Feb
05
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The TRUTH that you stand on is beautiful!!! I am still praying and will continue to!
You look great, Matt.(Even though you probably don’t feel great!) Your spirit is strong and its shining through. Correction: the Holy Spirit. Praying for you guys!
You are such a bright light in this world! Continuing to pray for you and your family.
On Aug 21, 1999, My family and I were driving home from Great America Amusement park when a drunk driver on the wrong side of the road hit us head-on. My neck was broken in two places at C1 and 2 places at C7 and my entire family was killed. My wife, Eva, 34, my son Daniel 13, and my daughters Tiffany 11 and Dallis, 7. I was a quadriplegic for close to an hour. During the helicopter ride to Froedert Hospital, I prayed silently to God for someone to hold my hand. Instantly, the flight nurse reached out and held my hand. (BTW, the flight nurse has never done this before or sense. She told me her hand just moved like it was beyond her control)
I have never felt such love. It was the most incredible experience of my life. There was a grandeur, depth and holiness to this love. It was around me, it went through me. There was no ending and there was no end. The closest experience to this must be what a baby feels inside their mother’s womb surrounded by the amniotic fluid, hearing and feeling the mom’s heart beat, etc. The time in the womb may be when we experience the nearest thing to perfect love. If the flight nurse had not held my hand I believe I would have died that night. I knew my injuries were not life threatening and that I had movement in all 4 limbs. However, I simply would have given up and stopped breathing.
There were many hard days, moments within days and seconds within moments. However, remembering that night reminded me that I was not in control, that there was a loving God the Father to turn to when I didn’t know what to do, when I considered suicide on the Thanksgiving after the accident not because I wanted to die but because I wanted the pain to stop.
I have remarried. My wife Mollie and I have 2 wonderful sons, Elijah Thomas and Gideon Luke. We had a daughter Abigaele Eden who’s due date was Aug. 21, 2005, the 6th anniversary of the accident. Abbey was Trisomy 18. She lived 36 hrs and died in my arms.
I have had many doubts about myself, worries about my family, and struggles. God is wonderful and loving. I know this without a doubt.
I know you and your family know this fact but I felt lead to share a synopsis of my story.
Coram Deo
Thomas B
Thanks for the energy you expend to update us. We pray more knowledgeably for you, your family and church. Stay strong brother!
~mark
Matt,
You do not know me, and we have never met but I just wanted to let you know that your openness through this whole process has been amazing to me. I am an associate minister at a Church in Va. Beach and I follow your podcast every week. The way that you teach God’s word in such a powerful way has really encouraged me to step up my game so to speak when it comes to my opportunities in the pulpit. I want you to know that I say a prayer for you almost daily (I will admit it slips my mind sometimes). Your video blogs are a good reminder for me to keep you in prayer, and an encouragement to me.
God Bless,
Jonathan Thayer
Philippians 2:15
Dear Matt and Lauren,
I just wanted to tell you how precious you all are. I mean- to be doing this out loud, communicating, experiencing this in front of us.
I hope we can be good, lovely, fellow-believers to you all. I know that you both wanna glorify God in this. When I hear you clarify/semi-defend yourself it causes me to think we all need to be more honorable to you. And Lauren. This is not an easy place to be. This is a direct challenge to faith. This is pain. And I hope people don’t miss what you are doing.
You are living. Recovering from surgery. Facing fears. Being kind. In chemo/radiation. And sharing. Encouraging faith.
Thanks for that. Really. It sets a terrific example for my family- for me. We love you-
The Millers in Ohio
Thank you Matt for being you. love you brother!!
Dear Chandler family,
Thank you for sharing your progress with us. When we first heard of your illness, I was so saddened. God quickly reminded me of who He is, and He is in control, and He does have a purpose for everything. Praise God that in this your faith, and the faith of MANY is being strengthened. God is Good, all the time! Praying for continued wisdom, strength, peace and healing for all of you.
Matt,
Your passion for the Lord pierced my heart at Catalyst this year. From the time that conference was over you were on my mind – now I know why. The Lord was already preparing and softening hearts toward you. I found out about your diagnosis and was in disbelief. However, the Lord has given you strength and peace that passes understanding. Thank you for opening yourself up to the world and sharing this journey. Thank you that you showed us your “interesting” haircut and that you even know the words to Beyonce’s Halo! I look forward to praying for you.
