Luke 22:42
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
The prayer of our hearts for two years: Father, please. Please. PLEASE! Take this cup from us. Heal Ryan. Please restore him to health. Please give us normalcy again. Please do not let him go from this earth too soon.
But Lord, we do trust you. We know Your character, and we know Your truth. We stand on that knowledge, and that knowledge coupled with Your enveloping grace, are the only cards we have to play. So Lord, we ask that Your will would be done, because we trust that even though it doesn't make sense on this side of eternity, somehow these plans are meant to prosper us (and to further Your kingdom, more importantly) and not to harm us.
I imagine that as Jesus prayed that prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, that he was probably feeling a lot like we are right now. Dreading what lay ahead. But yet also peacefully resigned to the will of the Lord.
You see, friends, we have been grappling with our own future this week, much the same way that Jesus grappled with his. My blog post last Monday was almost triumphant in nature. That was the tone of the day. Things were looking up. We were going to get out of the hospital. Bleeding had stopped. Our oncologist was starting to talk about the possibility of doing more treatments in the future. We were ecstatic.
And then the bleeding started again. In earnest.
And our doctor, full of compassion and concern, told us last Tuesday the words that we have so dreaded hearing. We are out of options. We have done everything that we can do to save Ryan's life. It was now time to go home and enjoy what time we have left. And that time is probably better measured in days and weeks than in months.
We have always wanted to keep this community, you, our support network, as up to date as possible, but facing what seems to be approaching has been difficult. We needed time to process. I do hope you'll understand why we haven't been forthcoming with this news - it has ripped our hearts to shreds and we have struggled with how and when to tell all of you. I know that this post is going to be a tremendous letdown for literally thousands of people, and I so wish that I had better news to bring.
Thank you for the grace, love, and support you have shown our family for now over two years. Please pray with us for courage, comfort and peace right now. We continue to place our hope in the Lord, and we always will.
We love you.
98 comments:
Oh, Ryan and Kendra. I am so desperately sorry to hear this. We don't understand either. Praying for peace, comfort and strength for you and your family.
Sorry for this information. Please know you are in our prayers as a whole family! May you have God's strength and peace as you go through this time.
I am so sorry for your sad news! Your trust and faith in God is an inspiration to so many. I'll be praying for strength for all of you...and time, lots of time!
Prayers are with you... we are so sorry to hear this. Luke & Melissa
Prayers are with you... we are so sorry to hear this. Luke & Melissa
Praying at America's keswick
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Heavenly Father, please wrap your arms around this beautiful family and continue to make your presence known to them in tangible ways. I pray especially for courage for all of them as they encourage one another.
Heartbroken for you and praying.
Father God,you are not far from us that you can't hear our petitions.nor your arms are short to touch every ones life, but Lord we know you are the God and our healer that never been change. please heal and extend the life of your servant and bless his family. and show your mercy and let the meracle be upon to Ryan we claim this in the mighty name of Jesus.
I am so sorry Ryan and Kendra! Thank you so much for sharing your story and for being so transparent. You have touched so many lives! I am praying that you feel peace as you go through each hour.
Love, Christy Robinson
I am sorry to hear this. I will pray for your family. May God fill you with peace and surround you with his love.
So heart broken for all of you. We love you and stand in prayer with you.
God bless your entire family for your unwavering testimony in this dark time.
"Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend...For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal...Thought he may slay me, yet I will hope in him." - Job 16:19-21, 5:18, 13:15
I am at a loss for words. God bless you all
Oh, dear God, please be with this family. Fill their hearts with your presence and bring them comfort when our words can do so little. We rely on your greatness in this challenging time. Amen. HP
Our prayers continue, as does our God's infinite love for you all.
Praying that God will recieve the glory in whatever He allows, but praying even harder that he allows your body to still heal completely as a miracle and a testament of HIS MIGHTY POWERS for ALL TO SEE! Peace be yours
This brings tears to my eyes and heart. Know not what else to say. Praying for peace for the family.
May God bless and be with you all during this time.
I have been reading for awhile (although I don't know you). Please know there are many of us out there with you, thinking of you, praying for you and with you, and supporting you in our hearts.
I wish I had the words to express all of my thoughts clearly. I have never met your family, yet I feel I know you through these posts. I just want you to know that I am praying for you during these difficult days that you are going through. I also want you to know something really important. Your story and what you are going through is not in vain. If this even makes sense what I am saying. I have grown stronger to our Precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at a time when I wasn't "feeling it" - because of your story. Your lives glorify Our God and for that I thank you. I hope this made sense and will just continue to lift all of your and your families in prayers.
