Doing well

Hellow friends and partners:
The Lord has been good to me. I am doing very well. Not 100 % yet, but just about ready to reenter being used again. My diet has changed, I eat less and have lost 20 pounds (at least). I eat slowly and not too much at one time. My strenghth is returning more each day. My doctor feels I should not have any more chemo and I'm scheduled to see another doc to confirm her conclusion. I'm schduled to speak at Harvest Christion Fellowship in Frederick Maryland Sunday morning December 27th, then start filling in my schedule for 2010. My web site soon will be updated. God's mercy has truly been upon me during these past months and I am very grateful.
Thank you for your prayers during this time, they have brought me through a difficult time. Please pray I will not have to do chemo again. During one of my lowest times, the Lord gave me Habakkuk 3:17-19
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the field,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet will I rejoice in the Lord!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.

There were some very empty and barren days and still the enemy attacks occassionally telling me of all the wasted time, but, he is a liar. I have gained great insight into God's mercy and compassion for those who are ill and feel hopeless. You are in our prayers daily, thank you for your love and support.

In Christ,
AL & SHERRY

Still Receoveing

The last three weeks have found myself in two hospitals, one for dyhration and for other water around my heart and one lung. They had to remove it and it was a little tough. I am home now and am fllling bettter. Please pray for e that I will eat and exerise for good. PLease pray for STRENGTH and the will to get better.

God is my all in all. With your prayers and God's help I am coming through this with colors.

Pray for sherry. She is concerned about bills also.

WE LOVE YOU ALL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Marathon Man - Please Pray

Would you please agree in prayer for recovery for my dad.

I receive a phone call from him about 10 minutes ago, and he has not been able to keep food down for the past 2-3 days. Obviously, he is loosing weight, and because of this, is discouraged.

Also, he has been advised to have another 2-3 courses of chemo to make sure that no cancer is left from the surgery. Though the pathology report came back negative for cancer, (what they took from his body during the surgery), the doctor's have recommend that he follow up surgery with more chemo. My dad took it like a man who finished a marathon and than was told to run another 5 miles. Not fun.

So, please pray that his body would come into allignment with the Word that Lord is for the body, and the body is for the Lord. He needs to eat and sustain a healthy diet for healing and for living a normal life. He is asking for a breakthrough in keeping food down specifically. This is urgent.

My dad is on the path for total recovery and I know that you are there carrying him down the path.

Rich Blessings upon you!

Justin

Recovering because of You

Well, the big surgery is over, I am home and sleeping in my own bed. The surgery was to take almost 8 hours, it took four, I was suposted to be in the hospital for 10 days, we left on the 7th day. I am very weak, moving gently and carefully, so thankful it is over and the recovery can now begin. This has been the biggest 'bump in the road' in my life. There were times after the surgery that I felt so much pain, I cried out in angony. I didn't thing pain could go that far and wide. But, being home, I pray much more when the pain comes and God does help me in His grace.

At the risk of being a broken repetitive old record, I have to say: Thank you for loving us and sharing that love with us. We try to mail thank you notes to all who give and we are behind. Because Al is not speaking, our income dropped greatly. Many have come to the bat to help us. Often, we never know from whom and where, or how they heard about us. We are just thankful. I'm thinking about resuming our schedule in November, please pray I will be strong enough by then. Some churches where we were susposted to minister gave us a love offerring even though we couldn't come to speak - such an expression of God'd Love! We are praying for you and trusting you are walking in His love. Mail us you prayer requests, praying in the midst of a trial can be very powerful (1 Thess. 5:24)

God has been giving us fresh dreams and visions about the future, about this ministry and our calling. Things will change. More power is coming, He has changed us and that means bigger and better things are soon to be revealed. You are part of that change....

Much, much, much Love to You,

AL & SHERRY THOMAS
http://www.celebratinghislife.com/

Recoverying Well

Christ is the Wonderful God!

This is Justin Thomas, Al's son.

Thanks for all your prayers and caring words over the last few days. They are spiritual words that do make a difference in my dad's life.

The surgery had no 'complications', as Dr. Yang said, the chief surgeon who led the four hour surgery at Johns Hopkins.

He is recovering in ICU for another day and then will be transferred to general care. He is still in considerable pain, as anyone would be after having extensive surgery, but medically he is doing quite well.

