I'm Still Alive and Mostly Well.

    This is the first time I've posted in a couple of weeks.  Like everyone else, I've been busy at times and not feeling good at times.  I am on my second day of chemotherapy.  So far, I've felt pretty good.  Please remember me in your prayers because it is the third day of chemo that I start having problems.  On another note, Shonna ran into a lady that said she heard that I had resigned my church and was on Hospice.  I'm glad to report that I am still pastoring Batley and I am still able to preach on Sundays and Wednesdays.  In fact, I have enjoyed preaching lately more than I can ever remember.  I am probably have to give up trying to preach on the Wednesday of Chemo week.  I am glad that I have a church that is standing with me during this difficult time in my life.
    Last week I was able to have lunch with some great friends.  I met one day with Jerry Vittatoe and Mike Viles.  We had a wonderful time of fellowship.  On another day I met with met with a great friend Jim Troutt that I used to work with.  I've also been able to have Dinner and breakfast with some wonderful friends from the church.  On Saturday night Shonna and I were able to have Dinner with Chris and Bobbie Wyatt and my son Jeremy and his wife Tara (The mother of my grandson that is due in May).  I am so glad that God has blessed me with such wonderful friends.  I want to thank you for the phone calls and cards that has really lifted my spirits.  May God bless you during this Christmas Season. 
   P.S.  On another note, Batley will begin broadcasting on KRBB from 4-5 P.M on Sundays.  In Anderson County it is on channel 241.  We will be on 13 different counties.  I will let you know the channels in other counties as soon as I get the information.  We will no longer be broadcasting on channel 12 in Anderson County.  We had technical issues where the program would freeze.  We tried to work out the problem, but we were unable to get the problem resolved. 

Good Days Outweigh the Bad

Since this battle with cancer, I have to be honest and say that there are a lot of bad days.  There are days when I can't hardly function.  But in spite of the bad days, I also have to say there are more good days than bad.  Those good days when I am able to spend time with my wonderful Lord.  Those days when God gives me the strength to stand in the pulpit and share His word.  I had a wonderful day yesterday when I found out I was going to have a grandson.  Jeremy and Tara called and gave me the news it was going to be a boy while I was taking chemotherapy.  Speaking of Chemo, this is the week of my treatment.  But praise to God, the first couple of days haven't been that bad!  Usually I get really sick about the third day into treatments.  I don't know if the trend will continue this week, but I know that God is able to take a bad day and turn it into a good day because of His grace.  I will conclude by borrowing the words from one of my favorite songs..."Even in the valley He is good, Even in the valley He is faithful and true."

Luke

Rough Week Over

   Last week was the roughest week to date in taking chemotherapy.  I am so glad that God's grace is able to sustain us during the difficult times of life.  My time in the valley of sickness was made a little more bearable because I was able to spend a couple of days with my precious grandaugher Addyson Grace.  Our Lord has perfect timing.  He knew that I would be battling cancer during this time.  God was gracious beyond measure in that He sent a little bundle of joy named Addyson to lift my spirits during these difficult days.
   God showed me His grace yesterday in allowing me to preach with strength that could only come from Him.  And to top it all off, a precious soul was born into the family of God.  I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of our Lord.
   This week should be my "good week."  I am getting over the effects of chemotheraphy for a while.  My appetitte is returning somewhat.  This Thursday I will be getting a CAT scan.  I have peace about the results, but I sincerly desire your prayers about the outcome.  I don't believe there is anybody that has been blessed with such a wonderful group of friends as I have.  You amaze me with your committment to continually pray on my behalf.  Many of you have told me that if there is anything you can do to let you know.  I know those are not mere words but you really stand ready to help me and my family.  Just in case I haven't told you lately--I love you dearly and I am proud to call you my friends.

Luke

Is Heaven Real?