Sincerely
Tonya and your brothers and sisters at 12Stone Church
Josh, thank you for clariying this point. I am from down the road, IBC, and hooked up with your page via David Grant. I will pray-for you, your family and congregation-that God will give strength, peace and understanding.
Really neat to see God work in such beautiful ways with your family. My dad battled brain cancer 12 years ago starting when I was in 4th grade, my sister in 1st grade and another infant sister. I remember his head looking much like yours with the radiation. We pray for you, your Wife and your family daily.
Thank you for sharing your ordeal in honesty and transparency. Your example is deep and much appreciated. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and your family as well.
Dear Matt,
Wow, great video!
Thanks for your constant and primary concern for the glory of our Lord, and for His honor – Your friends at FamilyLife Today stand with you in prayer, we’re continuing to pray for you, your family, and for your flock at Village Church. May God grant you strength, courage, and peace.
Keith
Matt:
I have never had the pleasure of meeting you personally. My daughter Natasha brought me to your church a few times and I was able to see you preach on the big screen.
Your depth, energy and feeling touched me.
I know that you are going through a hard time but I also know that the Lord is on your side.
Keep the faith and keep your energy and keen sense of humor.
I look forward to your full recovery.
Raoul Larrinaga
Hello Matt. Glad to see that you are doing well. God is so good.
I battled cancer in ’03 and have been in remission since. Praise God. This week I was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. There is no treatment or cure. As I have dealt with this diagnosis this week, it takes me back to when I was diagnosed with cancer. My cancer diagnosis was not a suprise to God. This latest diagnosis is not a suprise to Him. I look at it as another way to share God’s love and goodness with others.
I will keep you in prayer and ask that God would continue to use you in a powerful way. God Bless.
Todd
[...] http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/pastors/?p=497 [...]
Bro. Matt,
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Suffer well brother. My family and I are praying for you.
Neil
Just a tip on the shaving of your head… The best thing I’ve found for that is the Headblade. It’s a little yellow razor that is shaped specifically for shaving of the head. Another piece of advice: shell out the cash for the yellow bottle of Headslick (made by the same people who make the Headblade). It’s realllllly worth it. I don’t know if they would have them at the Walgreens in your area, but they carry the Headblade, replacement blades, and the Headslick cream at the Walgreens store in my area.
I know you may be getting alot of advice, but I woudl ask that you ask your Dr’s if they have heard of IP6 and Innositol.
John Hopkins is using this along with chemo and radiation for their patients.
It helps increase Natural Killer and other T cells, protects your non-cancer cells (you asked for prayer for that) which is important in cancer. It is also being used as an ALTERNATIVE at Hopkins for cancer treatment.
Enzymatic Therapy is a good brand.
I am a Holistic Physician.
God Bless you.
You are touching many lievs by your testimony of trust in our Lord and Savior.
Matt Chandler-
We are remembering you and your family in our prayers. I pray for the specifics you ask in the vlog. My son has you on his chalkboard prayer list at school, too- he is a little prayer warrior. We are coming to see you preach at The Village Church this summer!
In Christian Love,
The Swearingens
I tell you for different reasons our pain is placed upon us. We both, like many others must move on, press in and some times just stand right beside God. It is frustrating when your mind is well intact and the body is just going it’s own way. Remember you can do the same things, but you have to do it in another way then before. Don’t try to do what you use to do in the same way because you will get down quick ,but just learn how to be creative in how you do things. I say it is like having a highly functioning mind and being paralyzed from head to toe at first, until you reprogram yourself in to where your body is. I thank you for you weekly up dates. You wanted to say something funny but you stop, why. Laughter is good medicine. Always find something to laugh about. I pray that the health challenges that you have now will not cause any more new challenges in the future. I get so excited when I see your updates you are a fighter with Gods eyes. You see beyond what is happening to you. You are so blessed and you see that. I say you are my white twain. lol You think like I do about things and you say it. You don’t wear masks and that is funny to know and see where God has placed you. Go on a head and get Gods shine on!
