My Journey: God’s Game Plan #3 — Updates

Over 2+ years / Brain Cancer / Glioblastoma / Seizures / Surgery / Treatments: Radiation, MRIs, Chemo, Infusion, Palliative, and Speech/Aphasia … Our journey continues.

August 2023: Last week my MRI showed a suspicious area and on Friday, September 1, 2023, a biopsy was done in the same area of brain as before. More cell activity and growth were discovered. I feel fine, but last two days I’ve been resting per doctor’s orders. More treatment, possible clinical trial to follow. Please pray God’s leading in our continued journey.

Current Update —  On September 28, 2023, a resection (removal of brain tumor present) was to take place. While in the pre-op area, my surgeon came in and advised me not to have the surgery. This surgery required me to be awake, so it was critical that I was able to respond quickly to him. By using picture cards, he and another doctor realized that I wasn’t able to say what many of the pictures were – I knew what they were, but just couldn’t say them. At that point, Dr. Cook hesitant to do the brain mapping as he was afraid it might cause more damage, maybe lose my speech forever. I agreed. I’ve had so many conversations since then that have been so precious. Now, with my oncology team, I am taking chemo (presently on a 28-day cycle), and will be re-evaluated for progress at the end of October. 

See more information and updates about John’s health journey, his family, and CEF of Durham Area during this challenge: my blog site johneblake.blog. Despite all of this, ministry is going forward with support from our dedicated volunteers and board members. My focus will be to mentor, develop strategy, and plan for continued growth kingdom building for CEF 2024.

Funding for CEF Durham: Kingdom-Building Ministry in 2023-2024

God has continued to bless CEF Durham with funding to cover ministry expenses.  As we go forward, new and even more exciting work is being conducted in Durham within current ministry programs such as Good News Clubs, Power & Light (schools), Camps for City Kids (sports), Prayer (Pray Durham), and Community Events. Thanks to all our supporters. We hope you will continue to stand with us and give. There will be a need in 2023 and 2024 for new staff/supporters for us to go forward. Praise the Lord!! 

Contribute: To our 2023 Annual Fund or our Sport Camps:

CEF’s purpose has remained unchanged for 85 years. For over 30 years the Durham Area Chapter has created new programs and changed some ministry methods, but our purpose to reach, teach, and disciple children for Christ will never change. We operate as a faith-based, donation-supported organization, with the staff, board members, and financial sub-committee sharing the fund-raising responsibilities. Thank You for contributing to boys and girls we minister!

Financial and prayer support come from churches and individuals who share the vision of reaching kids with the Gospel and teaching them in Christian living. Our Annual Fund covers all organizational costs and direct ministry expenses. Camps for City Kids funding cover summer staff, classes, and equipment.

Fun play, basic skills, and court fitness are offered by CEF and summer staff members conducting classes to build character, understand their value/power, and change things in their world. Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Kickball, Pickleball and Soccer to be held in conjunction with Bible, Power & Light, Reading, Etiquette weekly this summer from June 20-July 13, 2023.

For the year, CEF Durham Area hopes you will continue to stand with us to give, volunteer, and pray. There will be a need in 2023 for new staff funding for us to go forward. Funds, Stocks, Property & Sponsorship as donations to CEF Durham funding local ministries. Contributions to Child Evangelism Fellowship of NC Durham Area are tax-deductible by the IRS as a 501c3 org.