    This week I received another unsigned letter without an address.  I have received a few of these lately.  I am sure they all come from the same source.  In this particular letter the unknown author begins with this statement "Why don't you leave now?  We won't miss you.  If "that place" is so great, you should do anything to get there now.  The letter was obviously from a Jehovah Witness as He or She spent their time talking about how that only 144,000 were going to Heaven and that even John the Baptist won't make it.
    I am glad that Heaven is a real place.  And I am glad that Jesus said that I could go there.  The cancer in my body may be the means that God uses to seperate me from this world.  I will say as D.L. Moody used to say "If you read my obituary don't believe a word of it.  I will be more alive then  than I've ever been before.  I am thankful that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 
   I appreciate your continued prayers on my behalf.  I am in the process of taking another round of chemotherapy this week.  You have been gracious friends that have proved over and over again that you love me and you are lifting my name to the Father.

Luke

Back Again

    I have not been able to post anything during the last few days due to the effects of chemotherapy.  God granted my request that I be able to enjoy the revival meeting last week.  However, beginning Wednesday the chemotherapy took its toil on me.  I so needed the revival--a time of refreshing from above.  I am thankful that God still does supply all our needs.  In spite of the effects of chemotherapy, I did receive good news last week.  In spite of all the tests (pet scans, cat scans, MRI's, etc) the doctors were unable to pinpoint the source of my cancer.  There are many different chemotherapies that are used to treat different types of cancers.  My doctor took an educated guess (actually more than that since my doctor is a Christian) and prescribed the chemotherapy.  The only way to tell if chemotherapy is working is through blood tests.  Last week, the doctor's office called me and gave me good news concerning the blood test.  A normal reading for the blood test is around 20.  When I was given the blood test confirming my cancer, my reading was over 2700.  The reading has now dropped to just over 1300.  I realize that my battle with cancer is far from over, however I rejoice in the progress that has been made!  I know that my life is in the hands of the Great Physician.  But because of that, I know that I am in good hands!
    I was able to preach both services with very little problems.  I don't have the strength that I had before cancer, but God has enabled me to continue to stand and preach His Word.  There are a lot of men that do a much better job preaching than I do, but no one enjoys preaching more that I do.  I am honored that God would take a weak vessel like me and use that vessel to preach his wonderful Word.  I ask for your continued prayers.  You have been so gracious in lifting me to the Throne of Grace.  I will never be able to thank you enough for what you have done.  To my wonderful friends my prayer today is that Enoch's companion will be your companion!

Luke

Revive Me Again

    Tonight was the first night of Revival at Batley.  Our preacher preached on the Glory of God.  The message was absolutely awesome.  The choir singing and the special singing by the McKameys had already reminded me of God's glory before the preaching began.  The McKameys sung the song "The Shepherd's point of view.  That song has been my theme song during my battle with cancer.  At this time I cannot see all that God is going to use my sickness for.  I do know that my Lord never makes a mistake and that he has a plan for my life that includes using my cancer for His glory.  We had special prayer for another dear lady in our church that will be operated on for cancer this week.  Part of God's plan for my cancer is that I can love and pray for other folks that are battling cancer in a way that I've never been able to before.
    When the invitation was given last night, I felt led to come to the altar just to give my Lord the praise that he desires.  I just had to praise Him for saving me and for walking with me during this dark valley in my life.  My prayer for this revival is that we will learn to glorify God--that we won't be ashamed or intimated to let down our hair and just praise our wonderful Lord.  Tonight the Youngs will be singing for us.  God will give our preacher another great message that will stir our souls.  I would like to invite you to come out and glorify God with me!

Luke

Today's the Day!

