16 Comments

Hello Mr. Ron. I'm Jevin from Indonesia. I am so blessed by your books. How you think about theology, politics and social actions. Its very wonderful. Thanks for being one of my favourite theologians. I once dreamed that someday i can learn my master directly from you. I still pray for it and waiting for it. Atlhough I don't know if the time will come or not. I just wanna say thank you. Keep strong Mr Ron! May the Triune God bless you and keep you with His love.

Expand full comment

Hi Ron! I have been enjoying your book that you autographed for my mom on her 80th birthday: Living Jesus. Then Allan's wife, Anne just yesterday told me about your situation and I have just now read your blog. You can count on Mark and me to be praying for your a full recovery. I came back to Canada in 2018 after being in China for 5 years and found that the recurring bladder infection that I had was indeed bladder cancer! I had the same thoughts and emotions that you described in your blog. I was on the one hand excited that I would get to see Jesus, but on the other hand very sad of the family that I would leave behind. Mark was also hit so hard by this news. My treatment was BCG treatments for 6 weeks. This burned off the bladder lining. Then a few months later at another cystoscopy, the specialist said that the bladder cancer was back again, so I underwent more treatment (topical, not radiation or chemotherapy). Mark and I did our own extensive research and in a nutshell found that the North American diet is a huge culprit for cancer. Milk protein (casein) and animal protein causes cancer to flourish. This book is one of the best that helped us in our journey: "The China Study" by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M. Campbell II, MD. It sounds like your cancer is much more advanced than mine was, however, this information is so important for you to have as you go through the treatment. Whole foods, plant based diet is our new way of life now. We will never go back, knowing what we know now.

After my treatments that I described above, my cancer has not recurred, praise God!! We are praying that you will have those extra 10 years too.

I felt compelled to share my journey with you. I hope you don't mind. Please how much we are behind you and Arbutus!

Expand full comment

I pray for you, Ron - for this time of uncertainty to also be an unsurpassed experience of God's presence and love. I have experienced cancer's attack twice already and have never felt as cradled in His love as during those times.

Expand full comment

Ron, I don’t know if you remember me; I worked at the seminary in the 90s for Scott Rodin. I know you are starting your treatments today and am praying for you. Praise God that you’re at Penn Medicine because they are the best. I’ve been with them for several years for treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and was blessed to participate in a groundbreaking clinical trial for T cell therapy in 2015, which has put me in remission since then. After receiving this infusion my husband and I prayed for 15 more years (like Hezekiah) and it will be 6 years cancer free this July. Penn is the leader in cancer research, so you’re in good hands with them and, of course, with the Lord! Blessings to you and Arbutus.

Expand full comment

Ron, thank you for sharing from your wise and joyful heart. Praying often for you & Arbutus. May the Lord guide your doctors and use the treatment for healing!

Expand full comment

Our culture avoids talking about death. It is so comforting to hear you talk about death with the words of life that flow out of the Spirit of Christ in you. Your journey is a gift from God to us. In Christ’s hope!

Expand full comment

I will pass this information on to Hazel Winger Laidlaw. Hazel at 104 is quite the prayer warrior.

We all will remember to pray for you.

Expand full comment

Standing with you in prayer Dr. Sider. I don't know the number of days ahead, but I know the number behind have had such a significant impact on my life and countless, countless others around the world. Prayers are going up from every corner of the globe. Much love.

Expand full comment

Daily prayers, dear Friend, for both you and for Arbutus as she walks with you through these treatments.

Expand full comment

You will certainly be in my prayers as you walk this part of your journey.

Expand full comment

Ron, I do not know if you remember me. I was an associate pastor for almost 20 years with Bob Ives at Grantham over the time you and Arbutus were members . I appreciate your posts, but this one was just what my husband and I needed today. He was diagnosed this week with stage 4 lung cancer. Thank you for sharing! You and Arbutus are in our prayers as you go this unexpected journey! Blessings, MJ (Davis)Fair

Expand full comment

I am sorry, Ron, but I am not done with you. You are one of the first people to understand me. I need a little more time with you. The “Lord” needs some stuff from me and you have begun to open the pathway. I actually don’t look forward to it because I am scared. I am on the high dive as a 10 year old and my parents are saying it’s alright. But I feel I am going to slip off the board. Anyway, you have work to do yet! Let me encourage you to stay awhile. I am sure there are many others who feel the same. During the next months there will be times that you don’t feel so good. Play” It is well with my Soul” over and over and over. Be in touch my friend!❤️🙏

Expand full comment

You are in my prayers, Dr. Sider.

Expand full comment