Dear Praying Friends,

This is Doug at the keyboard having just returned with my son, Jeremy, from our 15-day trip to the Philippines, Hong Kong and Macao. Let me just start by saying that the entire trip - from start to finish - could not have been more blessed by the Lord. I only wish I could put this briefly so you won't have so much to read but I'm afraid this is the best I can do. I especially thank the scores of you who made it a point to e-mail Becky and encourage her in my absence. That meant a lot to her. Also, Jeremy and I are so thankful for all the people who took such good care of us along the way. You know who you are.

I have no health reports yet except I felt better on this trip than I have since last year! The delicious Asian cuisine helped me gain back several pounds on this trip! I have several doctor appointments beginning today (Monday). Diagnostic scans, blood work, and other tests will probably be in my schedule this week so I'll have to share the results of those later.

I must admit that my ninth and last radiation session on August 22nd (departure day) made me question the validity of going simply because of the way I felt. After all, who wants to fly 14 hours straight feeling like a wrung-out rag? However, once we were seated in the aircraft bound for Manila I knew that was where I was supposed to be…there with my son by my side. I know that your prayers are responsible for the very practical way that I experienced the Bible passage below throughout the whole trip. I thank you
from the bottom of my heart.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Doug and Jeremy with Pastor Glenn Kennedy near San Francisco the day of departure to Manila (last radiation treatment that morning)

The very practical application of this passage is that from our arrival to Manila and our 4-night stay there, down to Bacolod City for 3 nights, then on Hong Kong and Macau where we were 6 nights, I slept an average of 4 to 5 hours a night! My body clock simply did not adjust and I would wake up between 2 or 3 AM every day. You would think laying in bed for hours would be frustrating (for me it normally is) but each night those hours were sweet communion times with the Lord as well as prayer and praise, with much weeping with gratefulness to such a tender and loving heavenly Father. Some may just call this adrenaline rush, nervous energy, etc. I simply call it Isaiah 40:31 in action!

When it was time to get up and moving I had more energy than I have had prior to my January surgery! I simply made it a point to take a mandatory nap in the afternoons - then I was ready for the rest of the day's events. Of course Jeremy watched over me very carefully to make sure I wasn't overdoing it. (Strict orders from his mother!)

Since Becky has already sent out some excerpts of my e-mails to her there may be a few things redundant. It was a very emotional trip for me in that I never expected to see the places again after my dire diagnosis in December of metatstatic kidney cancer with probably six months to live. These places
and the people represent part of my heart because of the burden He placed there long ago.

Here are some of the highlights:

- There were only two public church services scheduled: Manila and Macau. The rest of my time was usually one-on-one or small groups where we just renewed fellowship with many missionaries, local pastors, lay volunteers and professional people we have established close relationships with over these
last nearly thirty years.

- In Manila our two Christians in Action (CinA) churches held a joint worship service and I was the guest speaker. It had to be one of the most blessed services I've ever been in. The choruses seemed to have been written for me. So much so that I simply wept and could not sing. Ten months ago I would sing the songs but now I'm living them. What a change in perspective. By God 's grace I was actually able to compose myself and share from God's Word about my cancer and just how faithful God is to allow Himself to be glorified through pain, suffering, and adversity that comes our way. I also publicly made the commitment that as long as God gives me strength I will continue to do everything I can to bless the Philippines. They honored us with speeches, appreciation plaques, special music and prayer. The most
touching moment was when my dear colleague Pastor Edgar Ayuman prayed to the Lord to take one year of his life and give it to me to live. That broke my heart. We were very blessed and humbled by their expressions.

– In Bacolod we had a whole delegation meet us at the airport. Wherever we went we were treated like royalty and here was no exception. The Gordon Neilson family from Canada (newly arrived CinA missionaries), several of our volunteer leaders with our medical mission outreach, and Joe and Billie
Rosmarino from the Calvary Chapel Children's home brought a delegation along with Maritess Emalon (who we helped with life-saving surgery in North Carolina). I conducted some medical mission business for Glenn as well as went through some orientation with the Neilsons, who are fitting in beautifully.

- In Macau at our CinA church pastored by John Hyrons I shared the same thing as in Manila. I always share about the taste of heaven the Lord gave me in February while I was undergoing treatment in Los Angeles. I share very candidly what it is like to face death and how God's grace is sufficient but also the joy that He gives during times like this. The church treated us to buffet dinner after church and one of the members came to me and said that, even as a Christian, she has always been afraid of dying. God used that testimony to eliminate that terrible fear. Isn't God good? She also has her own cross to bear with a young daughter with lupus.

Doug and Jeremy with Pastor Edgar and Eunice Ayuman and children. Leaders of Christians In action in the Philippines.

- In Hong Kong Jeremy and I were riding in a taxi to meet up with a missionary friend from the UK. I figured I'd try to scrape the rust off my Cantonese so for the next half-hour I shared the gospel using my cancer testimony with the driver. People listen when you mention the doctor said you'd probably be dead two months ago! Pray for Mr. Hoh.

- Your prayers gave a final bonus at the end of the trip. Boarding our Philippine Airlines plane in Manila for San Francisco our economy seat assignments were not pleasant at all. In fact, it was going to be very uncomfortable and I was hoping to stretch out on some empty seats somewhere but that 747 was full. After we were airborne and served the first meal I got the chief flight attendant aside, explained my condition and our extensive ministry to his people and he graciously moved us both upstairs to two empty business class seats for the rest of the flight. Isn't God good? In all my Asian travels these last 6 years that has never happened before to me.

To close it up here, the entire trip couldn't have been better in any way. The prayer covering you provided made the difference. I can't thank you enough. I still break down weeping recalling the sweet, sweet fellowship we enjoyed with all these friends and co-workers in the gospel. One big lesson I've learned in ministry is that it is the relationships you establish that enrich your life and make you thankful. I made it a point to mention that to every person I met with. I may never have the opportunity to say it again to
them. Perhaps there are those in your life you need to do the same thing.

Besides the countless ministry opportunities on this special trip together, Jeremy and I enjoyed the beautiful and unique local sights of Metro-Manila, Bacolod, Macau, and especially Hong Kong, where he was born. These are special memories for us. I've got two other children that I have plans to make special memories with. I have inundated you this time. Please forgive me.

Your brother in Christ,

Doug Sutherland

 

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