Friday, March 20, 2015

Update: March 20th, 2015

     I have not written since going home to be with my dad to be with him as he passed from earth into heaven.  I wanted to process with family and friends and not broadcast that part of the journey.  God is good and walked with me through grief and deeper trust.  I write now because we know we can't walk this path alone.  We would love your prayers.  We still trust in a good God who created us in love and with a purpose.  Here is an e-mail Jeff sent out yesterday.  The news about Jeff is still fresh as we process this with each other and the boys.  Please know we will read every e-mail and message sent, we may just not be able to respond to them each day.  Ian is learning to ride a bike today and we are then heading to the new Young Life camp for a work crew weekend.  Life is as full as ever as we move forward.  Love, Becca

Hi friends.  Team Stables is in shock.  You should probably not write group emails to faithful friends and supporters while you are in shock, but here I am doing it.

Wednesday I was diagnosed with stage 4 Esophageal cancer.  Its worked its way into the lungs and is considered incurable.  So we are weighing options about palliative care treatment (slowing it, and managing pain etc)   The Lord is allowing us to get second and third opinions from some of the best in the world.  The survival times for this type are measured in months not years, but all the averages are based on 70 year olds so nobody really knows.


But I know a guy.  His name is Jesus.  We are welcoming all prayers.  Especially the absolutely ridiculous ones.


For now, the plan is to stay in Scotland and continue ministry.  In addition to your prayers we would love for you to continue your financial support.  You can pray for the timing of possible trips home to see family and friends.  

This isnt how I would have written the story.  But the writer always makes sure He gets glory in the end.  The good news is still good news, and its still the most real reality.  Im anxious to see the ways He intends to use this part of our story.  

My health is good right now.  I got in 12 miles running last week.  If Im honest, Im scared of the breakdown of the body.  Whole new appreciation for the faith and courage required in those seasons by so many of the saints that have gone before us.

I would ask for special prayer for my Luke, Levi and Ian and my precious wife Becca.  I know God will provide for them in so many different ways.  We will continue to update you as plans settle into place and treatment plans are chosen.  One thing we are grateful for is the authentic community of friends the Lord has surrounded us with here, and the amazing family and friends in the states.

If you choose to respond with encouraging words/prayers etc please know that we will read them and be blessed.  I may not be able to respond to all of them, as we are in a pretty intense season.

Time to go 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu man chu.

In Christ,

Jeff Stables
Young Life International
NE Fife Scotland
Area Director
Madras College Chaplaincy

16 comments:

  1. We love you and are praying for your family as you journey forward. Un abrazo fuerte desde Ecuador.

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  2. Jeff - I'm beyond sorry to hear this. Praying for you and your sweet family.

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  3. Sending prayers
    Thinking of you all

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  4. The Shoop Family has you all in our prayers.

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  5. Sharing in the feeling of absolute shock, and we are going to be laying our *most audacious* requests at the foot of the throne of Heaven on your behalf. I am also praying that part of God's ultimate plan in having you in Scotland at this time is to place you in proximity to very specific resources and doctors/specialists -- especially if they truly are some of the best around! Ultimately praying that you will all feel His arms around you every step of the way and that He will give you a miracle of healing here. Incurable is man's word, not God's; it is ultimately just a question of whether He provides healing here on earth or in eternity.

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  6. Hi Becca and Jeff. You guys probably don't remember me, but our kids went to Emerald Hill together. It was usually just a nod, smile, or "hello" that we shared throughout the hallways and classrooms at the school, but I've always admired your family from a distance. As a fellow follower of Christ, I knew right away that we had that in common, just by the way you carried yourselves. I only wish that my shy, introverted self would have reached out to you during those Emerald Hill days. I know I would have been greatly blessed by your friendship. I knew you were leaders in Young Life here in Culpeper and then I had heard about your family leaving the states last year to follow the Lord's leading in your life. Right away, I admired you so much for following that lead. And after reading your blog, Becca, it's very obvious you are exactly where God wants you. BTW Becca... Wow! What a gift you have in blogging! I only started reading it yesterday when I found out about Jeff's diagnosis (didn't know it existed until then). I've been so blessed to read about what God is doing in your lives and how He is using your family to further His kingdom. Your honesty and transparency have brought a lump to my throat several times. I can actually feel what you feel just by reading your words. And I bet all your readers agree that you make us feel like we are right there in Scotland with youl Again, you have a such a gift at writing!!! When I heard about the cancer, even though our paths have (regretfully) only crossed very little, my heart skipped a beat and I felt that lump in my throat again. It's hard to not ask why this kind of thing happens to such amazing people who are doing such amazing things. But I know God has a purpose. Please know that your family is heavy on my mind and heart and that I will continue to pray for God's guidance as you seek additional opinions, make decisions about treatment plans, and ultimately for His healing. I'm praying that the Lord wraps his arms around each of you and comforts you like only He can. Who knows...maybe one of the reasons God took you to Scotland was because the greatest doctor in the world who can help you is nearby. I'm praying for that as well. In reading your blog, Becca, and your email, Jeff, your faith is jaw dropping. It's refreshing. And it's inspiring. I know God has you in the palms of His hands and won't let go. He's got this. In the meantime, you are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Love, Emmy Kitis

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    1. Thank you for sharing this, I have reread this and it is such an encouragement. Thank you for your kind words, prayers, and if we ever end up in Culpeper again we will need to grab a cup of coffee and have a long chat:)

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    2. I would love that more than you know! In the meantime, my prayers will continue, and your family will remain in my heart.

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  7. We will be praying daily for you and your family. Praying for the Great Physician and the miraculous healing that only comes him. Please let us know what else we can do.

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  8. Saying prayers for you and your family in Pennsylvania USA! 🙏

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  9. My heart is heavy for you all. Joe and I are praying!!!! We will also share with our church family! Becca and Jeff, not sure if you know that Joe was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal brain cancer in Dec 2013. He has beaten the odds of living over a year. I know how much pain it is to see your husband go through cancer. God has blessed us beyond our imagination. He is close to the brokenhearted and will continue to use you in the midst of your pain. Becca and Jeff please email us if you can, we have walked this path of terminal cancer and would love to comfort, encourage, and pray for any details along the way. kathyboronat@gmail.com, joeboronat@yahoo.com

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    1. Kathy, still getting feet back on the ground, I thought of you both and know there is so much you can share. I will be contacting you. Thank you for your willingness to share and walk beside.

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  10. The Harsels are with you and FOR you guys. We're all over the absolutely ridiculous prayers- for you and your family. Thanks also for the YouTube video- great to see and hear you- and CHALLENGE accepted. Joe, Carol, and the boys

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  11. Jeff....you may or may not remember me from high school.....Penny Mauzy. I found out last Saturday of your news and cannot stop thinking of you and your beautiful family. Like you, I am married with all boys, 4 to be exact and cannot imagine your pain. You are an amazing person from all I have heard & read about you and your ministries. I want you to know my husband, children, and myself will be praying for you and your family. I felt the need to get in touch with you. Lots of prayers are coming your way!! Penny Shiflet. theshiflet5@gmail.com

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