    Today begins an exciting chapter in the history of Batley Baptist Church.  This morning will be old fashioned harvest day.  A lot of folks will be wearing old fashioned clothes to the service.  After church we will have an old fashioned meal that will include pinto beans, onions, greens, peach cobblers, etc.  We are doing this as a promotion for our Sunday School.  Our Sunday School has been growing steadily over the last couple of years.  We now regularly run about 160 in Sunday School.  I praise God for godly teachers that not only teach the Word of God, but have a genuine love for their class members. 
    Tonight we will start our Revival meeting.  For those of you who have never heard Terry Trivette, you are in for a treat if you come.  Terry is a young man that has a genuine love for our Lord.  I have had the privlege of preaching revival in his church, White Oak Baptist in Trenton GA.  During the time I was there, I had the privlege of spending a lot of time with Terry.  I cherish the time we had together and the friendship that we have that will last for all eternity.  We will not only have great preaching, we will have great singing.  The McKameys will be singing on Sunday and Wednesday night.  The Youngs will be singing on Monday night and the Joyaires will sing on Tuesday night.  Please make plans to be with us.  Services start at 6:00 on Sunday night and at 7:00 on Monday through Wednesday night.
    Tomorrow I begin Chemotherapy again.  I will be wearing a chemotherapy pump after the initial treatment from Monday through Wednesday.  I will have the pump during the Monday and Tuesday night of revival.  Please pray that I will not be sick during this week and I will be able to enjoy the revival meeting.  You have overwhelmed me with your love and prayers during this difficult time in my life.  Don't be surprised if a million years from now, I am still walking up to you on the Streets of Glory and thanking you again!

Luke

Great Night

Last night I was able to preach like I hadn't been able to in about 6 weeks.  I thank God for the strength he gave me!  I have been preaching on Wednesday nights on "Teach Us To Pray."  We have been looking at Matthew 6 at what we call the Lord's Prayer, but in reality is the Model Prayer.  When the disciples ask Jesus to "teach us to pray," Jesus gives them and us the essentials on how and what to pray.  I know that my being able to preach is a result of God's people praying for me.  I am glad that the Lord is allowing me the opportunity to bring my prayer life to a new level.  I wake up during the night with a desire to talk to my Lord.  I still have a lot of growing to do in my prayer life, but the blessing of my sickness is that it has slowed me down enough so that I can spend time with God.  Every day I get phone calls, cards, emails, and personal visits from people that remind me that they are praying for me.  I am constantly reminded of God's people (some I know and many that I don't know) that care enough about me to lift my name to the Father in prayer.  Folks are constantly asking me if there is anything they can do for me.  I don't need a lot of things right now, but one thing that I will need until the Lord calls me home--I need your prayers.  To my praying friends, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers.

Luke

Disappointment

One of the greatest disappointments in my battle with cancer has been that I am not able to minister as I have been used to.  This week one of the member's sister is in the hospital in critical condition.  Normally, I would be at the hospital trying to encourage the family.  Some pastors despise visiting the sick, but during these years of ministry I have found that visiting in a time of crisis not only encourages those I visit and their families, but it allows me to get to know the families.  God has allowed me the privlege of forming bonds with folks over the years during these visits that will last a lifetime.  I could throw caution to the wind and visit anyhow, but I have asked God for healing and I believe He expectes me to do my part.  Although my visiting is limited, rest assured that these families are in my thoughts and prayers.  One of the benefits of my sickness is that I can relate to those that are sick from a totally different point of view.  I ask for your continued prayers.  I have had some pain this week, but all in all I have had a good week.  I don't look forward to taking chemotherapy next week, but with God's help I am not going to let next weeks clouds hide the sun of this week. 

Luke

REVIVAL!

    It has been a few days since I posted anything.  This week was my chemotherapy week.  I take chemotherapy every other Monday.  I then wear a chemotherapy pump home until Wednesday.  By Wednesday of this week, the chemo had taken its toil.  With the Lord's help I was able preach on Wedneday night.  I am so thankful for the prayers of God's people.  I know that because of your prayers, God has given me the strength to be able to stand and continue to preach His Word.
    I have exciting news that I would like to share.  Beginning Nov. 6 on Sunday night we will begin Revival meeting at Batley.  Terry Trivette from White Oak Baptist in Trenton GA will be our evangelist.  Besides the Batley Choir singing each night, we have a wonderful line-up of special singers.  On Sunday night the McKameys will sing.  Many of you don't know this, but I was saved on Good Friday in 1973 in a Revival meeting.  The McKameys sang that night in the meeting.  It is amazing that God has allowed me to pastor this wonderful family for many many years.  On Monday night we will have the Youngs from Knoxville singing for us.  On Tuesday night another group from our church, the Joyaires, will be singing.  On Wednesday night, the McKameys will sing.  Services start at 6 PM on Sunday and at 7 PM each night afterwards. 
    I have a special request that I would like to make of all my Christian friends.  The week of Revival will be the week that I take chemotherapy.  Please pray that I will be well enough to attend and enjoy the Revival.  Your prayers have sustained me thus-far and I know that your prayers will give me the strength to continue in the days ahead.  If I haven't told you lately--I love each and everyone of you and words fail me to describe my appreciation that God has given me such wonderful friends.