I don't even know what to say other than we're praying like crazy and have faith that God knows what He's doing. Love & Hugs!!!
The Lowder Family
Phil 4:13. <><
Your faith and strength are astounding! God holds you all in a special place in His heart, for it is what you make if this life that will get you to your eternal reward. And I see the face of Jesus smiling at You. Oh what wondrous love...
May His blessings be showered upon your family in your hour of need.
Praying. Tears. Trust in God's wisdom...never met you, but love your family for your steadfast testimony.
God's will be done. I am praying for the whole family for peace and comfort. I have just not reading your blog long but can tell you all have touched so many people.
I found out about you from Dace Starkweather. We've been praying each morning. I so wish for different news but am resting in the wisdom of God. We will continue to pray for strength, comfort, peace, and hope. All our love from Peru--
Lee and Michelle Bridgeman
Ryan and Kendra, you are loved so much by so many. You have been warriors in this courageous journey, even when you didn't feel like it. You have encouraged and challenged many, and you are yet in God's hands, and in our prayers.
We love you,
Gregg Hunter
I am without words. you are in my heart. Prayers.
I heard about your story through Ryan and Courtney Moore. My heart aches with you all, and you will be in my prayers! I am amazed at your faith and continual trust in God. It is an amazing testimony to us all. I will pray for peace in the days ahead! God bless you all!
Praying for you in Louisville KY
Continuing to pray...May God's grace surround you and carry you.
We will certainly be praying for you and sending virtual hugs your way. Thank you for sharing even though it is unimaginably difficult.
To those who might read this. I am fasting and praying for Ryan and his family. I invite any who will to join me. I am asking the Holy Spirit what to pray. I am going to listen and be obedient to his word. Please join me that we might be in unity as we petition our father and our lord Jesus Christ on behalf of this Godly young man and his family that we all so love.
Ryan and Kendra, we've never met, but I heard of your story through Frontline. I experienced this with my wife 7 years ago who went home to be with the Lord as a result of a brain tumor, as did my current wife, Donna Call who knows both your parents. Donna also lost her husband to cancer in 2000, so we are praying for God's grace and peace for you both, and Kendra, for you as you go on with life without Ryan, but knowing he's with the Lord. It does not make it any easier, but by God's grace, you will make it. Dave Records
This news is so heartbreaking, yet I have often felt renewed in my faith because of the strength in yours. You have all been such an inspiration to so many! The battle with cancer may have been lost yet you are triumphant in the eyes of the Lord eyes because of your strength of faith and love, which you have shared with all of us. Although our families aren’t close (I’m Cathey’s cousin on her mom’s side), I often felt close to your family because you allowed me to share in your journey. Thank you for showing us what true faith is!
Much love and prayers,
Nan and family
Praying for courage, comfort and peace as you asked. This song by Kutless came to mind. God Bless you all!
Even If
Sometimes all we have to hold on to
Is what we know is true of who You are
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane
That could never change who You are
And we trust in who You are
Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come
Lord we know Your ways are not our ways
So we set our faith in who You are
Even though You reign high above us
You tenderly love us
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are
Even if the healing doesn’t come
I pray for you guys always love you guys...the church here will pray for ya all
Lots of prayers and love for you all. So sorry.
Ryan and Kendra, I don't even know you...just know OF you. But my prayers are with you and you're very sweet family. When we ALL get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing it will be!!! Praying you through the very tough times!!
God was with. You then - He 's with you now..... the healing rests in the hearts that have been changed through your illness. God have used this time ever so wisely and for His glory. We rest with you having grown deeper in our faith and bolder in our stand fir Jesus Christ, the Author and Defender of our faith. Thank you Ryan and Kendra - this is not the end.
Psalm 34:11-12
Someday when my last line is written
Someday when I've drawn my last breath
When my last words on earth have been written
And my lips are sealed in death
Don't look on my cold form in pity
Don't think of me as one dead
It'll just be the house I once lived in
My spirit by then will have fled
I'll have finished my time here allotted
But I won't be in darkness alone
I will have heard from heaven
A summons to come home
And when my body is in the grave
Don't think that I'll be there
I won't be dead, but living
In the place Jesus went to prepare
And after all is said and done
Know that my last earnest prayer
Is that my loved ones be ready
Someday to meet me there
I am so sorry about this news ,my prayers willbe with you and your family .
You are in my prayers and on the Lords hands.
Kendra and Ryan, Although I have only met you once at MMRM , I have been following your posts and praying for you. You have blessed my life and I am sure countless others. The Lord that has sustained you thus far will continue to be faithful and carry you in His grace in the days ahead. May you continue to find strength and peace in His abiding love.
