"I'm not going into retirement, I plan to be in my office working a few hours each day"
By Paul Monteith
Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach spoke to the Pasadena A.M. and P.M. congregations Sept. 9. In the morning, and again in the afternoon, he entered to standing ovations and was visibly cheerful.
"According to the rumors, I'm speaking to you from the grave," Mr. Tkach said with a look of amusement. Though he has lost weight, he spoke with the same vigor as always.
Mr. Tkach announced the appointment of his son, Joseph Tkach Jr., to the office of deputy pastor general (see "Personal" this issue and the Sept. 12 WN). "I know that God would have me make appropriate provision for the future," he said.
In a more somber moment, he told the congregations of a bone scan that had revealed some 50 cancerous spots in his body. This cancer is different from the colon cancer and would require radiation treatment.
"This treatment can greatly reduce my pain," he added, "but it would also immobilize me." In light of this, Mr. Tkach said he will forego full treatment at this time, put his life in God's hands and have only localized radiation treatment as and when it is needed. He is responding well to the chemotherapy for his colon cancer, however.
"But I'm not going into retirement," he added. "I plan to be in my office working a few hours each day and have almost completed my message for the Festival satellite transmission."
He concluded with an expression of thanks for members around the world for their prayers and love, and asked that we keep the faith and spread it.
Mark McCulley, Festival Administration manager, who attends the Pasadena A.M. congregation, wrote to the Good News Grapevine: "We all know how fragile our hold on life can be, and are praying for him constantly. Yet, at the same time, we at headquarters are united in our faith that, no matter what, God will continue to guide his church since he is the ultimate head of it through Christ.
"Please pray for Mr. Tkach Jr. too. He is cheerful and full of faith, but needs our prayers and support more than ever. I'm sure he will be encouraged by what I feel will be a groundswell of support from the field."
Mr. Tkach Jr. wrote in an electronic mail message to headquarters employees Sept. 15: "From my observation, my dad has not experienced much pain the last two weeks. He has come into the office three times this week and stayed for half a day each time. He is also working on his sermon for the Feast of Tabernacles.
"I appreciate the cards, electronic mail messages and telephone calls. Several have mentioned that they have set aside a day to fast. Of course, fasting is always worthwhile as a tool for focusing on God for spiritual strength.
"Some have suggested that we call a day of fasting, and I have responded by saying that it is better for people to fast on a day of their choice. It is also nice when a few people get together and agree on a day when they will all fast.
"It is also important for us to remember that fasting is not an exercise that requires God to fulfill our will. Rather, we fast to humble ourselves and be strengthened to accept his will."
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