From Atheist To Brother In Christ!

Tonya and I have witnessed some beautiful conversions over the past few years. This one took our breath away! We know many of you have been praying with us for Tonya’s oncologist, who we lovingly referred to as “Dr. I don’t believe” and “Dr. don’t talk about God.”
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Receiving his call on Holy Saturday just before Easter Sunday was one of the most profound moments. We’ll let him share in his own words.

“Yes, I know her nicknames for me. She was right. I was a confirmed Atheist. I had nicknames for her too; “Patient Irritating”, said with kindness, but it was true, she has been irritating me about her God for 10 years. Her cancer battle has been as unique as she is. Each time we saw good progress, another challenge appeared. She fought me as fiercely as she fights the cancer every step of the way. She dances and sings during appointments, she quotes scripture ad nauseam, telling me, ‘I’m grateful for your advice, but God is my one true physician, and He will lead my treatment decisions.’ I had been hearing it from Tonya for a decade.

She married Tom 5 years ago, and then started the monthly letters. It’s a balance to be polite while refusing her attempts to talk about God. Yet there was something about the scriptures she shared with other patients. No one can deny the inexplicable healings she has experienced throughout her journey. So I started reading the ministry’s monthly letters. I certainly did not tell her! Knowing Tonya, she would have started a revival in the waiting room right then. Two years into the letters, I slowly started asking her questions. She answered directly, which I appreciated, and then encouraged me to join a men’s small group. It’s been a road I never expected to be on. The March newsletter resonated when it said it was time to get off the fence. I hesitantly spoke to my wife and children that night. I was unaware they had walked on eggshells in our home because of my denial of God. My daughter shed tears as she shared how she’d been hiding the Bible in our home because of my stern stance. Together, we attended church that week and the weeks after. My big-Grinch heart was pierced. I shared with the pastor after service that I watched Tonya suffer for a decade, yet she continues to have faith in God. I saw her test results with healing I cannot explain, only to have the cancer now return less than a year later. Yet still, she worships and sings God’s name. I don’t know what that is, but I want it. I cannot deny the evil I see happening in the world right now. I do not want to lead my family to hell. I want to be the kind of family leader I see from others in the men’s group. I want a love, trust and relationship with Jesus like Tonya has shown me. I want the peace she says she receives from Him alone. I want to know Jesus!

My 16 year old daughter and I were both baptized that night.

Tonya told me over the years that many of you were praying for me, ‘Dr. I don’t believe’, and I want to sincerely say, THANK YOU. Tonya says she will continue to irritate me with her dancing and singing. To know her is to love her. I am happy to sign off with a new name she calls me, “BROTHER IN CHRIST.”

                                       PRAISE GOD!!!!!