Editor’s note:
The following testimony was written by Pastor Ko at his hospital bed. We thank a sister who reads his handwriting well and transcribed it. He also wrote an article to the brothers and sisters, not to be timid but rather to grab the good opportunity to be equipped in both the August Bible Camp and August Training. After equipment in the Lord, they can serve the Lord faithfully. They would also work with the August and September mission teams and continue inviting nonbelievers to attend the Summer Retreat held on Labor Day weekend. Here is Pastor Ko:
The Experience of Psalm 23
At 4 a.m. on July 4th I found out I had vomited a lot of blood while I was sleeping. Mrs. Ko immediately called an ambulance to take me to the hospital for emergency treatment. The result of the examination was a severe rupture of an artery near the tumor and much bleeding there. (Praise the Lord, this indicates that chemotherapy has done positive work). The doctors tried three clips to tie the blood vessels but could not stop the bleeding. They finally sent me to the operating room for surgery. Working through the thigh artery into the stomach area, finally they were able to tie the blood vessels, and the bleeding stopped. Thank the Lord for His protection and His mighty healing power!
During my stay in the emergency room and ICU, because there is no Bible and nothing else to do, Psalm 23 is constantly in my heart. I once again entrust myself to my Great Shepherd, knowing that He is my satisfaction, my rest and my joy. The profound Peace and Joy of the Lord filled my heart. Certainly this sudden and critical incident happened as a life and death crisis in which I received four bags of blood, and a bag of plasma. Yet once again it allowed me to experience, “Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me!” (Psalm 23:4)
Throughout the process, under the care of the Great Shepherd, I truly experienced no great pain! In my past experience in the hospital, when a nurse would draw blood samples or do intravenous injections daily, usually it took her three or four tries to find my vein. It was very painful. But this time, because an implantable port-catheter system (Port-A) was installed on my body before preparing for chemotherapy, either infusion or blood drawing was all done directly via Port-A and was carried out without pain. Thank the Lord for His Grace! The most difficult time was after the operation I was unconscious for 18 hours due to anesthetization. I woke to find my mouth was covered with respirator and tubes. I could not speak. My hands were tied up. I felt extremely uncomfortable and was worried because I did not know how long this suffering would last. But right at that moment, the peace of the Lord came upon me, and I had the assurance that this suffering would soon be taken away. Thank God! An hour and a half later, the nurse came in and examined my condition. The respirator was removed. Thank the Lord that in the most difficult time, “His Rod and His Staff they comfort me!” I am sure that in the presence of my enemies (cancer cells) the Lord will continue to win victoriously!
Lying in the hospital bed, I felt that I am the Lord’s lamb, lying on the green pastures placed by the Lord, enjoying His love, His presence, and His fellowship. What a wonderful experience it was even in such unbearable situation. Jesus truly loves me, and I should respond to His love by living for Him and submit myself completely to Him. As long as we follow the Great Shepherd, His path is always full of bountiful grace, and His grace covers all the bumpy roads. The grace of the Lord is so rich in my life, and I know that it is because there are many brothers and sisters all over the world who love the Lord and care for me have lifted me in their prayers. When I think of everyone’s prayer and love, though on sick days, I am still overjoyed and would confidently to proclaim: Tis so sweet to serve the Lord more and more.
The Lord’s grace is truly rich! The next day after the surgery, the doctor said everything is back to normal, I can eat and drink as usual, and my physical strength has greatly recovered. After three days in the intensive care unit, I was transferred to the general ward for one day. Without requesting it, the hospital arranged for me to stay in a single room. Thank be to the Lord! Today (7/8) I was discharged and I am back home now—all are because the Lord’s great love and grace showered upon me. I want to praise Him!