Luke

Rough Night

Yesterday I began my second round of chemotherapy.  I am now at home with a chemotherapy pump.  Last night was a rough night.  God has once again showered me with his mercy and at least for right now I am feeling better.  God is so good to me.  He allowed me to preach both services on Sunday with not too many problems.  I never ceased to be amazed at the length my friends will go to help me.  I have a dear friend that has been in a struggle with cancer for some time.  Her gracious prayer to our Lord has been "Lord, take me home and give Luke any time that I might have left,.  He has so many more people he needs to help."  I don't have words that would describe how humbled I felt when I heard about her prayer.  I love each and everyone of you and although I will never be able to repay you for your kindness toward me and my family, I promise to lift you up to our Heavenly Father in my prayers.

Luke

NEW ROUND OF CHEMOTHERAPY

Tomorrow I begin a new round of chemo.  I can't say that I am looking forward to this, but I have determined to fight this cancer with everything that God gives me to fight it with.  I have had a good last few days of finally getting a decent appetite back.  I thank God for every good day that He gives me.  I appreciate every prayer that you have sent up for me.  I never realized I had so many Christian friends until I found myself in the midst of this battle.  I will never be able to thank each of you individually for your prayers and acts of kindness.  But I do thank my Lord upon every remeberance of you."

ANNIVERSARY

    Thirty three years ago today, I married the love of  my life.  Shonna and I fell madly in love and that love has grown with each passing day during these thirty-three years.  God has blessed our love with four sons.  Our oldest son Nathan, has been with our Lord for over 31 years.  He just lived a few hours after birth and then went home to to be with Jesus.  Jonathan, Jeremy, and Jared are the pride and joy of our lives.  All three sons have married brides (Amy, Tara, Mariah) that are not only beautiful outside but are beautiful inside.  My boys faithfully and proudly serve in the U.S. military.  Jonathan and Amy have blessed our lives with our 16 month old granddaughter Addyson.  Jeremy and Tara are scheduled to give us our second grandchild in May.  Jared and Mariah have just been married a few months but we expect in God's timing they will add to our treasure of grandchildren. 
   Can I just take a moment and write to my beautiful wife?  Shonna, from the moment I first saw you I fell in love with you.  I couldn't even imagine facing the trials I've faced without having you by my side.  When we are separated for even a small amount of time, I long to see your beautiful face and to hear your voice.  God has gifted you to bring calm in the times of my storms.  Even in the face of cancer, you have been my rock.  You remind me each day and in so many ways that God is with us in our storm.  There are a lot of uncertainies in the days ahead but this I am certain of--I am certain that no woman could ever be loved more than I love you.  I am certain that you will love me and stand by my side as we face this storm together.  I am certain that no man has been blessed with a more wonderful wife and friend than I have.  Shonna, I thank God that he has given you to me.  I don't deserve such a gift, but God, in giving you to me has given me exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I could have asked for or even imagined. 

37 YEARS AGO TODAY

Thirty seven years ago today, I left Knoxville going to Ft. Polk Louisanna.  I served in the military four years.  I am 56 years old now and dealing with cancer, but I would be willing to serve again if needed.  I have 3 sons that are serving in the military and no father could be more proud of his boys.  Between the three of them, they have served 4 tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.  For those thousands of men and women who put their lives on the line every day for our freedom, I give a heartfelt salute and thank you.

