Wednesday, September 11, 2013

30 Years of Triumph-Mark & Sandra Stephens



In February of 2012, just a few months after we began attending Triumph Beaumont, I was hit with one of the most difficult things I've ever faced.  I was diagnosed with skin cancer on my thigh - in a birthmark that I'd had all my life.  The Dermatologist explained that it was Melanoma, the most aggressive & fatal form of skin cancer to have.  He proceeded to tell me that I would need to be treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.  I would undergo surgery to remove a 6-inch long, 1-inch deep biopsy to see if it had spread past the surface of the skin.

We only shared with a select few people to ask for prayer.  We received prayer & encouragement from some of the leaders & others within the church.  I had the surgery in March and anxiously awaited the report to see what the next step was.  Depending on the results, I had to be prepared for chemotherapy & possible removal of some lymph nodes.  I thought my faith was strong, but when the enemy hits you with the "C" word, it shakes the foundation of every area you once thought was strong.

I couldn't stand in the choir to sing during that time.  So one particular service as I worshipped from my seat, the choir began to sing "The Desert Song."  That was a turning point for me.  As I listened to the words it was as if God was speaking them directly to me.  I was in the desert...God knew what I needed to hear, and the team at Triumph delivered it.  I can still hear that song..."All of my life, in every season, You are still God.  I have a reason to sing.  I have a reason to worship."  I was in the exact place that I needed to be at that time.  I was encouraged from that day on that God was going to bring me through the battle victoriously.

A few (long) weeks later I received news that I was cancer free!  It had been completely removed with the biopsy!  No more biopsies, no more tests, no more wondering!  God had completely taken me through the fire!

Thank you Triumph Church for being part of our journey these past two years! Thank you for Worship leaders that obey the Holy Spirit for song choice!  We thank God for everything you've meant to us in this season, and look forward to the future!

Sandra Stephens
Beaumont Campus 

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