One of the greatest men I’ve ever known is Dale’s step-father, Bob Mateer. A couple of weeks ago he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he’s in surgery to remove it right now. Would you pray with us? It’s a six-12 hour surgery, it’s pretty invasive. They’re taking out 60% of his pancreas. We’re praying for full recovery from cancer and no side issues because of it!
We love him more than words can describe. He’s priceless. He’s the epitome of the grand and noble family patriarch that you read about in books.
You’ve just got to hear a short story about his conversion to Christ.
He had a high finance position at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City- then left for an even better position in LA, CA. He had all the money he and his family needed and more—they lacked nothing of material worth.
One day Bob had lunch with a Campus Crusade man at a country club, that man introduced him to Christ. The man asked if he could pray for the food and then asked the whole country club if they would join him! The country club was not accepting of the prayer but Bob was. He was immediately enamored by Jesus. He wanted to know more and more of Him. Quickly he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and Bob’s life was never the same.
Everything in the tangible world lost its importance to him. Money didn’t have a hold on him, Jesus did. He wanted to dedicate his life to further the kingdom of God. He decided to leave his high finance job, the only life he knew and luxurious lifestyle to impart wisdom to the body of Christ.
He left California and moved his family to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA to become a professor of high finance. He came for a fraction of the money he was accustomed to. But he was doing the will of His Father- and he was happy.
Bob is one of the most self-sacrificing people I’ve ever known. He has spiritual wisdom that surpasses us all by far. He is the definition of a servant. I glean something from him every time I’m with him.
Thank you for praying for him today and in the coming days. The surgery is expected to take 6-12 hours. His recovery is intense.
James 5: 13-15
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. ..Is anyone among you sick? …let them pray over him…and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”