Dr. Smith's Medical Announcement
CIU President Mark A Smith Medical Announcement
Dear Team,
When Debbie and I moved to CIU, God gave me the boldest vision I have ever proclaimed: dreams of a business as missions project for which we have raised 18 million, dreams of a medical missions program for which we have raised the first 1 million, an Asian trip which brought the idea to build an Asian institute and take our program to 1000 students - and the program is gaining new students rapidly, over 200 this year. We began working with Dr. Smither for the unveiling of many new Muslim studies programs to reach Muslims for Christ. We are building the Ambassador Choir, and God gave the money to fund it for 5 years. In addition to countless campus renovations and updates, we have also worked to impact the community with our Monticello Road projects.
Well, bold vision always brings vicious attacks as I have learned; we are in spiritual warfare.
For a few weeks, I have had intense pain in my lower back and could not get relief. This past week I visited Dr. Rick McCain, who is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina and on our Ben Lippen Board. I was thinking I had a pinched nerve, so he sent me for an MRI. The MRI revealed a renal mass on my left kidney, which turned out, after further tests, to be two cancerous tumors. As of Friday night at 7pm, I know that they are cancerous. At this point we believe the cancer has not spread to any other organs - thank the Lord.
So, I am facing the possibility of a major kidney surgery to remove one kidney, and then I should be cancer-free. As my radiologist told me, the back pain and Dr. McCain's actions to get an MRI probably saved my life as the cancer would have spread.
I will keep you updated as to the future, but I should be fine after the surgery, and I am praising God.
As my family prayed, I told them there are three things in our favor:
- I know how BIG our God is, and I have experienced His work in my life and leadership - thank you Lord!
- We as a family have weathered and won a few battles - we know how to trust, rest, and fight in this battle of spiritual warfare. I am convinced this is not just a physical attack, but I have had these fights, and I know my God is bigger!
- We serve with the greatest Christian community on earth here at CIU and around the world, and we have thousands of His children praying and loving us. We can do this!
At this time, we just need love and prayers, and later we may need your love practically, but as for now - just prayers and kind words.
Regarding CIU, when the time comes and I need surgery, our President’s Cabinet will help me lead. I plan to ask Dr. Christman to lead that team and to convey anything official to you. I plan to work until surgery and then be back soon.
Keep my family in your prayers.
Love to all in Christ,
Dr. Mark A. Smith
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