Dear KKIM Family,
Proverbs 4:18 (KJV) “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
The Shining light of little Graham.
This is a true story that took place right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My prayer after you read this is that your light for Jesus Christ will be even brighter. That you will be Salt and Light. Some talk……..others do it….like little Graham who passed onto Heaven at age 7. An Aunt of Graham’s, Julia, who works for our Sister Station KHFM, walked into my office at the Radio Ranch yesterday and said, “I would like to donate something to your 40th Birthday celebration for KKIM.” I said, “Well, thank you!” She said, “My little nephew Graham just passed away at age 7 and I would like to do something in his memory, by giving away the book, Heaven is for Real, which he would read to kid’s and adults as his Ministry.”
Let Graham’s Dad pick up the Rest of the Story………….This was in my email box last night when I got home……..
Hello Pastor Dewey – my sister mentioned your upcoming anniversary (congrats!) and the fact that she shared some of Graham’s story. She said you requested some elaboration so here goes…
Graham was diagnosed with choroid plexus carcinoma, a very rare brain cancer at age 2 ½ on May 15, 2007. Over the next 4 ¾ years he battled his cancer – a total of 5 craniotomies to remove tumors (two were aborted due to serious complications), 3 shunts installed in his skull, 2 ½ years (total) chemotherapy, and 6 weeks focal radiation. This does not include additional planned/unplanned trips to the hospital (total time over the 5 years probably equaled 3+ months). In the end this highly aggressive cancer took his life on February 16th of this year.
Graham never let cancer get him down. He had his moments, certainly, but during the vast majority of his time he shrugged it off and acted as any normal kid would. Even as he quickly declined at the end, he had very few moments where he was down on life.
Last summer, about a month before we found out (in August 2011) that his cancer had metastasized, Graham started talking more and more about God and Heaven – wanting to know what it was about and how to get there and who (in our family) was already there. My wife explained that to get to Heaven you must have Jesus in your heart, and Graham not only accepted this, he embraced it. He began asking classmates and teachers and adults whether they had ‘Jesus in their heart’ so he could be assured of seeing them in Heaven.
There are other indications between August and December 2011 that Graham knew how things were going to end but he told us that God had told him “it was going to be okay.” On December 7th, we told Graham (and his sister Sara) that there was nothing more the doctors could do to treat his cancer. We were all obviously upset but he immediately grasped the significance of the news. Very shortly after that, one of our church (Oasis Community Church – Pastor Keith Ritter) members gave Graham the book Heaven is for Real for Kids. My wife and I had recently read the adult version.
This became ‘Graham’s book.’ It took him about a week to memorize it. We read it nearly every night at bedtime and he read it many times on his own. He told others about the book. He told others about Heaven as described in the book. He spread the Word. It became utterly apparent that Graham had accepted his fate, placed absolute trust in God, and was ready to take his place in Heaven. Then others heard of Graham’s love for the book and my wife received requests for Graham to read it aloud – first a class at our local Mennonite school, then for our Church, then for the entire student body of the Mennonite school, and finally, in our living room, to his own 1st grade class plus teachers, the principal, parents and high school aged brothers and sisters. He did this even as he lost his hearing, began to experience ‘palsy’ in his face, and ultimately the ability to speak clearly.
Graham touched many people in that time. As I stated in my comments at his service, “Who knew that in two short months he would accomplish more than I dare say some pastors do in a lifetime?” He was an amazing little boy. He is sorely missed…
I don’t know what Julia sent you so I’ve attached a couple of links. The first is a compilation of recent Graham videos including when he read the book at Oasis, and his memorial service (which many feel was quite a profound testimony on many levels). The second link is to his CaringBridge page where we blogged about the course of his life during cancer and is a more in depth commentary on his journey.
http://www.1actionstep.com/Graham/
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/grahamthudium
I hope you have a great celebration. Thanks for including Graham, he would’ve like that…
Best regards,
Chris
What an AWESOME testimony…………I think I should change Little Graham to BIG Graham! We can learn much from his testimony……..what can you learn from BIG Graham’s life? What can you change about yourself this day? My challenge to us all this day is be a World Changer for Jesus Christ like BIG Graham! One of my prayers this day is that you and I be as effective in sharing Jesus with other’s as BIG Graham!
He talked it and walked it and shared it!
What a POWERFUL Message in JESUS!
Please share the story!
Very impacting, took my breath away!