Amazingly, twelve hours after the surgery, they got him up to walk around the ICU for one lap...a considerable task, I think. The Nurse Practitioner said it was the fastest lap she has ever seen. I guess he was looking forward to getting back into bed. lol. He is not allowed any fluids for another day as his esophagus needs to have rest from any drink or food. After two days he will begin to drink small amounts of water, and slowly build up to solid foods over time.

Thank you again for your friendship and partnership with him, helping him continue to walk forward through this challenge. He is stronger because of you.

I will update you soon as events unfold.

Justin (Al's son)

Last Post Before Operation

Dear Family:

Today Sherry and I travel to Johns Hopkins, we will be put up tonight right across the street from the hospital, then report @ 10 AM for the 12 PM operation.

Please pray. I am glad the time has finally arrived so we can get it over with. Thank you for all of your encouragement, card etc. during the last five months. Sherry is a bit nervous and I'd be dishonest if I said I wasn't. Yet, I am trusting the Lord. I will come through this and then move on with my life and ministry.

Our son, Pastor Justin Thomas will update this blog shortly after the operation to let you know how it went.

Please pray for our continued provision since neither Sherry or I have preached (worked) in the last 4 1/2 months and will not until perhaps December. With the Lord's help I will heal quickly and be back soon than that. A friend (Mike) has encouraged me (he had the same operation) and said they start feeding you the 2nd day. This was very encouraging.

The moment I get home and start feeling better and stronger, I will pick up my schedule again and contact all the churches that had to be postponed. God has promised me a greater anointing when we return along with a fresh compassion for the sick and lost. "Fresh talents will be revealed..." (Matthew 25: 1-23) Use you talents today, do not waste what God has given you. whether it be gifts of the Spirit, encouragement, giving, administration etc. Tell your family you love them every day, don't miss one moment of enjoying family, friends, life and your relationship with God. Our time here is limited and no one know when it will end. Don't waste time, it is one of the most precious gifts God has given us.

I can't wait to visit many of you again on the road.

Thanks for you prayers and support.

Mega Love and Blessings to you and your family,

AL & SHERRY 1 Thess 5:24

Two Weeks to Operation

Howdy:

Last week we visited Johns Hopkins to see the surgeon who will do the operation on Sept. 17th. He explained the risks, possible complications, (1-2% death; 60% all will turn out well, 10 % leakage inside; etc. etc.). Then I signed that I understand the latter. Actually, we were put at ease with his calm demeaner and he assured us all will go well...

Then I had a pre-operation exam, quite detailed, quite long and boring. I have to confess I am so tired of waiting for this journey to end. I have gone before the Lord asking that the process be excellerated, but we are two weeks to the operation, almost there. My feeding tube, which I donot use (but will, after the operation) has fallen out twice in two days and it looks like I going to to the emergency room in little bit to get that corrected. I've always wanted to wait in emergency rooms, please forgive me for complaining.

Pain is my companion. I take 7-8 pills a day (down from 14) at breakfast. Some for the stomach, the tumor, the esophagas, the throat, and for other things. The Doctors tell me that for the type of cancer I have, the size of the tumor and the stage it was in, I am doing very well. Yes, I get very tired and occassionally sick (from the chemo and radiation), yet they say I should be in quite bad shape.

I mistakenly was taking a steriod when I wasn't supposed to and just stopped that. It was only supposed to be taken during radiation, so once weaned off of it I got very sick.

The good news is this will end soon and I will be back ministering and on the road again.
Thank you for helping Sherry and I with your prayers and support at this time.

MUCH love,

AL & SHERRY

Al's PET Scan

Hello loved ones:


Thank you for praying for Sherry & I, it's working.


I feel pretty much tied to my home during this time because my body is still reacting to the radiation and chemo after effects. I have good days, in-between days, and very bad days. The problem is, I can’t seem to discern when I will have a good day. Last week I had three days that literally caused me to spin in my head and affected my entire body. When I was a child, I used to have bad dreams and nightmares of being pulled out of my body, then I would get physically sick for days afterward. That's how I felt last week. (Strange, during the treatments there was little reaction from my body. I thought, “Wow, I passed this with flying colors!”) Yet, as my doctor warned me, the reaction can come anywhere from 2-6 weeks later and it has.

