This update is from Canadian National Board member Gerry Sinkler concerning his wife Maria. It updates a prayer request in the March 16, 2011 Weekly Update.
It’s been a while since I gave an update on how my wife is doing and I want to request prayer for Maria, for our daughter Brianna and for myself.
In June 2010, Maria was diagnosed with breast cancer. It then spread to her bones and later to her liver. In April of this year, we went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for a review of her case and a second opinion regarding treatment options. Despite more aggressive treaments, Maria’s cancer continued to spread and now she may have only a couple of days left, maybe less. She isn’t in any distress, her face is clear and calm. Her breathing is quite shallow and she sleeps much of the time.
A couple of days ago, 21 people came to visit Maria, including 8 people from her office. Despite her condition, she insisted on having pictures taken with all of them. At one point she was sitting in her wheelchair and our daughter Brianna knelt down beside her so we could take their picture. Maria stopped and very slowly lifted her arm to put it around Brianna. It was heartbreaking.
We have done all we can for Maria physically, and before we left the other night, Brianna and I said a short prayer by her bedside leaving her in God’s merciful hands.
Thanks for your prayers.
Cards may be sent to:
Gerry Sinkler 13 Emery CtSt Albert, AB T8N 5T3
CANADA
Brother Gary, thanks for sharing your faith thoughts and the endearing photo. Perhaps you will be grieving the loss of Maria any day now, so we are grateful for what she is gaining. The Good Lord will help you and Brianna and the family to grieve and to move on in His service. We pray for your peace and good memories.
MAY THE GREAT GOD OF ALL COMFORT, COMFORT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME. WE KNOW HIS LOVE FOR US IS REAL AND HIS FAITHFULNESS IS GREAT. WE THANK HIM FOR THE WONDERFUL PLAN HE HAS FOR US IN ETERNITY. WE PRAY FOR STRENGHT AND COURAGE AS YOU CONTINUE YOUR WALK OF FAITH. HE WILL NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE YOU. HEB 13:5b
Our prayers are with Maria and the family. It’s comforting to know what jesus said. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” The one thing is for sure. She is not leaving home, she will be going home. This world is not our home. We are just passing through until God calls us home. Many Blessings from God who is the Great I Am. Cleo and Mary dawson. Las Vegas Nevada.
Maria, Gerry and Brianna,
We have known each other for many years and our heartfelt prayers are with you for comfort and strength.We will also inform Douglas and the rest of our children, to join our prayers to lift you all up before God.
you are truly an inspiration to us all. May God be with you all, give strength and comfort you, from friends in Edinburgh Church Scotland
Gerry, I’ve known you and Maria for decades now, many happy memories of our shared faith and church. So very sorry to hear of her terrible condition, she and your daughter and yourself will be in our prayers.
Many, many, many big tears. What really blows me away is Maria’s calm demeanour in this picture – it’s like Jesus’s love is emanating from her even though it has been such a terrible journey for all three of you. Our prayers are that you are “hit” daily with the knowledge of His love for you.
So sad to hear about this long and difficult battle for all of you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God’s peace be with you.
We are pouring our love into you, Gerry and Brianna.