Do not move too quickly from this story…….we have a tendency to move on to the next “thing” so quickly without praying and listening to what God is trying to show us through the life of Graham.
Thank YOU LORD for the life and message of Graham! May we all be as effective for YOU! In JESUS name, AMEN!
My life verse……….
My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus. Acts 20:24
Do you know my friend, what work the Lord has assigned to you to do?
Pray before you respond to things……….silence is better than speaking before the LORD gives you the word’s to speak.
Let’s check the mailbag……….
Dearest Dewey, Sharon and Family.
When you spoke of the passing of your father Dewey, it reminded me of my ex-Mother-in-law. I never had the Honor of meeting that Godly woman. But as the story goes,she was in a coma, just before she passed on to Glory, she woke up, Looked up, and said “Yes, I know you”
That story has always Blessed my heart. I’ve only heard of the Godly Faith she had, and what a wonderful woman she was. Her last moments here on this earth will go down through all her Children’s children to family connected to her. Well, now to Friends of Family as well.. Not only was her life a Legacy for them/and us, but her death as well. We never know what God has in store for us.
God’s Peace…. sam
HE IS RISEN!!!!
Hi Dewey!
Reading about your Dad’s death when he was 64 reminded me of my Dad. He was almost 66 when he died April 3, 1981. He didn’t die on Easter but very close. His last words were, “Look at all the faces smiling at me”. I was so grateful to the ER physician for calling my mom a week or so after he died and telling her that.
Anyway, just another thing we have in common!
So, I want to tell you about a wonderful man of God that I first heard speak about 7 years ago. He came back to speak at our church (Calvary Chapel Eastside) again in March. His name is Samy Tanagho.
Below is an excerpt from his website www.gladnewsministry.com
“Samy Tanagho was born and raised in Egypt where he studied Islamic law and Islamic religion at Ain Shams University (School of Law) in Cairo, Egypt and later practiced law as an attorney. Samy is Chairman of the Board for the Glad News For Muslims non-profit corporation.
Samy has been sharing the Gospel with Muslims for over 30 years. He speaks on God’s love towards sinners and how we can communicate the Gospel effectively to the people we meet, including Muslims.
Samy’s passion is to encourage every member in the body of Christ to be active in fulfilling the Great Commission. His wife Hala often joins him to share her story of imprisonment in Egypt for converting from Islam to Christianity.”
Samy spoke of the population explosion of Muslim believers throughout the world. While many nations are encouraging couples to have one, or at the most two children, Islam encourages it people to have as many as possible.
That said, the more Muslims we can effectively share the Gospel with the better (for many reasons)!
I love Samy’s heart for all people. His love for the Lord is contagious! His wife Hala was with him at our church 7 years ago. When she got up to speak her face was radiant and all she could say was how beautiful Jesus is, how wonderful etc, etc. She has bragging rights about being imprisoned for her faith but all she talked about was how wonderful our Savior is! I will never forget her speaking. At the time she didn’t speak much English so had an interpreter. (Samy)
Anyway I’m now assisting Samy’s mission work by contacting people who would possibly be interested in inviting him to speak. Many churches welcome him to speak but many are either afraid of the Muslim people or don’t feel they are worth saving.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this Dewey. I’d love to talk with you on the phone when you have a minute, ok…maybe more than a minute! I feel this is extremely timely and will benefit many who will hear.
Much love to you and Sharon,
Shelly from Washington!
Thank you Shelly! Please email me again after KKIM’s 40th Birthday Service as I am tied up until then! God Bless!
Please pray for the covering of the Holy Spirit for our 40th Birthday Praise and Worship Service at Legacy Church this Friday night. Details at www.mykkim.com Your prayers mean so much! I am getting lot’s of calls……..you don’t need a ticket, just come please and be with us! We are so thankful for your love and prayers!
I am asking all to pray that the HOLY SPIRIT move in a POWERFUL way!!!
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Our poor and hungry children need food and education. See “Photo of the Day”
April 11, 2012. In my twenties, I discovered the following scripture. As a young husband and father with the pressure of beginning a family, I was also starting a new job and buying our first home. Somehow I discovered the Bible was like an “Operators Manual” for living life God’s way, successfully. I broke down this verse to my understanding. Believing I had been justified by faith, I believed and received God’s blessing for my family through Abraham the believer. Over and over again I confessed it to be true. I still do that. I am blessed and my family is blessed. All my descendants are blessed. My church is blessed. My ministry is blessed. Even I myself am now a blessing to others. Could it get any better? Join me.