Luke

Busy Weekend

     I am sorry I have been too busy to write in a few days.  Shonna and I decided to go to Ft. Campbell and visit with our son Jonathan, our daughter-in-law Amy, and the sunshine in our life, our grandaugher Addyson.  Addyson is 16 months old and after having 3 sons and no daughters, God smiled on our lives and gave us a beautiful little grandaughter.  Hearing her say Papa is better medicien than any doctor could ever prescribe.  We went up Friday evening and came back on Saturday evening.  Shonna drove all the way up and all the way back.  On this Monday morning, 3 days short of our 33rd anniversary, I want to say that I love Shonna more than I love my own life.  She has been the rock in our marriage.  Being married to a pastor isn't always the easiest thing to do.  I have leaned on her when I didn't have anybody else to lean on outside of my wonderful Lord.
   Yesterday was a wondeful day at Batley.  The Lord blessed my soul by reminding me that He is still God and that He has everything under control.  My battle with cancer is going to be a tough battle, but I'm not fighting for victory--I'm fighting from victory.  No matter what the outcome, I have already won because I am "more than a conqueror through him that loved me."  Going through chemotherapy has caused me to not be able to fellowship with the dear people at Batley.  I have to stay on the stage and it is hard not shaking hands or hugging necks.  Even though chemotherapy separates me from fellowshiping with others, it does not keep me from fellowshipping with God.  All during this battle with cancer, I have been blessed by the Lord hugging me at all times with his love.

Luke

Great Friends

   Outside the help of my Savior, the greatest source of strength to me and my family has been our friends.  When they ask me if there is anything they can do for me, I know that isn't just words.  On Tuesday, some wondeful friends brought Shonna and I a meal big enough for several people.  I enjoyed leftovers after I came home from church last night.  I had a dear friend that called a little while ago that offered to bring me lunch.  Although, this is the 3rd day after starting chemotheraphy and I don't have much of an appetite, it was a blessing having the offer.  The doorbell rang a few minutes ago and another dear friend brought me a container of homemade apple pies.  I don't care how my appetite is, I plan on giving these pies a run for their money!  Last night, my good friend Mike Viles and his wife Debbie traveled a great distance so Mike could preach for me.  I was reminded of some of the "Facts" that we have been given from the Word of God.  Mike is a wonderful preacher and a wonderful friend.
   I will never be able to repay the kindness that has been and is being shown to me.  Just know that I love and appreciate you more than words can convey.  On another note, Shonna is feeling a little better today.  Thanks for your prayers from the both of us.

Luke

Rough night

    I had a rough night.  I am supposed to take in over 2000 calories each day, but I don't have an appetite.  I got up last night and thought I was hungry.  I ate a piece of cake because I thought at least I could get a few more calories in.  That was a big mistake. I have to admit that when it comes to nausea, I am a big wimp.  I can take a lot of pain, but when it comes to being sick I am not too good at it.  To make matters worse, Shonna isn't feeling good either.  In fact, she is in the emergency room right now.
    I am going today to get the chemo pump disconnected.  I will take chemo again in about 10 days.  I appreciate your prayers more than you could ever know.  I went back to my surgeon yesterday and she said, "You do know that everyone in this community is praying for you don't you?"  I do know that and not only are prayers going up for me in this community, but literally prayers are going up for me around the world.  Because of your prayers, God is giving me peace beyond anything that I every knew was possible.  I get down sometimes, but by the mercies of God I have not stayed down.  I don't lay awake at night worrying about what the days ahead hold. 
    I continually ask God to heal my body.  The Bible says "We have not because we ask not."  If I don't receive healing, it won't be because I haven't asked.  It will simply be because God had bigger plans. 

Luke

I'M HOME!