Still praying for a miracle.
Praying for all of you...
Praising God how he has been walking with you through this journey, using it to strengthen and challenge those around you.
Praying for His will to continue to be done -- we'd prefer a miracle to use to share the news of His power, but we know His plan will always be best. Not easy, but best.
Praying for your whole family to be swaddled in His peace and comfort during this time, wrapped so tightly that you can feel it hugging you in love.
God has touched countless lives through your life..so many changed lives I'm sure for the Kingdom!
There is so much sadness and pain right now..and God is at work in and through all of it..He is such a remarkable Lord and Savior!!
You are such an incredible example of a spirit filled believer..I thank God for your life and your testimony!
Will be in prayer for all of you.. Praying that God's mighty angels will surround you all and you will feel God's arms holding you so securely!
Love to all..Char and Mark Boertman
I don't think it could be better said than what what was said prevously by Kim and Deb......the healing rests in the hearts that have been changed through your illness.......We rest with you having grown deeper in our faith.....this is not the end.
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Continued prayers for all during these bittersweet days and moments.
Karen
David Robinson posted the exact song I was going to post. EVEN IF by Kutless. Everytime I hear this I pray for you and think of you. My heart hurts along with you guys! No words could express so I will pray daily for you and for Gods strength. Thank you so much for including us in your journey. God has used you in so many ways...in so many peoples lives. Gods word promises that it will not return void. God is holding you in His arms... He can still move mountains. Rest in Him my friends. We love you. The Bruce Schneider family
I have been praying for a miracle that Ryan would be completely cured, but Gods ways are not are ways. May he wrap his loving arms around you all and give you peace and strength.
Praying that God grants peace to you & your family.
Lots of prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. May the strength of spirit that you have showed all continue to grow stronger within you, your family and all the lives you have touched.
Karen
It's Time To Use Your Authority!
Exodus 14:15–16
15And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it...
The problem with the body of Christ today is not that we are not praying. We are praying. But many of us are praying desperate prayers. We are praying, “God, help…God, please…God, do something about my problem!”
If you are smiling a little by now, most likely, you know about such prayers and might have prayed a couple yourself. My friend, God does not want you to pray pleading prayers all the time. He wants you to use the authority He has given you to pray powerful prayers, to boldly command and to “stretch out your hand” and see miracles happen.
When Moses stood before the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit, the Bible tells us that he cried out to God. But God told him, “Why do you cry to Me?”
There is a time for you to cry out to God and there is a time for you to use your authority. God told Moses, “Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.”
The “rod” you have today is the name of Jesus. As you command in Jesus’ name, your “sea” will open and you will go on dry ground through the midst of your problem.
Do you realize that Jesus did not say, “Go and pray for the sick”? He said, “Go and heal the sick.” (Matthew 10:8) So stop pleading and asking all the time, and start using the authority you have in Christ.
Jesus told the church, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore…” (Matthew 28:18–19) My friend, God wants you to go and use the authority that He has given you. And as you go, miracles will flow!
Ryan and Kendra,
I'm so sorry to hear this news. Please know we're praying and hold you close in our hearts.
You know, some of the most encouraging verses in the Gospels are these: “And as many as touched Him were made well” (Mark 6:56), for “power went out from Him and healed them all”. (Luke 6:19) I love those verses! That is our Jesus!
So that night, when He said, “Take, eat; this is My body,” as He broke the bread and gave it to His disciples to eat, they knew what it meant. They were probably thinking, “We are going to ingest His health into our bodies! Hallelujah!”
That is what you must believe when you partake of the Holy Communion. It is not just a ritual or symbolic act. No, you must believe that He is the true bread from heaven who took your cancer, diabetes and heart disease, anything - big and small, so that you can have His supernatural health! And when you eat of His broken body with this revelation, you will have life in abundance and the health of the Lord!
As you are praying, KNOW that you already have your answer or breakthrough—“believe that you receive them”. The Bible also tells us that we already have whatever we are praying for because we are already blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3) Sometimes, the symptoms of a sickness or lack may return and you think that you still have not received your blessing. That is the time to release your faith and declare that you already have it. You are not confessing to get it. You are confessing because you already have it in Christ!
Crying with you and holding on to God's promises with you.
Listening to Sanctus Real and their song PROMISES and praying for you.
"Hold on to the promises.
Hold on to the promises.
Jesus is alive so hold tight.
Hold on to the promises."
Abrazos y besos
Praying for peace that passes understanding, knowing that God is giving that to you. Love you all.
