Spiritual

Pastor Tim Keller Reveals Devastating Diagnosis, Asks for Prayer

Tim Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, made a sobering announcement on his Facebook page this morning. Keller, age 69, recently found out that he has pancreatic cancer.

“I feel great and have no symptoms,” Keller wrote. “It was what doctors call an ‘incidental pickup,’ otherwise known as providential intervention.”

Tim Keller: Cancer Diagnosis Came Unexpectedly

Keller told followers he is headed to the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, for additional testing today. He will begin chemotherapy next week in New York City, where he currently resides with his wife, Kathy. 

The author and retired pastor, who has been speaking frequently in the last couple years about the problems of nationalism, prejudice, and partisanship in the church, asked those so inclined to pray for him and his family.

You can read the entire update, which Keller posted to his Facebook account this morning, below:

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Less than 3 weeks ago I didn’t know I had cancer. Today I’m headed to the National Cancer Institute at the NIH for additional testing before beginning chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer next week back in New York City.

I feel great and have no symptoms. It was what doctors call an “incidental pickup,” otherwise known as providential intervention. I have terrific human doctors, but most importantly I have the Great Physician himself caring for me. Though we have had times of shock and fear, God has been remarkably present with me through all the many tests, biopsies, and surgery of the past few weeks.

If you are willing to pray for me, here are things to pray for:

For God to use medical means or his direct intervention to make the cancer regress to the point of vanishing.

For Kathy and me, that we use this opportunity to be weaned from the joys of this world and to desire God’s presence above all.

For my family to be comforted and encouraged.

For the side effects of treatment to allow me to continue writing and speaking.

Running the race set before me with joy, because Jesus ran an infinitely harder race, with joy, for me. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

-Tim

Please join us in praying for Tim Keller as he and his family navigate this next season of cancer treatment.

Megan Briggs
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Megan Briggs is a writer and editor for ChurchLeaders.com. Her experience in ministry, an extensive amount of which was garnered overseas, gives her a unique perspective on the global church. She has the longsuffering and altruistic nature of foreign friends and missionaries to humbly thank for this experience. Megan is passionate about seeking and proclaiming the truth. When she’s not writing, Megan likes to explore God’s magnificent creation.

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