On Aug. 3rd I had a pet scan and the results were pretty positive. The tumor (formerly 4 inches long) shrunk considerably and there is no trace of any other growth. Anyway, my major surgery is still scheduled Sept. 17 at Johns Hopkins, something I do not want to do. Of course, I will go ahead with, because although I’ve done foolish things in my life, I’m no fool.

Yes, I’m still believing for a miracle.

So many have e-mailed, called or contacted us in some way giving words of encouragement or support and some of these dear brothers and sisters we have never met before. Sherry and I have wept over these e-mails and letters giving thanks to the God of mercy and abundance. We get medical bills and are holding up right now, but please keep praying for us. One brother (Tim, from Western Maryland) gave me a powerful Word from the Lord that seemed to be an 'atom encouragement bomb' that devastated satan.


If you are discouraged in anyway whatsoever, do this: Go encourage someone. Do it now. Call someone. Open the window and shout it out to your neighbor, then yell to heaven "I love your faithfulness God!" Can't find anyone to encourage? Do what I have done, even today: MIRROR TALKING I slowly walk to the largest mirror in my house and I preach to the person I am looking at, first by quoting Ps 68: 1-4 out LOUD! Then I sing, as loud as I can, PRAISES TO THE LORD! AND THEN I REJOICE BY FAITH.


Excuse me, I'm compelled to look for the closest mirror...


MUCH LOVE,


AL & SHERRY

My Friends and partners

Dear partloved loved:

I value you so much.

"I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord" (Ps. 118:17). As of this moment I am breathing...and I continue to do so. Please continue along with me together, shall we? God taught me to teach and and love and enjoy Him to the utmost. In our meetings we laugh, see many healed and if you have ever attended any of our meetings, its a combination of joy, teaching, healings, and personal minisitry. I am a happy person. I was born with a meloconly, introverted personality. Shy, insecure and very private. Since Jesus bursted into my life literally (December 25, 1971) the holy Spirit has transformed me into a Godly man (All His glory). I have seen angels, spoke with them and seen many supernatural things. I don:t know why, but most has been to minister to others

My schedule may be out for the rest of the year...so be it. I'm concinced Jesus will take care off me some how, some way.

Please, pray for Sherry. Yesterday she had a very bad day. It was a combination of the pressure of doing the medical bills; a heavy worry about me...thoughts of me not being 'here', etc. She is (if you have every met her) the prettiest, tender and sweetest peson you have every come across....yet she is the same person inside her. How God in His great mercy ever decided to give her to me still puzzels me today.

But today it all crashed down on her and she had a mini-nervous breakdown. I can carry only 10-15 pounds, (being so weak) so she was going to mail the newsletter, no small task, (5 days late), do the (still got to be paid) medical billed that can be taken care off, be pay what she can up here; catch up on the ministry paper work and so many other things. Our son Justin came up to fix my computer and she fell into both of our arms and broke down. He was a angle send, and mailed the newsletter and did other things for us. I and Sherry were too weak.

Ww have thousands of medical bills and and trusting for God to meet them

I had a Pet Scan Monday at Hopkins and the results will be in soon.

Regardness, I will stay positive, up beat and full of faith. I' not beat by a long shot. The devil is a liar, Jesus truly if my healer. I will preach again, powerfully, anointed and with all because of you prayers.

Thank you for continuing to pray for Sherry and I...you are in my hears and we prayer for for daily.

Another prayer request: Our dear friend Pastor Tom Cogle and his wife flew down to AOG General Counsul Florida.while one Son Travis and wife Erica with baby Jackson drove. They were hit on thee highway, rolled over and could have died. All had cuts ans bruises, by only Mom (Erica) suffered a small broken neck bone. No surgery needed, but has to wear a brace. They are still going to Gen. Counsel. They are the most precious family...please pray for them.

Please mail a card or a note of encouragement....TRAVIS, ERICA and little Babe Jackson, C/O 10774, P.O. Box 209, La Plata, MD 20646 The angels were watching over them. Just like they are watching over you...


We love you and thank you for for prayers and support.

Tenderly'
AL & SHERRY.