    I have finished my first round of chemotherapy.  Actually, I came home with a pump that will continue the chemotherapy for the next 46 hours.  I will go back every other Monday and repeat the same process.  One of the hardest things for me so far is that I cannot drink anything cold for 5 days after each round of chemotheray.  Jared took me to get something to eat after the chemotherapy and I ordered a Dr. Pepper with no ice.  I thought that would be OK, but as soon as I took a small drink, I found out the Dr knew what he was talking about. My throat felt like it was being stung with bees.  I was told that it would feel like my throat was closing off.  I guess I'm pretty hard headed and I had to see for myself.  In my defense, you can't pastor a Baptist Church without being a little bit hard headed! 
    I am having a good day, but I know that there will be bad days ahead.  I have been reading a little of David Jeremiah's book about when he found out he had cancer.  The dark clouds of fear are normal for someone that has just learned they have cancer.  I just want to remember what the Psalmist declared in Ps. 56:3  "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."  I have been brought to the place in my life that  I don't have anyone or anything else I can put my trust in.  I appreciate the doctors, but if healing takes place, it will be because the Great Physician has provided the healing.  I love each of you and I humbly ask for your continued prayers.

Today is the day

    Today, I begin my chemotherapy.  I woke up asking God to use the chemo to attack the cancer cells.  I am reminded that "the battle is the Lords."  I have so many dear Christian friends that are praying for my recovery.  I have received supernatural strenght because I serve a supernatural God.  Today will be a journey for me into the unknown.  I don't know what to expect.  I know there will be many surprises.  However, I am so thankful that God is never surprised at what transpires.  He is the God that never has a puzzled look on his face.
    On another note it was wonderful fellowshipping with Chris and Bobbie Wyatt and Chris's dad tonight. Chris and Bobbie are such wonderful friends.  They are the parents to my daughter-in-law Tara.  I am so thankful that God has brought them into Shonna and my life.
    Please continue to pray for me this morning.  It will be a long day (about 6 or 7 hours} of chemotherapy.  I will then come home on a chemo pump for 48 hours.  I know that "the joy of the Lord is my strength."

Luke

Today's Service

    This morning for a while it didn't look like I would be able to go to church.  I woke up last night drenched in sweat and this morning I began throwing up.  Shonna called the Doctor and he told her to take me to the emergency room.  I declined the invitation and I am so glad that I did.  Today was Pastor's appreciation day at the church.  But for me, it wasn't about me--it was about HIM.  The sweet Holy Spirit filled the house this morning.  Jesus was lifted up and the sweetness of worship was far greater medicine than anything I could have received in the emergency room.
     On so many levels today has been a blessing to me.  The folks at Batley encouraged me beyond anything I deserved.  I had the privlege of worshipping my Lord with my beautiful bride (soon to be my bride of 33 years).  The twins (Jeremy and Jared) were both able to come with their beautiful brides (Tara and Mariah).  The church was filled this morning with both members and visitors (our special guests).  Tonight I will attempt to preach on "God speaks in the storm."  I know that now in a way I've never known before. 
    Tomorrow will be a full day of receiving chemotherapy, followed by two days of taking chemotherapy by a pump that I will wear.  I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I am just taking one day at a time now.  I have learned to count my days and to make my days count.  I love each of you and my prayer is that you will allow God to use you in a special way for his glory.

Luke

Pastor Luke

    This is my first attempt at blogging.  I have considered doing a blog before, but now that I am on a path that I have never been on before, I have decided to give it a try.  I would like to share my feelings with those who would like to listen.  I begin by saying that I have my own battles with fear.  Sometimes folks believe that preachers are somehow immune.  The first two days after hearing the news that I had cancer were the darkest days in my life.  I have been through some fiery trials down through the years, yet when I learned that I had cancer, it knocked the breath out of me.  After those first two days, God gave me peace like I've never experienced before.  It truly is "peace that passeth all understanding."  That is not to say that all my fears have dissappeared and I haven't been afraid since.  Each time I have gone to the doctor to get the results from the latest test, I feel the darkness closing in on me.  Every time I feel pain in my abdomen, I am reminded of the enemy inside of me that is seeking to take my life. 
    By the grace of God, I intend to allow God to make this trial a blessing.  God has allowed me to know Him in a way that I've never known Him before.  I have learned that God's grace is given as needed--when need--in the measure that is needed for a particular trial.  I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.  I've also been reminded that when I get to tomorrow, God will already be there! 
    I don't know how often I will write in this blog.  As God directs, I will attempt to share my feelings with you.  I love each and everyone of you and my prayer is that I can display in my sickness that God's grace is sufficient!

Pastor Luke