My Nephew, A Missionary And Prolific Author, Is Given Less Than A Year To Live

Pablo Yoder, 64, with Martha, his beloved mother

Pablo Yoder grew up in Costa Rica as the fourth son of my brother Sanford and sister-in-law Martha and went on to become a missionary, church planter and author in Nicaragua. He was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. 

In his own words:

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that you are rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”                                                                                                    --Philippians 1.21-26 

For quite some time I have been having some health issues. I was losing weight, had indigestion issues, seemed always tired and washed out. After doctoring and thinking it was my blood sugar, then amoeba’s and last of all gastritis, on Monday we finally discovered the truth.

In Matagalpa we did an ultrasound on my abdomen, which was giving me issues. The doctor that did the ultrasound started slowly, and very soon threw up his hands, asking, “Haven’t you had an ultrasound done on you lately?”

“No.”

He kept on looking, measuring, and shaking his head. Then he turned from his screen and asked, “How do you want the news, in fancy words, or the plain truth?”

“The plain truth,” Jacinto replied.

“I find a large tumor on the left kidney, and many tumors on the liver. This does not look good.”

God had prepared me recently, with my wife and I talking about me dying. I knew that things were not well. But to hear this kind man tell us the truth was overwhelming, and I fought to not burst out crying.

Next the doctor ordered an Xray on my lungs. And that was also riddled with tumors.

One of the last things the ultrasound doctor said to Jacinto was, “If it were my dad, I would not let them do anything invasive. It will only make it worse. I would take him home, make him as comfortable as possible for the rest of his days.”

Jacinto and I left the office in a daze and found our wives. Then out on the street, in a very touching, tender moment, we told them the truth.

Next, we found a restaurant. I still have not lost my appetite, so we had a special meal together, discussing what this meant for our future.

That same day we traveled to Managua for an MRI and a second opinion. We took the results of the MRI to a cancer specialist, and he was also kind and frank with us. Stage four cancer. My main tumor on my kidney, I named him Nero because he is so wicked, almost weighs a pound and measures 11 centimeters. Nero is pressuring my colon, which makes digestive problems. But so far so good. I have no pain, only a weakness.

I solicit prayer, especially for my family. This is hard for them to think of losing their husband/dad. And we have many decisions to make.

I feel like the ultrasound doctor’s advice seems very good. The whole family is getting together on Saturday. We plan to have a special time of bonding while I still feel good. And together we face all the decisions.

I will be asking for anointing with oil soon. If God chooses to heal me, I will serve him with joy!

Sunday morning, the first time to church since we discovered the truth, the two churches that I oversee, will get together to worship and to give testimony. We want to sing and praise the good God. I have lived with no regrets. Except not to have served God better. And if I am honest, I long for rest. That eternal rest that awaits the faithful.

Nine years ago, when I had GBS, I was ready to say goodbye to this old world. Then God healed me and gave me nine more EXCELLENT years. Why would I complain if God wants to take me home now? I am ready. I am not afraid. I am just on the altar to see what God has for me.

To die is great gain, the Apostle Paul said. But then he told the Philippians that he knew he was staying yet because he had so much work to do. God revealed that to him. I do not feel that assurance this time. In fact, I hear a summons that makes my heart beat high with joy. In my worship this morning I could not help but thank God over and over for the privilege to have lived 64 years on this earth and to be part of his kingdom.

I will not be able to answer all the emails this post will produce. But I thank each of you for your prayers and support now and always. You all have been a special part of the life of my family and me.

God bless you!

Pablo 

 

Here's a list of Pablo's https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/pablo-yoder/494049/