Dashka's health & family

I know that many of you are praying for Dashka’s health and his family. Here is an update on them.

Let me begin with a little background. Dashka has a wife and four children. The oldest is about Charissa’s age (14) and the youngest is about two years old.

About six years ago, I traveled with Roland Gay, Mickey Cofer, and Dashka to Uvs aimag where Roland looked at the possibilities for ministry. At that time, the three of us were able to witness to Dashka.

About five years ago, Dashka became a Christian. Roland had a large part in his coming to Christ and later baptized him. Dashka’s wife Tonga, however, comes from a devout Buddhist family. While most Mongolians consider themselves Buddhist, most of those who consider themselves Buddhist are not very devout, but rather are nominally Buddhist. Because of her Buddhist background and mother, Tonga has been resistant to even hearing the Gospel. She has heard the Gospel before but not been responsive to it.

On occasion, Dashka’s children will attend church services with him. Usually, he leaves them at home when he attends the services.

About 18 months ago, Tonga was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The doctors advised her to have surgery to remove her entire stomach followed by aggressive chemotherapy treatments. Having her stomach removed was difficult enough; the chemotherapy was even worse, I understand.

In August, she had a follow-up visit with the oncologist who told her that her cancer was in remission. However, near the end of September she began to experience abdominal pain. Visits to the doctor led to tests. The tests revealed that she now had pancreatic cancer.

Meanwhile Dashka has been struggling with a physical ailment that finally required surgery last week. He is currently recovering from surgery. He expects to make a full recovery.

Bill and I want to visit Dashka’s family recently. His three oldest children were at school, leaving only his youngest, a two and a half year old daughter, at home. Tonga looked so frail during our visit. It seems incredible that she could endure more cancer treatments.

The doctors have not been explicit as to how bad her cancer is; however, they have already ruled out surgery and are advising chemotherapy. Because there is a single hospital specializing in cancer treatment in Mongolia currently, it means long lines to see a doctor and long waiting periods for treatment.

As Tonga described a small part of her situation to us during our recent visit she began to cry. She is obviously under an incredible amount of stress. Although she said nothing of this nature to us, she has mentioned to others including her husband that it would be better if she simply died. Whoa! That would be a difficult sentiment to hear from one’s spouse. She is only thirty-six years old.

She was admitted to the hospital the day after our visit to undergo her first round of chemotherapy. I will try to keep you updated as I her more.

I had a brief opportunity to preach the Gospel to her during our visit. Please pray that the clear witness would lead her to ask questions and open up the door of opportunity for Dashka to speak to her about our Savior. We know that hope, forgiveness, and eternal life are only found in Jesus Christ. It is my hope that Tonga will realize that, admit her sinfulness and her need for Jesus Christ, and accept the gift of eternal life that God offers to her through His Son.