Michael's Testimony

Our family has certainly learned much since our journey into the world of childhood cancer began.  One of the things that we knew long before all this began, though, has made this whole crisis much simpler.  Perhaps Michael's own words will do the best job of sharing what we know to be true about our family, Michael's cancer, and all of you.

On July 18, 2011, I was just a normal twelve year old boy.  I loved sports, hunting, hanging out with friends, being the oldest of five kids, and the idea of starting 7^th grade in a few weeks.

On July 19^th, everything changed.  I’d been too tired, worn out, and pale, so I went to my doctor and within hours was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  More tests showed that I have a rare form of leukemia, the Philadelphia Chromosome, which is much more aggressive and dangerous.  I’ve been in the hospital a lot since then having chemotherapy to try to stop this cancer and save my life.

I guess I could get upset about having cancer, but I’m OK with it.  It’s all part of God’s plan.  I believe that God made me and has a plan for my life.  I know that He loves me, so I know that His plan for me will be the very best one.  He’s already given me the greatest gift of salvation and eternal life in heaven, so I can trust him with my life here on earth.

                                                                                   

My salvation is important to me.  If I weren’t sure that I would go to heaven when I die, then surprises like cancer would really be scary.  I know that as long as I am alive and willing, God is going to use me.  Maybe God’s plan for my cancer is that I will be able to tell you about my salvation.

First I had to agree:

     I am a sinner. (For all have sinned.  Romans 3:23)

     Sin is punished.  (The wages of sin is death.  Romans 6:23)

     I can’t save myself.  (Not by works . . . we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.  Titus 3:5)

Then I had to believe:

     Jesus Christ, God’s Son, paid for my punishment and can be my Savior.  (While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8)

Finally I had to confess:

     I tell God what I believe.  (If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:9)

I accepted Jesus as my Savior, and I will be praying that you will, too.

Michael's testimony above has been made into a small, baseball-themed tract that we have made available for anyone to have and share.  If you'd like to have some, feel free to contact us via email.