On the Journey With
Dr. Tony Jimenez...
Last week, I was invited to tag along for a series of interviews with my dear friends David and Kathi Peters. They are creating a documentary around their own cancer journey, and one of their interviews was with Dr. Tony. As I listened, I was reminded of both his humility and knowledge around the subject of holistic cancer treatment. Here is a bit of his story.
Most of the time, when I write these profiles, I focus on fellow cancer warriors, but I’ve decided I also want to sprinkle in the stories of people who are committed to serving the cancer community, and Dr. Tony is on the top of that list in my view.
Dr. Antonio Jimenez is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Hope 4 Cancer clinics in Mexico. For 25 years Dr. Tony has pioneered two world class integrative treatment centers in Tijuana and Cancun. He has dedicated his life to the study, research and implementation of non-toxic treatments for cancer, chronic infections and immune disorders.
His claim to fame is his 7 Key Principles to Cancer Therapy. They include:
- Non-toxic therapies
- Immuno modulation
- Full spectrum nutrition
- Detoxification
- Oxygenation
- Restore microbiome
- Emotional and spiritual healing
He has written an important book detailing his take on cancer treatment.
Exactly two years ago (January 2023), I spent 21 days at the H4C clinic in Cancun. It was a very transformational experience. This was my first experience with a truly holistic patient-centered treatment plan. I had heard a lot about these types of programs, but my suspicion going in was that it would be mostly medical and then cursory attention given to the other dimensions of health and healing. That was definitely NOT the case at H4C. Every part was given equal attention, with experts in every field.
But it wasn’t just the program that made it uniquely powerful for me, it was the people I encountered there – the staff, the nurses, and my fellow cancer warriors were (and are) simply amazing people. They have literally changed everything about the way I have thought about and dealt with this horrible disease. These people are now some of my dearest friends. David and Kathi are among those I met there.
My own healing journey has progressed to include other therapies and other clinics – most recently Mayo Clinic – but I will never forget and will always be grateful for the part that H4C played in broadening my understanding of cancer treatment. I am convinced that I am much better positioned for whatever is in my future, because of the foundational work done at H4C. A significant amount of the credit for that goes to Dr. Tony for being willing to think outside the box in pursuing uncharted territory in his approach to cancer treatment.
God bless you brother!
Soul Care with
Pastor Jenn
To Pastor (verb): to shepherd, advise, and guide into a place of deeper spiritual understanding
“Quit your job and run away to Switzerland,” my 25-year-old son randomly said to me out of nowhere as he walked past my office.
I laughed because it was funny but then I paused for a second. “Ahhh, wouldn’t that be nice,” I thought to myself. “Leave all my worries behind.” If I’m completely honest, my worries aren’t all that serious, but still the thought of running away from it all does sound appealing every now and again.
Paul says in Colossians 1, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” It’s a small (or maybe not so small) statement tucked right there in the first chapter of Colossians. It bears reminding that Paul was in prison when he wrote those words. In prison. For being a minister of the gospel. It’s almost beyond belief and yet so profound.
If anyone had just cause to want to run away from it all, it was Paul in that moment. I can almost hear the whispered prayer, “God, get me out of here. Please.” But that’s not what he said. Instead, he proclaimed the deliverance he had already received. Which, if you think about it, is pretty remarkable. Rather than us, as captives, having to run away from it all, God transferred us out of darkness into His kingdom. Because he loves us just that much.
The need to run away from it all was wiped out at the cross. We’ve been delivered into the light of love. I don’t think that means every day is roses and rainbows, as I am sure that Paul still suffered while he was in prison writing these words. But choosing to see it through a broader lens sure does bring something new to the equation. That something feels a whole lot like hope.
My prayer for you this week is that hope infiltrates wherever you find yourself this week. That you grab hold of the deliverance freely given to you and it allows God’s love to shine anew in your heart and soul.
Caregivers Corner with
Lori Smith
To Support (noun): to provide assistance that enables one to function or act.
Our culture, especially church culture, really likes to talk about fulfilling our “calling.” Usually when we talk about a calling, we think of something spectacular, something soul-fulfilling, something that brings us joy. We don’t like to think that maybe part of our life’s calling is as our person’s caregiver, a cancer warrior, a sojourner on a painful, soul-crushing journey that turns everything upside down and inside out. We look at that as a curse.
Yet, the more I have looked back on the journey of my marriage, from how we met to how he left this earth, I can see the thread of caregiving from me to him all along. I can see the ways the Lord prepared me for his last 18 months of life even at a very young age. The truth of that calling has made me a little angry at times. Like I was set up for suffering by the Lord all along. Then I reconsider. No, it was an honor. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world if it meant not having him for 22 years.
It reminds me of a story that is easily glossed over in Exodus 35. Moses has assembled the Israelite community in the desert after meeting with the Lord on Mount Sinai. He has been given the instructions for the building of the tabernacle and is sharing it with the people. And two unassuming Israelites are suddenly thrust into a position they probably didn’t even realize they had been prepared for.
Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. (Exodus 35:30-34)
I can just picture these two men looking at Moses, like, “Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. What do you mean ‘the Lord has chosen’?” It was probably shocking news to them that the Lord had appointed them as master architects, designers, and, oh yeah, teachers of the whole project that they were literally just told about. And then they were expected to just carry it out, right there in the desert. But, there was no doubt about it. The Lord had filled them with all the skills and abilities they needed to do what he had appointed them to do.