Matt and family,
I continue to pray for you all. I understand what you’re saying in regards to the fact that you have NEVER stated that God would bring about such suffering in our lives (which you stated so much more eloquently that I stated right there, but, hopefully you know what I’m trying to say), but yet, I KNOW, and I know you know as well, that “In all things, GOD works for the good of those who love HIM, who have been called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28). I have a few friends that have been on Temadar, so I remember them talking about it’s effects, and I know I myself can’t fully fathom all of that, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. And you already exemplify this, but I remember from when I was in the hospital…and when I look back on it now, it seems so distant, and family members will remark about how “strong” I was and I obviously see that in you….and it just exemplifies this verse: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my Deliverer, my God, my strength, in Whom I trust” (Psalm 18:1) and “The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 21:1, and I believe one could also read it as” WHAT shall I fear….of WHAT shall I be afraid” NOTHING, because GOD will uphold you with HIS RIGHTEOUS HAND. Also, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). And Romans 8:31-39, “If GOD is for us, who can be against us? What then shall we say to these things? 32He who did not spare his own SON but gave HIM up for us all, how will HE not also with HIM graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is GOD who justifies. 34Who is to condemn? CHRIST JESUS is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of GOD, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?…37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of GOD in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.”
I know that you are a pastor, and so, you know Scripture better than me, and so, it isn’t necessary for me to quote Scripture to you, but, these are things I REJOICE in, and that I am so thankful for, and that encouraged me when I got sick…and I just hope that meditating on Scripture such as that (and really all/any of it) brings you joy, and a peace that surpasses all understanding in this journey. Anyways, again, I am praying and will be praying you through this. I will pray for this upcoming round, and for a restful time off from some of these treatments.
Matt,
Love you brother and we continue to pray for you and Lauren and your precious children. I am grateful that you have done so well and continue to pray that our Fierce Lord will continue to use your suffering to bring him honor and glory and to allow you to continue to know the depth of His love and grace for you. I continue to be blessed by all that you do and know that you are not only teaching the Gospel with great faithfulness, but allowing it to be lived our in your life for all to see.
LHM is praying for you diligently as am I and we are believing God for your healing. Lauren, we love you and are praying for you as you continue to be the women of strength and endurance in these difficult days for you and the children.
Love you Chandlers and are honored to be in the service of our King with all of you. If there is anything we can do, please let me know.
you are loved,
Ricky
Matt, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE look into Burzynski Research Institute, burzynskiclinic.com
(281) 597-0111 – 9432 Katy Fwy, #200, Houston, TX
My mother had glioblastoma grade 4 brain cancer which presented pretty much the same way I read yours did. She went through the radiation treatments, chemo, etc. We were originally from the Houston area but had moved back to our family roots home town of El Dorado, AR and our former pastor’s wife, who both she and our pastor were also long time life friends of our family as they both were also from El Dorado, sent my mother this Dr’s info. after reading about him in the paper. I can’t urge you enough to please check him and his treatment methods out. It meant us having about 7 more years with mom.
I will hold you and your family up in prayer and will continue to follow your blog.
I saw the AP story about you last week. I just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for you and that I admire how you are handling your cancer.
I meant to paste this from the journal of nutrition.
It has very good info to show your oncologist.
Continuing to pray.
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/133/11/3778S
Hey Matt,
When you came to Australia last year I hgad the priviledge of hearing you speak even sitting next to you at Terrigal, North of Sydney.
You have been faithfull bro with God’s word and His message through you has radically transformed my walk with Him. I’ve never heard the gospel preached how you bring it, in this country or otherwise. I don’t know you personally, and I’m sure you probably don’t remeber me but I would love to encourage you as a brother in Christ and I pray that you would hold fast to Christ through all your trials. Much love, prayer, respect, grace and heavenly peace to you, your family and your team in it all, regardless of how it ends. Glory to God bro, Glory to God.
Matt,
I thank God for you. I found out about you from blog sites around Thanksgiving that were requesting prayer for you. At that time I was in the middle of a Spiritual struggle that your sermons, books by people such as John Piper, and God’s Word have really laid some burdens on my heart. My cancer was Spiritual and eternally deadly. And I have had it for years and was not aware.