We rejoiced with you lst week as the news came that the bleeding had stopped. We now weep with you to hear this latest news.
We serve an awesome God and I personally have seen the blessings that can come with suffering. I have rested in his promise that he has a plan and while we don not understand he has already been able to use your family to touch the hearts of others.
We are praying for you all.
I am so incredibly sorry to hear this news, and continue to pray for you all. Thank you for your testimony throughout everything that you have gone through, you are truly an inspiration! I pray that God will be so near to you and be able to give you comfort even now.
I am so sorry for this heartbreaking news, and I am praying for strength, peace, and comfort for you all as you continue on with the journey God has laid out for you. Your faith and trust in Him is an example for us all.
Ryan and Kendra, We have been in prayer for both you and your family during this difficult time. You have shown such strength during this whole ordeal by allowing everyone to follow along with your progress even with the ups and downs we have been there for you. I pray for Colton, being so young and unable to understand what mom and dad are facing. Spend precious time with him and pray with him. We love you. Ron and Lynne Vriesman and family.
Dear Prudhomme family,
I do not know you personally but have been following your story for a few weeks since a post showed up on my timeline on FB. I have prayed for your family and prayed for a healing from our Great Physician and Heavenly Father. I have no idea what you are going through, having never been through such. But I have been so encouraged and amazed by your unfailing faith and love for and trust in our Lord. I know that your journey, Ryan will be amazing when you leave this world, but the journey for your wife and son will be so difficult as they miss you and I hurt for them both. I will continue to pray for God to give you a miracle. There is nothing too hard for God. He healed my son almost 20 years ago of a heart defect at birth. Again, you have been an inspiration to me and I will never be the same. In Christian Love and Hope,
Janine Eitniear from New Era
Ryan & Kendra, So sorry to hear the information on the up-date, but we know that God doesn't make mistakes, even though many prayers have been said for Ryan, God always has a plan for His children; maybe not always to our likeing,but we know He loves us and nothing can happen that has not been screened first by our Heavenly Father. Prayers will be with you and your families.
May The Lord give strength to you when you have none of your own. (Isaiah 40:28)
My heart goes out to all of you. Just remember your never alone and we all love you. So sorry to hear this.
The news may make us sad, but you could never let the people down who have been praying for you and following your story. What a wonderful testimony you have been to those of us who know the Lord, and especially those who read your blog and are not believers. Your blog will continue to bless all those that are lucky enough to have read it, especially your resurrection post. Thank you for being willing to share with all of us. We are truly blessed.
Definitely praying for your family during this difficult time. Seeing the Holy Spirit working through both of you is such an amazing thing.
Ryan, Kendra & Colton,
My husband,Ken and I know you all from Jeff & Jenni Hankins. We are Jenni's parents. We have been following your blog for awhile now and pray for you all daily. We love you so much! We hope last Friday was one of your special Friday's with popcorn and ballgames! It's hard for me to type, the tears keep flowing. I am studying Beth Moore's "Believing God" and it's all based on knowing our God and what faith is all about. I always thought I had faith but there is so much more to learn and to be tested that I think maybe I might have just scratched the surface. But with you all my faith has soared, however, God answers, I know His ways are always best. We will continue to lift you up to Our Most High God and are so very blessed to be by the side of our brother and sister in Christ and their beautiful boy! Here is a verse that I learned this week that I absolutely love. May the power of God's word dive deep within your soul today and refresh you. Sending all our love and the love of Jesus Christ to you today and always!
Psalm 103:1-5
New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 103
Of David.
1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Forever Love, Ken and Kim Wells, Scottsdale AZ
Thank you for your amazing testimony in the face of such difficult circumstances. I am praying for you, Ryan and Kendra. I am sorry for this discouraging news and my heart aches. I keep thinking how I would feel and I can't begin to wrap myself around all that you must be feeling. Praying for God's presence to be felt very close to your hearts and that He will hold you with His very capable arms.
You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41: 9b-10))
Continued prayers for you. God is with you!
I weep with you, pray with you, and love you all.... Being a nurse, I saw the tide turning and prayed for more and more and more grace and strength and hope and joy and love to be poured out upon you all. Weeping with you..... God will still do miracles....but it may be in your hearts as you face the impossible, walking with Jesus.
Jaye
We pray that God will make your suffering short and be with your family through this transition from life to Eternity.
May you be surrounded by God's love in this extremely difficult time. May you always remember you are loved by so many people whom you've never even met. May you know what a difference you have made in other lives affected by cholangiocarcinoma. May you feel the difference you've made in my life by telling your stories. So many prayers are lifted up now and in the coming weeks and months to you and your family.
