Members Popular Post Ronda Posted April 8, 2019 Members Popular Post Share Posted April 8, 2019 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: I apologize for my lengthy absence from Online Baptist. The past year has been quite difficult and I'd not had the energy to spend the time here I'd hoped. As the Lord permitted, I was given strength to write articles for a Christian publication ("Rapture Ready") for over the last 2-3 years, and spent what energy I had on that. I also have been away so long I had no idea where to post this, nor under what topic. So please forgive me if I erred. My photo from before has disappeared as well, and I likely didn't upload a replacement properly either. The news I have to share today is that the time has come not to say "good-bye", but to say: "We'll meet in heaven." I have stage four cancer. I'm not going to pursue chemo nor radiation (etc.), but have instead signed on for Hospice. The cancer has spread to lymph nodes and bone (likely other places as well). At least one tumor has also spread to to local areas (invasively) and is inoperable. It would only prolong the suffering to try any attempts at chemo (etc.) at this point. It's urethral cancer, which is not only rare, but also extremely aggressive. So there isn't much time left. No doctor can give an exact time-line. But the oncologist said 5 months would be the absolute maximum. Honestly? I can't see it being more than a month, maybe two at most (just my opinion - going on how miserable I am and how quickly it's spreading and tumors are enlarging and manifesting here and there). But the Lord alone knows. His will be done. I do so appreciate prayer. However, I humbly request that none would pray for healing; but instead pray "God's will be done". And if you would, please pray for pain relief and continual relief of pain. I also request that you'd pray for the Lord's comfort for my family and dearest friends during this time. Very much appreciated. Although I'm saddened that this is hard for my parents, children, grandchildren, and dear friends; I think most of them understand that I'm not (personally) sad about the prognosis. As most know, I've had primary progressive MS, spinal cord disease (syringomyelia) and myriad other health issues for over a decade. Life has been an "existence" for many years. One I appreciated still, but was often very painful and difficult. I've been house-bound and bed-bound for several years now. I am looking forward to a release from the pain and suffering in this life, and anticipating the fulfillment of promises God has made in His word for eternity to come for those who've trusted and believed on Jesus for salvation. Please don't pity me in the least. "...I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Tim.1:12). God has given me the "peace that passeth understanding" (Phil.4:7) and keeps my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. I also have the firm comfort and assurance of the pre-trib rapture, wherein all church/grace-age believers will meet the Lord in the air. The "dead in Christ shall rise first", then those who are "alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." The Lord will soon give church/grace-age believers incorruptible bodies just like Jesus own glorified body (1 John 3:2; Phil.3:20-21; 1 Cor.15:49-53; 1 Thes.4:13-18; et al) at the rapture. While some brethren here may disagree with this doctrine, I am fully convinced of the scriptural surety that the rapture is indeed pre-tribulational. And that Jesus has promised to deliver us from the wrath to come (1 Thes.1:10, 5:1-9; Rom.5:9). So also do I know that scripture proves the rapture to be imminent (nothing need proceed the timing). However, I also believe the rapture is now much more than imminent, but also must soon occur, as much of end time Bible prophecy is aligned in stunning accuracy. I would never dare set date. Yet we are given to know and discern the season which we are now in. Brethren and sisters, I do believe that the rapture is so near that should I physically die first, I do believe all in Christ will soon be raptured and we will all meet together in the air. I very much appreciate the fellowship and past discussion here on OB. So many dear brethren and sisters have touched my life, edified me, and I count you all a blessing. Continue on serving the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord, and that His word does not return void. Much love, See you soon. Maranatha!!! HappyChristian, Rebecca, 1Timothy115 and 8 others 1 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Jim_Alaska Posted April 8, 2019 Administrators Share Posted April 8, 2019 Sister Ronda, words fail me this morning as I read your announcement. I have prayed for you on reading this post and will continue to pray. Please know that your time here on these forums has not been in vain. Many, myself included have been blessed by not only your presence here, but also by your life, faith, ability and dedication to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am also thankful to our God for His mercy, love, grace and promises to be with us through all the storms of life. He has reinforced these things as evidenced by your life and testimony. Thank you for having the courage to share this most intimate information with us. Go with God knowing that you have been loved and appreciated by those who your life has come in contact with. 2bLikeJesus, John Young and Invicta 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Rebecca Posted March 10, 2020 Members Share Posted March 10, 2020 Just to let everyone know, Ronda passed away last month. She was a faithful servant of God to the very last, defending the faith with her whole heart. If ever I am in the same situation, I pray I am able to face it with the same grace and peace that she did. Alan, Pastor Matt and Invicta 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Jim_Alaska Posted March 10, 2020 Administrators Share Posted March 10, 2020 Thank you for this update Rebecca. Although this announcement is sad in many respects, it is also a reassurance that Ronda is now in the loving presence of her Lord and Savior. Free from pain and the ravages of this life, she is now living the life we all look forward to and actually able to at last realize the promises that God has made. I, for one am thankful for her life as well as her dedication, perseverance, love, and willingness to share her faith and life's work with others. Her writings were always a blessing to me. Pastor Matt and Alan 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Alan Posted March 10, 2020 Members Share Posted March 10, 2020 Thank you for informing us of the passing of Ronda. Her life, testimony, writings, both in public and in private, were a personal blessing, and an encouragement, to my wife and I and I am sure to many folks not only on Online Baptist but in other places as well. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 As we speak, Ronda is in heaven, in the presence of the Lord Jesus, and is rejoicing as one day all of us will be. Pastor Matt and Rebecca 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.