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/
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
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)
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)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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
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
Friday, September 4, 2009
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
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
Sunday, August 16, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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
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
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