After cancer surgery, missionaries return to Bolivia, thankful for church’s support

Jenny Reyes is surrounded by her medical team in Texas. (Photo via sucreteam.blogspot.com)

Erik and Jenny Reyes returned to the South American city of Sucre, Bolivia recently, where they serve on a mission team. They have two children — Zion and Mia.
Late last year, Jenny, 28, was diagnosed with Liposarcoma, a malignant tumor in her left leg. On Dec. 3, 2010, she underwent surgery in Austin, Texas, to remove the tumor. The surgeon and the anesthesiologist provided their services for free.
Despite the savings, the Reyes faced high medical bills as Jenny recovered. We reported on the family’s needs and gave the address of their supporting congregation, the Southgate Church of Christ in San Angelo, Texas, for those who wanted to help.
The couple returned to Bolivia debt-free.
“Thank you so much,” Erik Reyes said. “God opened the door there and people responded. Praise God.”
Just months after the surgery, Jenny can walk, jump rope and jog. A physical therapist who watched her recovery said it was a miracle. Her husband agrees.
Here’s an excerpt from Jenny’s blog about the experience:

On day 1, we got on our knees and threw ourselves into our Fathers arms.
On day 3, we praised God for plane tickets that were given to us.
On day 5, we praised God as we were embraced by all the ones who have come to Christ in His body in Sucre Bolivia during these years of work.
On day 8, we praised God for Dr. Stanley as he established our diagnosis here in the States and arranged for the Mayo Clinic to see my case.
On day 11, we praised God for results of our CT scan that showed us that the cancer had not spread to my lungs.
On day 14, we praised God for Dr. Fleming, my surgeon, who agreed to doing his services for free, and who worked hard to help us in finding others who would donate their services. We praised God that the cancer was contained inside of one muscle and would be easily removed, and I would be able to walk and run again!
On day 20, we praised God for the car the church purchased for us to use during this time.
On day 21, we praised God for a place called the Harvest Home, that the church would let us live in during these months in the States. It had everything we would need, completely furnished.
On day 22, we praised God for receiving one more check that completed the money we would need to pay for the surgery.
On day 24, we praised God for Dr. Fleming and the surgery team along with the anesthesiologist team that were donating their services for the surgery. Zion’s prayer today was. “Thank Lord for mom’s big owee, and thank you that she is going to get better.” The surgery went great!

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• Feedback
  Oh, how absolutely thrilling. Many blessings to each person who contributed!

  Eileen Emch

  May, 4 2011