More than Just Surviving

Guay called the odds “irrelevant,” trusting that God’s will would be done no matter the circumstances, according to a July 2007 Yakima Herald-Republic article.

He was right. The second round of treatments eliminated the primary tumor in his naso-pharynx and paved the way for surgeons to remove the cancer in his lymph nodes and neck.

“They removed 32 lymph nodes on the right side of my neck, the nerves by my right jugular vein-most of that area is without feeling now-and one of the major muscles from my neck to my shoulder,” recalls the pastor.

More amazing is the fact that he only missed preaching on one Sunday during cancer treatments and that was just after surgery. Since then, he has faithfully continued to preach, despite the dysphonia.

“Once in a great while I reluctantly allow a guest speaker to come in-almost always one of our supported missionaries-but I’ve never missed due to health,” he says. Despite vocal difficulties, he sings during worship, although he sometimes sits while others stand. He also visits with members of the congregation, often disregarding fatigue and discomfort.

Guay sees his illnesses as a means for God to further his ministry, a way to reach the medical professionals and others he came in contact with during this time.

“My wife, Jane, and I met several Christian nurses and formed prayer groups to pray for the doctors and nurses who were not believers. The cancer also allowed us to minister hope to many patients who were receiving treatments at the same time,” he says.

He notes that the greatest blessing to come from his bouts with cancer was that, of the 10 years he has ministered at Mabton Grace Brethren, the two years he was at his lowest levels of strength were the top two years in conversions and growth.

“For our little church in a town of 2,005 people, 2005 saw 15 conversions and 12 baptisms, and 2007 saw 10 conversions and 13 baptisms-so in 10 years, those two years total 25 of the 60 conversions and 25 of the 52 baptisms,” he says. “There is no question in my mind that God was clearly demonstrating the truth He revealed to and through Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that His power is perfected in our weakness and that when we are weak, He is strong.”

Not only did his illness enable him to minister to others, it allowed others to show God’s love to him in a new way. Pastor Ray Feather (Grace Community Chapel, Mukilteo, Wash.), who chaired his ordination many years ago, drove four hours one way at least once a week during his treatment to pray with him.

Guay cites other examples. “A brother in California took the initiative twice to send money, $5,000 the first bout in 2005, and $2,000 the second bout in 2007, to defray expenses, because he said he didn’t want the church wondering why they were keeping this expensive old guy around for so long!” he remembers. “What a godsend. One of our deacons, a man highly gifted in helps, made a special pulpit so I could preach sitting down. I only had to use it two or three times, but it was a wonderful crutch to have the rest of the time.” He is also grateful for all who prayed for him during his time of need.

Guay has learned from the results of the most recent CT scan that there is no sign of continuing cancer. Meanwhile, he continues to be active in church life. He still has many plans for the future, including expanding the church facility to make room for after-school programs for both girls and boys.

“I don’t think God is finished with me yet,” he says. “I might be another Abraham who really got his first marching orders at age 75 but not the fulfillment of the promised seed until age 100. We’re not circling the wagons; we’re charging the enemy!”

Pete Semple was an editorial intern with the Brethren Missionary Herald Company during the summer 2008. He is a member of the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, Ohio, and is a student in the professional writing program at Taylor University-Fort Wayne.