversee the generous mission giving of our congregation.

God Bless, Rick

I have an offer for the first eleven people who take me up on it. And of course, like every offer that gets made on TV, this one comes with strings attached. But unlike the free offers on TV, there are no handling and processing fees hidden in this offer. All it will require of you is a commitment of 15-20 minutes a day for the next year.
If you haven’t guessed what this is all about, it’s about reading through the Bible in a year. But even more, it’s about reading through a Bible that I will personally buy for you. I know that’s hard to believe, especially the “that I will personally buy for you” part, but it’s true!

A couple of years ago Marilyn, Nikki, and Grace all read through The One Year Chronological Bible and really enjoyed it. This year I’m doing so, and I really love it…even though it isn’t in my favorite translation.

A chronological Bible is one that attempts to put the books, chapters, and even verses of the Bible in the order that related events actually happened. It puts everything in chronological order so you can follow the flow of history and see how everything fits together. It also means that accounts that were recorded more than once can be read together, the psalms that express what David is feeling are placed in the midst of what he’s going through, the prophetic messages are pronounced in their historical context, and the epistles are integrated into the book of Acts.

Like the girls, I am really enjoying reading through the Bible in this way, and I can’t wait to start again. Only this time I won’t be reading it in the NIV! It’s not available in the NASV, so I will be reading it once again in another translation, which really isn’t a bad thing. The additional options are the New Living Translation, which I like even less than the NIV, and Tina’s favorite, the New King James.

I’ve ordered a dozen copies in the NKJ, and they should be here this Sunday. The first eleven who ask for one, and promise to read it, will be given one. In case you were wondering why only eleven, the twelfth one is for me.

God Bless, Rick