Update on Greg Carpenter

Shirley Carpenter's husband & Vice President of Carpenter Ministries.

12/12/07:  As I was reviewing the website I realized I haven't visited this page in a long time. I apologize for making you wait so long for an update. Greg has recovered very well from his open heart surgery. Greg has been back to work at full duty, which requires heavy lifting. He is a strong man, but notices he is not as strong as he was before the surgery. He continues to watch his diet, which is always more difficult around the Holidays, but has been doing well. We praise God that there have been no other detections of cancer for Greg. What a crazy, scary few years. I know many of our friends and supports have had to face many issues, some similar and some more difficult. We do pray that you find God's peace in what ever situation you are going through, whether it be physical, emotional or financial . . . and in some cases all of these mentioned. We will never understand why God allows things to happen. We have to trust that He knows what He is doing and the affect it will have families. We can't comprehend all that God knows, understands and allows to happen in order to bring forth His desired plan . . . a New Life with Him in a New Earth with a New Heaven, for the old will pass away. All followers of Christ have this promise!

4/28/06:  I can't believe how much time has gone by since the last update! We are pleased to report that Greg is continuing to make long strides in his recovery process. Greg's commitment to adhere to the suggested diet (low sodium & low fat) have allowed Greg to lose 50 lb, so far. He has been continuing to take his walks and stationary bike rides to improve him mobility, strength and stamina. The doctors have been impressed with his current status and have consented to allow him to return to work on light duty. They have also increased the amount of weight he can bare to 20 lb.
    Thank you for keeping Greg & Shirley in you prayers! Thank you Lord for your gift of life and your desire for Greg healthy, even at the cost of bypass surgery!

2/16/06: January 30, 2006 Greg had a heart attach followed by emergency quadruple bypass surgery! Just one week earlier Greg and his grandson were putting the roof on a room addition. Greg moved approx. 1200 lb of roofing materials in 100 lb bundles up a ladder to the roof of his home. With the blockage Greg had to his heart we know it is a miracle that he is alive! The surgery went well and Greg's ability to push himself to stand up and walk less than 24 hours after this major surgery helped him to be released from the hospital only 5 days later. He is continuing to progressing well in his recovery!! The doctor has told Greg and Shirley that it will be 3 months before he will be able to lift anything heavier than 5 lb. He will be out of work for quite some time, especially since his job required heavy lifting. 
    Shirley had to cancel the first week of her ministry trip to New Zealand to take care of Greg since he was not able to do things on his own yet. Greg is now able to get up from a chair and the  recliner without help, which is a big relief to Shirley, who is currently on her way to New Zealand for her trip.
    Thank you for all your prayers!!

 5/25/04: Great news! Greg's cancer screening has come back cancer free for the second time in a row.

 12/8/03:  Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support!! Greg's recovery has been nothing short of miraculous! Greg is back at work and cleared for full duty (verses light duty). His post operative blood work has come back reporting he is cancer free! Praise the Lord!!!! This Thanksgiving the Carpenter & Gillette Family had so much to be thankful for! Shirley returned from her ministry trip to Australia and Greg was doing so well he picked her up from the airport. What a treat it was for the two of them to drive home and swap stories of God's blessings over the past 3 weeks.
    What a might God we serve!   

10/14/03 Update:  We are pleased to inform you that the surgeon was able to remove the cancer. The surgeon did a biopsy on Greg's lymphoid during the surgery, and it is cancer free! Which simply means that the cancer was concentrated to the prostate and did not spread any further. Therefore, the surgery was a success in removing the cancer. God has really blessed Greg with a healing touch! He was released from the hospital on Friday Oct.10 and has been doing really well considering all he has been through.
    Please continue to lift Greg up in your prayers for a complete restoration and continued healing! Shirley departs for Australia Oct. 20, which is approaching quickly, and Greg will need to be fairly self-sufficient by that time. 

9/16/03 Update:  Greg and Shirley feel that surgery is the way God has chosen. They are at peace with the decision and feel that He has lead them to the surgeon. The surgery is scheduled for Wed., Oct.8, 2004. 

9/5/03 Update:   Greg's test results confirm that the cancer is localized to one area, praise the Lord! This gives him a much better chance of having all cancerous cells removed. After much investigation into the different treatments available, Greg and Shirley feel that God's desire is for Greg to go through the surgery. All of the treatment options have some pretty scary side affects and permanent affects! We are asking that you join us in asking God for the surgeon He has ordained for the surgery and that Greg's health is fully restored. Greg and Shirley have concerns and fears, but are able to rest in His peace. They both feel His loving embrace and know that He's in control.

Aug. 2003:  Greg Carpenter has been diagnosed with prostrate cancer. We are currently waiting for the results of the CAT scans to know the extent of the cancer. We all have been amazed at God's timing to reveal the cancer and how He orchestrated Shirley's ministry schedule! Usually Shirley would be starting a long and very busy fall. We noticed that this year Shirley's August itinerary was vacant. A Gold Diggers Seminar was planned for August but in late spring early summer Shirley felt we needed to postpone it. We have both learned that God has reasons for everything. We all praise God that she is home and able to be with Greg through this difficult and anxious time. They are enjoying there time together while preparing for the possibility of some difficult times ahead. We have seen God 's hand in coordinating Shirley's schedule so she could be home with Greg and believe that HE is in complete control of Greg's healing as well. We are putting our trust in the Master Physician for a complete restoration, whether it be by a miraculous healing, or divine intervention with modern day medicine. "Let Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven." 
    Shirley is planning to continue with her current ministry schedule, which will begin in late Sept.. We know that Satan will try whatever he can to hinder the work of our Master, and believe this is the enemy's attempt to hinder Shirley and Carpenter Ministries, but instead, both Greg & Shirley are being strengthened and encouraged as they walk through this battle together. 
   Join with us as we lift Greg up in prayer for a complete healing and quick recovery, and praying for to pour out His strength, protection, and blessings on Shirley as she continues to minister to the Bride of Christ!