June 4, 2008


Dear CMC Family:

Thank you so much for all of your concern and prayers for my health and our family. Our hearts have been lifted up on many occasions knowing God’s people are calling out to Him for us.

I have recently been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I didn’t notice any symptoms until sometime after Easter. Since then, I’ve had a series of tests that indicate I am in the very early stages.

My medical team at the University of Washington Medical Center ALS Clinic has told us my symptoms are subtle.

Some of you know that ALS most often affects swallowing and the respiratory system. Specific tests on both of those areas show no affects whatever so far. The disease progresses at different rates and in different ways in different people.

We are aggressively fighting this disease with everything we have and in the name of the Lord. I am following a regimen laid out for me by my UW medical team, including exercise.

At our request, mighty prayer warriors at CMC have prayed over our entire family and I’m sure we’ll ask them to pray for us again. The Elder Board has anointed me with oil and prayed. We are bathed in love, prayer and support. Ultimately, we live in God’s hands.

I am physically strong and will continue leading this great congregation. I have a lot of vision and passion to see this work of God continue to grow and thrive. I have no plans to retire anytime soon – I plan to serve here for years to come. Our Elder Board is 100% supportive. God has wonderful days ahead for us.

I continue my regular work schedule. However, I am not pushing it but am taking regular rest times to pace myself. As already planned, Carol and I will take some vacation this summer. We are going to Japan in late September for a wedding reception for our son and his wife who were married in Tokyo in late November. Our entire family is heading to Hawaii again in January.

I will be speaking this Sunday, June 8, as I end my current teaching series.

On July 6, the weekend following our Patriotic Sunday, I begin a new summer teaching series – How Can I Know God’s Will for My Life? That’s a question every serious believer asks and God has some clear answers for us. This will be an updated version of a similar series I did in 2005, and I’m really looking forward to it.

The Day of Celebration planned for June 22 to honor Carol and me on our 30th service anniversary at CMC has nothing to do with this disease. It was planned long before any of us became aware of my health needs.

Please continue to pray for us. Pray for God’s healing in my body and in those of others. Pray God’s peace and comfort into our lives and those of others who are also facing challenging times. Pray for the ongoing health and vitality of the church body, that we will walk in faith and without fear. Pray that God will use this time to reveal Himself to each of us in fresh and deep ways. May God be honored in everything we think, say and do. Carol and I love you dearly.

In His mighty name,

Pastor Marc