Since arriving at the hospital on Tuesday evening, we have done a lot of tests, a lot of waiting, and a lot of praying. Yesterday late afternoon we were given the results of the lumbar puncture which is sadly that Dave’s leukemia has returned and it is located in his brain. This, of course, is very difficult news for the Stoecklein family, our church family, and many other friends who know and love Dave. We are informing you of this news right away so that you can begin praying for him.
Dave is determined to continue fighting this cancer and he is fully trusting that God’s Still Got This. He will begin chemotherapy treatments today. At this point, it is uncertain exactly what the treatment will involve, but it is certain that it will include several rounds of chemo and the necessary recovery time. As we move forward in this next season of our journey, it will be a battle for Dave and for many of us as we fight this with him.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Dave. He needs them and he needs you. We don’t know what the future will bring, but we know beyond a shadow of a doubt who holds the future. There is great strength, confidence, and peace in that knowing.
This Sunday in our services at IHC we will turn to God, we will look to His Word, and we will worship Him with all our heart and soul. Because in Him is where we find our perspective and our strength, because His Word is where we find our hope, and because He is worthy of all our praise. We hope you will join us for one of the services this Sunday at 9am,11am, and 6pm.
As she was praying late last night, God gave our sweet daughter-in-law Kayla a verse for us, and it is exactly the perspective we all need: “We wait in hope for our Lord; he is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22
We will continue to live that no matter what comes our way.
We appreciate all of your love, your encouragement, and your prayers,
Dave and Carol Stoecklein
Andrew, Paige, Austin, Kayla, and little Smith