Tim Keller Has Pancreatic Cancer

Co-founder of the Gospel Coalition, author, and speaker Timothy Keller shared that he's been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Keller, 69, said he has felt God present and felt physically great as he underwent initial tests, biopsies, and surgery. He sees it as providential intervention that doctors caught the cancer when they did. 

"Less than 3 weeks ago I didn't know I had cancer. Today I'm headed to the National Cancer Institute at the NIH for additional testing before beginning chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer next week back in New York City," the retired pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City wrote on social media Sunday.

"I feel great and have no symptoms. It was what doctors call an 'incidental pickup,' otherwise known as providential intervention.  I have terrific human doctors, but most importantly I have the Great Physician himself caring for me."

He added, "Though we have had times of shock and fear, God has been remarkably present with me through all the many tests, biopsies, and surgery of the past few weeks."

Keller, who had thyroid cancer in 2002, also listed four ways people can pray for him and his family through this process. 

One, for God "to use medical means or his direct intervention to make the cancer regress to the point of vanishing," he said.

Two, that he and his wife, Kathy, "use this opportunity to be weaned from the joys of this world and to desire God's presence above all."

Three, "for my family to be comforted and encouraged."

And four, "for the side effects of treatment to allow me to continue writing and speaking."

Keller concluded his announcement with a reference to Hebrews 12:1-2: "Running the race set before me with joy, because Jesus ran an infinitely harder race, with joy, for me." 

 

Tags : Tim Keller Has Pancreatic Cancer Tim Keller Pancreatic Cancer tim keller the gospel coalition