A Day of Difficult News

Dashka told us today that his wife’s cancer has returned, this time in her pancreas. Considering her still recent bout with stomach cancer this is not good news. During a visit to the doctor in August she was told that she was doing well. A ultrasound of her abdomen yesterday showed a recurrence of cancer.

With tears in his eyes, Dashka told me today, “I have prayed for my wife to be saved; I have prayed for her to be healed.” We then took time to pray together.

Dashka’s wife Tonga has been on the top of the prayer list for salvation for some time. We had been thanking the Lord for giving her victory over cancer. But the last few weeks she has been experiencing some pain that she thought might be a symptom of her cancer’s return. Her visit to the doctor yesterday confirmed it.

As I understand it currently, the doctors say that Tonga’s pancreatic cancer is inoperable. She may be able to undergo radiation or chemotherapy treatments. However, she is still very weak physically because she just had her stomach removed about 15 months ago and then underwent about a year of intensive chemotherapy treatments. She is hardly in a condition to undergo a rigorous round of chemotherapy.

Dashka himself has been going through a difficult time. On top of his wife’s condition, he has a physical condition that needs surgical treatment. His surgery is scheduled for next week. Dashka’s older brother Dawaa has cancer that most doctors have said is untreatable. Dawaa is currently at home gaining strength before starting chemotherapy treatments.

There is much pressure on Dashka from many directions. Mongolians are so quick to attribute bad circumstances to a god that has been offended or who does not care. I desire for our God to show Himself mighty in these circumstances and to bring glory and honor to Himself in the way that He answers prayer.

Please pray with me that our Lord and God would be glorified in Tonga’s health and in Dashka’s life. And pray earnestly for the salvation of Tonga.