Dear MOG forum members, As many of you now know, forum member Mac has been unexpectedly diagnosed with terminal abdominal cancer in the last couple weeks. Mac has a beautiful wife and family, with eight daughters and his first son, born this summer. He has tremendous faith and has abandoned himself to God’s Will and providence. I received a note from him today, which read in part: I'm pretty much off food now, only taking prescribed protein shakes. I dont think I will be here in a month’s time. Maybe even a week or 2. Please, offer urgent prayers for Luke and his wife and children, as he bravely and faithfully meets this difficult time. God bless, Brian
Will say a Chaplet of Divine Mercy for him and his now, and continue to keep him in prayers from now on.
Dear Jesus, bless and help Mac and his family. If it is Your will he come to heaven, give him the grace of a peaceful, joyful transition to heaven, with all the sacraments. Take care of his family. If healing is possible please heal him.
Thank you Brian. Luke is such a treasured friend. I am so sad to hear this news, I didn't realize things had progressed this much. I'll be praying for him and his family as well. I hope he is cured and if not then may God flood him with His Mercy. I wish I had something better to say. Words usually come to me easily, but since I found out about this I just am at a total loss. I don't even know what to say. Luke and Brian you were the first friends I made here and the first members sounding the alarm for what is going on in the Church. You were both key in the formation of my faith when I returned to the Church a few years ago. I can never repay that. Luke, I don't know if you will read this, but I am crying as I'm writing. I love you as a brother and am so sad that we never got to meet in person. I pray that someday we will though. May Our Lord and Our Lady be with you and your family every moment.
Praying tonight. Who can know the Mind of God, who can search His ways? Romans 11:34 33O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” 35“Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?”…
Wonderful tribute Sean. If Luke should read this I echo everything Sean is saying. You have been a true gift. You and your family will stay in my prayers. May we all meet someday by God’s grace and mercy.
I’m not ashamed to say this hit me hard and brought me to tears earlier this afternoon, and I agree with all you’ve said, Sean. How is it we can become so attached to someone we’ve never personally met, half a world away? God bless you, Luke.
I don't know, but there are no accidents. The longer I am back in the Church the more I believe that. I think this goes especially for people who have a strong impact on our lives in some way. There is some sort of ephemeral connection even over distance. This place has become very much like a Catholic family and community to me in a very and increasingly dark world.
We added Luke to our family prayers at bedtime with our little girls (5 and 6). We asked Our Lord to heal him, if it be His Holy Will, but if not, then we asked Our Blessed Mother to wrap his wife and children in her mantle and hold them close.
This news has made me so sad. I've always admired Mac's dedication to the Catholic faith and his willingness to speak the Truth. He is a special foot soldier in Our Lady's army; never afraid of jumping into the trenches. And aside from Mac's desire to defend the faith, what MOG thread hasn't been reinvigorated through his humor, wit, and the occasional Lord of the Rings meme? We've enjoyed your input for many years Mac! I'm personally hoping that God will allow a last minute "Hail Mary" healing, for the sake of your beautiful family, and for the conversion of all those who have personally witnessed the extent of your aggressive disease. Many prayers Mac, for you and your family, and for whatever the Lord has in store for you. May God bless you.
Thank you all very much. It has been a great comfort to be receiving so many prayers and good wishes from all over the world. It is a little upsetting to me how much grief I am causing to family and friends. My prayers now have turned to a happy death more than a cure. But a cure is still possible, it would be a pretty big miracle. And thanks to those who could donate. This little forum has given over a thousand dollars towards my costs. Which is pretty darn fantastic! Be assured of my prayers for your intentions in return. Now and when I am gone. If any visitor to the forum would like to help out.... your'e more than welcome https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/luke-and-josephine-nyssen
Well Mac my dear friend I will keep you in my prayers and sacrifices. This is heartbreaking news. My mother is in a similar situation. It is terribly sad to hear about you and your young family. Have you ever heard of the potential curative properties of certain strains of cannabis oil. There have been some remarkable cures credited to this that got mainstream attention in England. We are getting some for my Mother. Exhaust all possibilities and trust in the good Lord.
I was sitting here for quite a while thinking what to write, Luke. It is not like me to be at a loss of words but I am at the moent. My heart goes out to you and yours. I very much admire your huge Faith. I am working in and aorund a Children's Hospital at the moment and when I walk through at night I see the mothers lying with their children in the rooms at night. Last night I was talking to a young father whose child has been in and out of the hospitl for a couple of years now. Thank God for a strong Faith to make sense of it all , or to accept when none of it makes sense. I love your own quiet acceptance and Faith in such circumstances. I have been praying and will continue to pray for you and yours. God bless.
I am going to contribute to the fund and I am praying for a Holy death—the Divine Mercy chaplet. And always for a cure. I know your dear ones feel grief. I have gone through this but be assured God and the Blessed Mother will give them the grace to get through. Knowing you are safe in the arms of Mary will be a huge consolation. It was so for me when my son died. I will have Masses said for you Luke. I just have no words except God speed dear brother.