Back home with Sherry

Howdy:

Sorry for being so late writing again, I've basically been sick more days than well. Went back to the hospital for 5 days of my second round of chemo. I tried to prepare myself this time around, knowing how much I hated the last time in. I took one day at a time, never looked beyond that day and things were more bearable. I so admire medical professionals. The nurses, doctors, etc. were great. It was a blessing to be there because of a few things that happened, that only could have been taken care in the hospital, (which I won't share). In the hospital I was pretty much feeling OK, but when I got out, the chemo hit me and I have been tired, tired, and tired and feeling sick. Sherry was with me my most of the time. When I am sick, she is miserable. I try to be well simply not to upset her. Yesterday I was in bed all day, couldn't eat, etc. yet, today I feel strong enough to write this and began to write my newsletter. I know people are praying for me and I need it at this time. My buddy Pat cut the lawn today, another person took me to radiation and others have been taking care of business for me. Many saints are still helping me do many things. I miss teaching and ministering to people.

A slight set back: Unless I get a miracle soon, I will have to cancel all meetings through November or December because my surgery (if necessary) is scheduled for Sept 17 at Hopkins. Please pray I will not need surgery at all. My last day for radiation is July 20, then Dr. Hamdan evaluates my progress July 27. Friends, I really don't want the surgery. When they put this feeding tube in me they cut a four inch long line. That hurt, and I found out that I don't like pain. I know that sounds stupid, who does?

Anyway, thank you, thank you for your love and prayers and support at this time. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU AND YOUR FAITHFULNESS. GOD IS USING YOU TO HELP ME.

Concerning being thankful, there is a legend of a man who found the barn where satan kept his seeds ready to be sown in the human heart, and on finding the seeds of discouragement more numerous than others, he learned that those seeds could be made ro grow almost anywhere. When satan was questioned, he reluctantly admitted that there was one place in which he could never get them to thrive. "And where is that?" asked the man. Satan sadly replied, "In the heart of a grateful man." Friends, no matter what, be thanking God for His goodness.

Grateful for you,

AL

Late night Hospital visit

Greeetings my brothers and sisters. Everything was going along fine Sunday (June 28th), I got up, kissed Sherry (she's easy to kiss you know). Prayed, read the Word, thanked God for His love, my family and my healing. Had my usual Cream of Wheat for breakfast, took my 8 trillion medications (amazing it only took 7 minutes). The rest of the day was fine until I took a nap (this radiation is starting to cause me to get a bit weary). Awakening from the nap I noticed something laying on the bed...my feeding tube. Major ooops! Although I don't use the tube right now, since I can take soft food by mouth it is still important to have that in all the time, because when, i.e. if, I do have to get the final surgery they will need it use to it. Still trusting for my miracle of course.

So, I when noticed the tube had flew the coup (7 PM), the hospital was called. "Get here now", they said.' Once there they decided to call Hopkin's and were told to just bangage me up and instructed us to go home until the next day and then come back for the re-insertion. Well, we got back at the house about 10:45 PM when the phone rang and Hopkins had called back telling us to go to the local hospital again and let them put in a new feeding tube. We today (monday) go back to the hospital for the correct feeding tube and a dye inspection to make sure it goes in the right place.

We arrived home last night at 12:15 AM

Speaking of the 'right place' to insert something so you always have His peace make sure your place is a trusting place in Him. One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 26:3. Read it...

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!

Thanks for your love, prayers and support.

AL & SHERRY

A Thankful Heart

Howdy folks:

Well, I'll getting radiation five days a week at the local clinic and will reenter the hospital July 8th for another five days of chemo. I don't look forward to going back to the hospital for that week but I'm gonna be a good trooper. I have been in the word day and night, mostly dwelling on Psam 103 and getting it in my head and heart. I am still believing for a complete divine miracle from heaven.

I have gotten so many cards, notes and letters of encouragement I am humbled and overwhelmed by the love of God's people. Do I really know that many people? Over the years, I have been ministering almost in auto-pilot, rising up day by day and going to meeting after meeting, teaching, praying for so many...now it seems I am so surprized that it seemed to affect so many people. The devil has a way of convincing God's servants that 'you are not really doing much or 'bearing much fruit.' I say in all humility, God will help you when you need it (whenever) but especially when you are down the most. Fellow servants, never think that God does not appreciate what you are doing, from giving a cup of cold water to preaching the gospel, keep on the move for God, He is lovingly watching over you and your ministry and family.

Thank you, thank for your prayers and love for me, Sherry and all of your support.

With a grateful heart....

LOVE, AL & Sherry

Back Home for a while...

