NAOMI'S AMAZING TESTIMONY

Praise God we were delighted to hear such good news from George and Jane whose daughter Naomi had been diagnosed with a tumour in her bowel that was too large to operate on. The consultant had said she would have to have radiotherapy in the hope of reducing the tumour but even then it was possible she may have to live with using a stoma (colostomy bag) for the rest of her life.

The church family as well as friends and family from all over the world have stood with them all praying and believing that Naomi had been healed by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The family asked us to pray that God would protect her body from the harmful side effects of the treatment too.

"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24

This is Naomi's story in her own words...

Hi all,

Following is a brief update re: my treatment so far and next steps... As most of you will know in June and July I underwent 25 sessions of radiotherapy at The Christie in Manchester. Whilst these sessions were tiring, overall my side effects were limited and I soon started to feel normal again once they finished.

In recent weeks I have had scans and an examination under anaesthetic (EUA) to see how effective the treatment has been and to decide the next course of action. At the pre-op before my EUA I met with one of my nurses to have a conversation on speaker phone with my consultant about the results of my scans (he is currently off sick but wanted to tell me my results).

The good news is the radiotherapy has been very effective-praise God!! The tumour has virtually disappeared and no longer shows up on the scans and also there is no sign that the cancer has started to spread. Also most of the affected lymph nodes have shown good response to the treatment. Following the initial concern that one of the lymph nodes was in such a position that would make surgery too difficult to do, at an MDT meeting today they actually decided that the surgery was possible and so I won't have to undergo an initial course of chemotherapy as they had suggested last week-this is also good news!

I am also under the impression that there is no plan for a permanent stoma at the moment although I will know exactly what surgery I am having on 24th October when I meet a consultant at clinic. As a result of the delay in decision over immediate surgery vs chemo my surgery will be pushed back by a few weeks- I'm hoping to have an idea about dates sometime next week.

So... For those of you have been praying, a MASSIVE thank you, as I know it is these prayers which have not only caused the radiotherapy to be so effective but also have given us a peace throughout this time which has enabled us not to be overwhelmed by everything but to trust in God for everything.

We know there is still a long way to go, but we are living in faith that God will be with us throughout and we are truly grateful for the amazing support we have received from all our friends and family at this time- we are truly blessed! We are now praying for a successful surgery and also that a permanent stoma can be avoided at this time. I will update you again when we know any more. Thank you for taking the time to read this email and for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers, much love from us all :) xxxxx