Brother Archie has been an instrumental visionary of our gathering of leadership.  Last week I found out some news about his health.  Since he is such a vital part of pastorconnections I asked him to share what he is facing on pastorconnections.com.

Jimmy Holbrook

Diagnosis My Best Day?

Last Wednesday morning I was diagnosed with cancer. There is a tumor between my stomach and esophagus.  Today I had a scan and the radiologist said to me “The day you are diagnosed is your Best Day.”  I thought he was being a bit insensitive until I found out he had been diagnosed with cancer 7 years ago!  His early diagnosis saved his life.
My doctors tell me my cancer is treatable and beatable.  God has been teaching me and my wife things we would never have learned had we not faced this crisis.  My church is responding so tremendously well.  We had a a great service yesterday with salvation experiences at the close of the invitation.

Let me close with 3 or 4  request

1.  Hug your wife and kids.  Stop being so busy.
2.  Do your part to keep Pastors Connection going strong.  Volunteer your help.
3.  Pray that God will be glorified in my sickness.
4.  Email me at awratliff@yahoo.com or call me on my cell at 252-521-6446.  At this point “All encouragment is needed and accepted.”

Archie Ratliff
Bethel FWB Church, Kinston, NC