I believe the same is true for you and me, fellow caregiver. God has filled you with His Spirit and with every skill, ability, and the knowledge you need for your journey. And, He may have done it a long, long time ago. Before you ever knew your person. It may not be the calling you were hoping for, but we can take heart that His plan is good and His purposes are perfect.
Worship Moment with
Joel Salabarria
To Inspire (verb): to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Song: He Won’t Fail (Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music)
Band: Todd Galberth
From: Encounter (2022)
He won’t fail! I love this song in this season because it’s a reminder and declaration that we serve a God who cannot fail and has never failed in our lives! We find hope and strength when we arrive at the place of confidently declaring,
I’ve seen it with my own eyes
I’ve seen it in my own life
He keeps every promise
I’ll never be forsaken
He keeps every promise
I’ll never be forsaken
He always makes a way!
We serve a God that will not fail!
Poetic Encouragement with
Julie Clarke
To Encourage (noun): to give support and hope to someone so that they will do or continue to do something.
My Maker
When I was 20
I held your hand
Believed that in you
Was a promised land
Unlike the wild Wild West
I always tried to do my best
I tested trouble and tasted desire
I’ve cheated and lied
I was a crier
And I always believed
That you were higher
Than any wayward way
Or anything that they might say
When I was 20 my
Innocence sailed
On every wind that
Carried, travailed
But somehow you prevailed
And taught me how to
Trim my sails
And carve out a direction
That suited your reflection
And now I sit with you
And pray
Of when I was 20 and the pains
Still trying to steal my day
Still seeking to find my way
Dear LORD
Have I lost my faith?
Or is faith restored
At a rapid pace
The more I see you move
The more I taste and see
Your groove
It’s here I want to stay
Here in this path that
Carved my way
My identity unchanged
But roughness honed
And skills refined
A life is lived
By your will, designed
By every weary choice
To turn to you or lose my voice
Now 20 I remain
Still in this place
My faith maintained
Because you’re here with me
I’m beginning now to see
what you see
Please never cease to
Hold my hand
Or hold me to the greater plan
Let my brokenness
Attract your light
And let my light
Reflect your might
And never changing nature
Because you Jesus
My GOD you are my maker
Nutrition Nuggets with
Suzanna Hake
To Nourish (verb): the act or process of being nourished.
Everyone loves Pasta 🍝
…but if you have the MTHFR genetic mutations, you should stay away from “Enriched” or “Fortified” pastas! That means Folic Acid has been added to it.
Ever wonder why people can’t eat bread & pasta in America but they can in Italy? It’s because Italy doesn’t spray their grains with folic acid. A better idea, choose from the gluten free options of pasta!
Some gluten-containing ingredients to avoid: wheat, wheat berries, spelt, durum, emmer, semolina, farina, farro, graham, einkorn, or triticale (a blend of wheat and rye). And Glyphosate 😡.
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Turku in Finland and published in the journal ScienceDaily, it was found that 54% of human intestinal bacterial species are potentially sensitive to even small amounts of glyphosate. This means that the herbicide’s effect on the human microbiome with its hundreds of species of bacteria could have grave repercussions for health.
So yeah… When we know better, we can do better.
Piet's Ponderings
To Ponder (verb): to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion
I found this statement by Dr Caroline Leaf worth pondering…
Here is the dilemma.
Sometimes we are the villain in someone else’s story – and rightly so. Perhaps we were immature, unwise, sinful and vindictive (we all fall short) and even if we are forgiven of those indiscretions, part of weight we must bear is the ongoing relational disconnect caused by those poor choices. Only Heaven will fix some of those breaches.
But it is also true that the enemy loves coaxing incessant self-flagellation, which invariably becomes a primary inhibitor in living life with any kind of confidence or meaning. Unresolved regret takes an undue toll on us mentally, emotionally, and even physically.
That burden can be further exacerbated by the fact that people rarely know the whole story and they tend to fill in the gaps believing the worst about you.
In those instances, I agree with the good doctor, there are times when the only path toward peace and productivity is to let it go and let people believe what they want to believe…
Still working on that one – how about you?
Prayer of the Week
Willis Knighton Health
To Pray (verb): Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer ad petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God )Philippians 4:6)
Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the sick, we turn to you in this time of illness. O dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sickness under your care and humbly ask that you restore your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge your will and know that whatever you do, you do for the love of us. Amen.
Introducing: The Cancer Pastor's "Building Resilience" Program
There is still time! If you sign up by Wednesday you can still be part of inaugural class.
This week we are launching our new Cancer Pastor platform with a powerful 16-week course: “Building Resilience in the Battle Against Cancer.” This program provides support and resources for those facing cancer and their loved ones.
As a reminder, here’s what you’ll receive each week:
- Teaching Videos: Engaging lessons delivered every Monday (starting January 13th).
- Small Group Support: Connect with fellow warriors in live Zoom sessions every Sunday at 4:00 PM CST (starting January 19th).
- Personalized Pastoral Care: Benefit from two private calls per month.
Investment: $395 (flexible monthly payment options).
Limited-Time Offer: We still have three (of five) $100 discounts.
Scholarships are also available!
Want to know more, check this out.
Ready to sign up? We gotcha covered here.
Become a donor!
The Van Waarde Foundation underwrites and supports a variety of projects related to supporting, educating, and encouraging fellow cancer warriors and their families.
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration.
https://www.patreon.com/c/pietvanwaarde
