Sam Conway

Dear Friends,
 

It is truly hard to believe that my first email to you was almost one year ago!   This Thursday will be the ‘one year mark’ of the day that Sam’s lung cancer was ‘discovered’ by our dear friend, Dr. Billy Boring.
 

We simply do not know how to express the gratefulness in our hearts for you standing with us over these past twelve months!!!!   Your cards, emails, calls and expressions of love and concern to us have been overwhelming.   To experience the Body of Christ in this way has been a humbling and learning experience for us.   Thank you so much for reaching out to us . . . many times it was your expression of loving concern that kept us ‘pressing on’!!   Many days you gave us hope and confidence when ours was weak . . . just an encouraging call or word, or by letting us know that you were still praying for us!!   What a blessing!! Thank you so very much for your prayers for us . . . God has answered in so many ways.
 

So much has happened since I last wrote you . . . it seems impossible that four weeks have already passed since our last update!!  As we earnestly sought the Lord for direction, (and continue to do so), several things became very clear in God’s direction for our lives right now.   The first is that we are moving back to Charlotte, NC, to be near our son, Kevin.  It has been incredible, as we initially stepped out in faith . . . and then, we have watched in amazement as HE has truly ordered our every step and given us confirmation over and over with this decision! 
 

We found a condominium just one mile from Kevin, and one-half mile from where we used to live in the Lake Norman area, (north of Charlotte).   We will be moving in on Monday, April 9^th!!
 

We have enjoyed living in the Chicago area and working with the Institute in Basic Life Principles these past two-and-one-half years.   There have been so many blessings, ministry opportunities, relationships, and friendships that will be with us for the rest of our lives!!   We are thankful for all that God allowed us to be a part of while serving here . . . and now we are looking forward to what God has for us in Charlotte!
 

Sam is feeling really good these days, for which we are so thankful, in spite of all the reports!   For us, the hardest part of dealing with cancer is deciding between all the treatment options.    The only thing that most can offer right now is extensive radiation and chemotherapy.   With the location of Sam’s tumor, we have been advised that the radiation would most likely destroy his esophagus, thus requiring a feeding tube, oxygen and impaired speech “until he is well enough to have surgery to repair it all later”.    Sam does not see this as an option right now.    We have done extensive research and consulted with many physicians who are finding alternative routes outside of the traditional chemotherapy.   He is currently taking many ‘natural products’, along with his restrictive diet, under the supervision of two Godly physicians, for whom we are so grateful.   
 

We need your continued prayers.  Sam wants to use this ‘natural treatment’ plan for 90 days and then he will have another set of scans.   We believe that this is the direction God has given us for right now.   We did find out that Sam has already exceeded ALL of the doctor’s expectations for him, and several told us that they see him as a “HUGE” lung cancer success story already!!   (While we’re not sure how to take that, we just know that God is in control!).
 

We are truly learning to live ‘one-step-at-a-time’, and God continues to amaze us at every turn.    I think we could write a book on how God has met our needs in every way over these past twelve months.   We are more excited than ever to see what God has in store for us . . . and feel so blessed to have you walking with us on this journey.   We know it has been your prayers that have sustained us . . . and we continue to count on them!!    
 

Thank you!!!   Thank you!!!   Thank you!!!   
 

Blessings to you for your faithfulness to us!!
 

In HIS love,
Sam & Ann
 

Our new home address is:   18906 Cloverstone Circle        Cornelius, NC  28031   
We will notify you of our new phone number soon, until then, Sam’s cell:  630  364-6370