Galatians 3:8-9 (NASB) “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.” Ras Robinson
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April 11. 2012. Saturday April 14, this week, marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. This great ship was touted as one that would not be sunk. But it sank on its maiden voyage after hitting an iceberg. Thousands of people lost their lives. God says, “You feel at times like you are sinking. I know that. But you are My child and I will never let you sink. I know some things in your life are really bad right now. But hold on tight to Me. I will not let you sink. All things are working together for good, and you will never be snatched out of My hand.”
Romans 8:28 (NASB) “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
John 10:27-29 (NASB) “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” Bev Robinson
Scroll down to see “Photo of the Day” from our ministry to children in the Philippines.
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April 11, 2012. Recently I was walking with someone around a barn. We then walked through a paddock and towards a pond. While under an oak tree we noticed some rather large deer tracks within the trodden pathway of cattle and donkeys. Upon further inspection, I noticed tracks of raccoons, dogs and cats. The Lords says, “Upon the pathway of your life, utilize the opportunities I give to share My love with others. Make a positive impact on those with whom you cross paths. You have far greater value than any animal will ever have. Shine forth My righteousness upon others walking the pathway of life. Make an indelible mark that leaves an everlasting impression.”
Proverbs 4:18 (KJV) “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Kevin Robinson
Dr. Joe has our Medical Bag for us!
Some Tips on How to Prevent Back Pain and Get Some Relief
Sometimes how you stand, sit, or even sleep can cause back pain. In fact, the smallest of things – bending over to pick a pencil up or scooping up your grandchild for a hug – can throw your back out of whack. Here’s some advice for you to take to help you prevent back pain or get some relief.
– When you have to stand up for a while, don’t just stand there with both feet on the floor. Instead, prop one foot up on a low stool or a phone book.
– Get sole-savvy. Wear low, comfortable shoes with shock-absorbing rubber or crepe soles. Good walking shoes soften the impact as you walk. Ladies, no high-heels allowed. Men, no walking around in cowboy boots that have riding heels. You may want to give Vibram Five Fingers running/walking/exercise shoes a serious try as they have been shown to help folks with back pain. Check out http://www.vibramfivefingers.com
– Tighten your abs. These core muscles are nature’s girdle, providing the support and strength you need to prevent back injuries. Doing Pilates or crunches or holding a push-up position on your elbows will do the trick.
– Get up and move. Take activity breaks from your computer every 30 minutes to prevent stiffness. Prop your feet on the desk (knees higher than your hips).
– Be careful about heavy lifting. Never bend over to pick up something weighty. Squat down, knees bent, back straight. To lift, tighten your abs, push up with your legs. Better yet, ask friends to help.
Assume the best sleep position. For minimal back strain, lie on your side, legs comfortably bent, with a pillow between your knees that brings your knees parallel to each other. Can’t sleep unless you’re lying on your back? Place a pillow beneath your knees.
Let’s hear now from Pastor Bill Ruhl………..
Financial Advice You Need to Know:
Now that we have our budgets (noun) in place and we are actively budgeting (verb), we can see our future goals being met and our debt free financial lifestyle becomes clearly visible on the horizon. It is time to declare those things that are not as though they are (faith demonstrated) and establish a commitment to consistent savings (faith plus works). Many arrive at this point and give into the temptation to spend their newly available funds without assigning them a proper place in the budget. Proverbs 21:20 TLB: “A wise man saves for the future, but the fool spends whatever he gets.” Crown Financial, in their teaching guide “Biblical Financial Study”, states it this way: “Having savings is the opposite of debt. Savings is making provision for tomorrow, debt is presumption upon tomorrow.” So, you have arrived at a new level of financial security; what do you do? BUDGET (verb)! As a wise man, set aside (savings) for the provision of tomorrow so that the presumption of receiving resources tomorrow does not overtake you and leave you the fool. You have become a disciple of budgeting, now it is time to be disciplined in your budget. Store up in time of plenty, so that you will have in time of lack. That’s Biblical Stewardship.
That’s the Financial Advice You Need to Know: I’m Pastor Bill Ruhl with Global Destiny Ministry, Albuquerque, NM
www.globaldestinyministry.com “Be Blessed by Being a Blessing!”
You are such a Blessing Bill, you and Dr. Joe with your help!!!!
In the Love of Jesus Christ, Dewey Sharon and Family!
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