Pray for you. Peace and comfort, Julie
Praying for God's Grace and Love to be upon you. Blessings from Hudsonville, MI
Your testimony is inspiring. Your love for Jesus is incredible. Your love for each other is encouraging. We are so heartbroken to hear this news. Thank you for your transparancy. It is so hard to share this time of grief. But thank you for the priveledge of letting us pray for you. I remember something that Ryan said to me at the womens conference in 2010..something that has encouraged and strengthened me. We were talking about how its hard sometimes to know God's will when it seems what he is asking is just too much. Ryan said to me. "Just remember to focus your life around serving him, loving him. He will show you what he wants you to know. But he doesn't always tell us everything." Thank you for building into my life this principle and living it to the fullest.
Prayers from Pentwater. May God Bless you all. 1 John 5:13
Ryan and Kendra, I'm heartbroken in this news, but want you to know that your faith in this journey has been truly inspiring, not only to me as a believer, but those whose walk in faith is not as strong. Remember He'll only bend you, not break you. Nor will he give you more than you can handle. Your strength and faith is so much more than mine would be. You are such an inspiration. I still pray that you'll leave your legacy of faith to others through your book. I'm also praying that God will still continue to stump the doctors as the all-knowing Great Physician.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
God can and will strengthen you through your grief and heartache. Sometimes when we are consumed by what we are dealing with, it is difficult to quiet the mind enough to allow yourself to hear God's words. Remember that His love for us is so great - greater than that we have even for our own children, that He will comfort you and give you strength to get through the day. Continuing to pray for a miracle
You both have shown such tremendous strength, you have encourage and brought so many people hope and a trust in God that theymay never of heard. May God bless and keep you and hold you close to Him...you all are in my prayers
I am sorry for your pain. I hope that you feel Jesus carrying you through these tough times. I will continue to pray!!
My prayers are with you. I know the heartbreak of this journey you are on, and I know that the God's grace will sustain you. I know because I have walked the same path.
Vaya con Dios
I am so sorry to hear this news. I have been inspired by your story of faith,love,courage. Your family and your beliefs truly inspire me. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Ryan and Kendra I am praying foryou for strength to get through this God has you wrapped in his loving arms that is the Grace that you need praying forthe whole family
My heart is saddened at this news. I believe in the God of all creation and of all miracles. I will continue to pray that God continues to work miracles in yours and Ryan's life. I pray that you both feel the peace that surpasses all understanding. You and Ryan have been an amazing testimony to God. You have shown such trust and faith and give others hope and comfort.
Ryan and Kendra,
Praying you know God's peace, strength, courage, love, and comfort in the days and weeks to come. May they be filled with the gifts of joy and laughter, and quiet treasured moments. May time seem to slow down for you and yours.
In thought, word and deed... no one has "said" it better ~
Hugs and love to you all~
My heart breaks for you and your family!
Ryan and family...words are failing me right now. My heart breaks for each of you. Your faith is an incredible testimony to me. May the time you have together as a family be filled to overflowing. - Brie Lucas
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I also do not know you, but I have been praying, I do not understand the hurt, but I am praying for the days ahead, may they be filled with memories that bring you joy!
I have been following your story for awhile. Your faith, love and strength I pray will sustain you through this difficult time.
I pray for blessings for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this time with us!
I have been following your story ever since my husband met Ryan at a retreat in 2012. I feel like I know you. I'm so sorry.
Praying for you and your family. Love and prayers from MI
Praying for your family! So sorry to hear this news!
God's will be done? God's will is NOT that you would die of cancer at this time. God's will is that you have LIFE and that you have it more ABUNDANTLY. Jesus was tormented and beaten so that his stripes would purchase your healing. I speak to this demonic cancer in your body and command it in the name of Jesus Christ to shrivel, die and never return. You are a child of the King and have a purpose and future. I command life into your bones, blood and cells. Restoration of health and proper function to your body. God use this situation to glorify your name by miraculously healing our brother when all others say hope is gone. Our hope is in the Lord. Bless this family and give them peace as You work mightily at this time.
You have a wonderful family, marriage and especially husband. The commitment that you and Ryan have for each other is an shinning example for other couples. I have been praying for Ryan and your family for a while already because my father passed from pancreatic cancer at 52 and Ryan also played soccer with my son Josh P., and Ryan was always smiling, a good friend, and the best goalie ever. Spiritual you are so strong and that is an inspiration to all of us. Love and strength to your amazing family. Tina Marie
rie
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