So thank you for your honesty, your commitment to the truth, and know that you, your family, your congregation and ministry are in my prayers. Thank you.
Matt,
I saw an article published by the AP about your struggle. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Peace,
Thaeda
Dear Matt,
Sending you and your family knowledge of the prayers that are being offered to our Lord and Savior for your recovery. I know all to well that your road will not be an easy one, nor is there a guarantee of physical life, but the glory of Heaven awaits you, perhaps a little sooner than others, but a certainty nonetheless.
It was one year ago yesterday that we lost our darling daughter, Melissa to liposarcoma in her spine. She was never angry, never questioning of God’s will and always faithful. It is us, those that mourn her, to feel those emotions, though I struggle mightily against them.
I pray for mercy and comfort for your family, for strength and guidance for those who are caring for you and are responsible for your treatment. I pray that God will grant you and your family time together and that you will grow old.
God bless you and keep you,
Marti
Matt,
I am am a 3-year glioblastoma survivor. My wife and I attended Saddleback in Southern California prior to moving to Sacramento where we now attend Bayside
I have maintained a blog from the start that so far mirrors yor experience. I have had 2 craniotomies, the standard 5 weeks of radiation/temodar and then 8 rds. of temodar. My tumor started as an oligoastrocytoma 3.
I know it’s a fight Brother. I just finished a second gamma knife on Thursday. But as you said, God has known all along and he is not done with us by a long shot! Keep going! You are inspiring many and I can see how he has taken this earthly disease that takes us back to Adam and Eve and using it for His good work.
Mark Miller
http://www.markmillermusic.org/blog
We’ve not met but I’ve been keeping up on the blog.
I had prostate cancer two years ago; robotic surgery went fine but it’d gotten into a lymph node. So, in addition to Lupron shots to “control” it, I had 39 abdominal radiation treatments, ending January 14 of 2009.
They’d told me radiation effects were cumulative and would sort of level off after the last treatment, and then begin to heal. That has been my experience.
I do not know whether the after-effects of cranial radiation differ from abdominal, but I do know that the after-effects faded away over perhaps 6 or 7 months, and are now gone (other than side-effects of the surgery itself, some of which persist).
I have found, since, a renewed appreciation of life and of salvation; a new reality to the value of the Spiritual over the temporal. It could well be that the trials we disdain in this life will turn out to be some of the most appreciated life events, during the eternity that awaits believers.
God bless you, Matt.
[...] video update from Matt Chandler on his ongoing battle with brain [...]
Praying for you Matt! Your courage and strength are amazing! We are also praying for your wife and children. God bless you! (and you totally got the Beyonce song going through my head now…..)
Lots of prayers coming your way from Springfield, MO!
[...] video update from Matt Chandler on his ongoing battle with brain [...]
I pray for you and your family every day! God’s grace through weakness is completely beyond my own understanding, but I see it and Him in full action in your lives. Thank you for letting us partake in your battles and victories. I think we all grow and gain by it!
With prayers, sighs, and praise, Linda
We Looooove you and your family
praying for you and your family
Hi Matt,
In July and August 2009 we spend 6weeks with our children in the US. We were very fortunate during that time to attend your church every Sunday morning that we could during our stay and will never forget the Spirit enridged feelings we experienced there.
It came as a great shock when we heard about your illness. We followed your recovery with great interest, as you were always in our prairs. The children kept us informed and we are very greatfull to our Lord for saving you to lead the herd that so fond of you.We are looking foward to Desember 2010 when we are to visit the family again. They live in Flowermount Tx.Our son Mornè and his wife Jouliene with children Tian and Jonè Herselman are members of your church.Kind regards and God bless.
Benjamin & Hettie Herselman from South Africa.
Oh Matt….love you so much brother.
[...] understand why it strikes so randomly. As I pray for others with cancer, like Kate McCrae and Matt Chandler, I wrestle with a lot of ‘whys’, but my security and peace aren’t based on [...]
[...] Nano-Blog link here: http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/pastors/?p=497#comments [...]