Hello my dear friends:

Hope you are all well. I was released from the local hospital late saturday (13th) after a week of chemo and other meds. So very good to be home with my Sherry and little dog. Quite week, still no solid food (that's months down the road), by I still have faith being uplifted by you and many others.

In the ministry, over this many years I would often sit at my desk, working, doing the newsletter, praying, connnecting with pastors, others (nettworking, etc.) and some times the devil would whispher, "What good are you going anyway." "You are wasting your time.." The discouragement would occassionnally be overwhelimg. Only after I fell on the knees and praised Him for quite some time did the devil shut up. The ministry is lonely sometimes, (No pity party here).

Yet, since this is has happened, the many cards, notes of encouragement that we have receieved have been like fresh oil...people we never knew who have benifeted from the ministry. Your gifts and love are a breath of God's fresh love for us.....We (with tears) cannnot thank you enough.

So, thank you for your continued love and support...Truly you have the heart of God.

Much, much Love,

AL & SHERRY

Next Step, Chemo

Hello loved ones:

I will be entering the hospital tomorrow for 5 days of chemo & Radiation. Because of the low blood count, and being what they call too fragile. They need to keep a close watch on me. I have been reading and reading Lamentation 3: 22 - 33, especially vs 32-33 'for men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though it seems like He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of man.'

This is a seriuous affliction, some die, some live. I am believing to live and then live for Him. Oh, how I miss teaching and ministering to God's people. Some people have told me not to take the chemo or radiation. I have sought His face and receieved a peace.

Since 1971 Christmas day, when the Lord Jesus appeared in my living room, saving and calling me at the same time I have seen many healed. Now, with your prayers, it's my turn.

MUCH, MUCH LOVE AND THANKS

AL & Sherry (Please also pray for Sherry)

RETURN FROM BEING DELIRIOUS

Hello loved ones:

Yesterday, Sherry and I returned from Johns Hopkins where I was held 6 days. The usual is 3-4. I am a slow learner in this area. I had minor surgery, where they placed a feeding tube in lower intestine and I am now being lovingly fed solely through a lovely small tube that I have nick named 'Lanky' because that was my Dad's nickname.

After the surgery, as I was being awakened by the doc's I became like a mad man, yelling, crying and wondering where I was, who I was and why I was being tortured like this. I was all MAN through and through.

I was fed loads of medications, especially strong pain killers, where upon I occassionally had amazing visions. Most of the visions meant nothing...if all did, and do, we are all in deep doo doo.
But, God has shown me somethings that are giving me fresh revelation to be shared in the future.

Now, unless my Father heals me immediately, I going to the local chemo doc today to set a date for my first shot of the latter.

PLEASE PRAY FOR SHERRY, SHE IS SO PLUM TUCKERED OUT AND SO VERY LOVING AND CONCERNED ABOUT ME.

I will up date again soon.

Your love, prayers and support are so appreciated.

AL

Hello Johnnie Hopkins Again

Dear Friends,
I'm scheduled to be admitted to Hopkins again this Thursday (May 28th) for a feeding tube to be inserted in my tummy. (Gee, I always wanted to have that done...)

I'm be in the prison that thursday, (I mean hospital) for at least three days, come home and be quickly scheduled for chemo, radiation, etc. then the big operation about 3-4 months later. Still believing for a divine touch...

I love food, and being on a liqiuod diet is like camp gitmo times 100. God, I miss crab cakes, shrimp, steak and anything labeled 'human food.' I am living on 'Endure.' Sorry, I mean Ensure.

Thanks, for your love and prayers. (Please pray for a saint I'm married to, Sherry)

AL

The Story

On May 4th the Doctor said I had esophageal cancer (a tumor). Frankly, I simply ignored it at first, not knowing at the time that I was in denial. I was told to eat slowly, and preferably eat soft foods. As more tests were done and a third 'look see' down my throat by the doc's at John's Hopkins (after bleeding was pretty obvious) I felt like someone threw me off a cliff and I was free falling. I am now eating liquid stuff...can you say Ensure?

Of course, I am believing for a miracle. I find it very easy to believe for others, but have struggled believing for myself. Yet, God has given me stretcher bearers (Mark 2: 1-12). My schedule is on hold until maybe mid-Sept...and that is very difficult for me to accept.

There's a lot more to say, but this is the first day of my blog, so this is new for me and I will try to update as often as I can.

Much love, AL