Yvonne and I would like to thank everyone for outpouring of prayers, words of cheer and generous gifts. I wish that I could write to each of you but unfortunately ALS has taken away my ability to type or text. Slowly ALS is taking away my ability to talk so with no communication abilities left, I wait for an available amanuensis or a scribe. Today, my daughter, Kristin, has taken over on my behalf.
First, to all of my family, thanks for all the great times of food, laughs and and great adventures. All of you have been part of making up my life.
To all my friends who have been sprinkled through the years of my life, I thank God for each of you. Thank you for the way you grew my life and for bringing blessings and lessons that made my life become what God intended it to be. It seems like every time God needed me to learn something, find good cheer, or clear discernment, He brought one or more of you along just at the right time.
To my esteemed colleagues, thanks for graciously giving me the benefit of your expertise and superior fellowship. It has been an honor to learn from what you have passed on to me in conversation, debate and published words. I look forward to many more times of learning at the feet of our Savior throughout eternity.
To all of my amazing students, it has been a real treat to be your teacher. May your collective lives of service be a great joy to the Lord. It has been an amazing journey to go from being sharers of information to see God transform us into friends and co-laborers in the Lord’s work.
I don’t know how often I will be able to return to write but I will as long as God gives opportunity and strength. For now, you can continue to write to me through my blog. In the meantime, remember that very special word during every part of your life, “Joy!”
12 comments
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October 19, 2021 at 3:53 pm
Debbie Mueller
Bruce: I have always looked forward to your posts. This one made me sad at first but then, as always, you turn everything back to joy. You are an inspiration to so many to “fight the good fight.” I will always remember the trip to Israel. You and Yvonne were so much fun and so helpful to me. I loved your stories, your wisdom, and your smile. Thank you! I am praying for you, Yvonne, and your family. His will be done.
October 19, 2021 at 3:57 pm
vanbaggett
Bruce, You are truly a blessing and you’ve served the Lord with joyful obedience. Thanks for the update. Keeping you all lifted lifted up everyday. Until we meet in glory!
Keep on keeping on,
Van (Galatians 2:20)
October 19, 2021 at 7:04 pm
Sanford Joe Chan
Thank you Bruce for your email! As always, I am in admiration and grateful for the humility and love throughout your life. I remember being an direct recipient of your faithfulness to our Lord when I first came on a Friday night to the Chinese Gospel Mission. That introduction to the high school fellowship eventually brought about my receiving Jesus into my life – July 1969. The best decision I ever made!
October 19, 2021 at 7:20 pm
blondie63
I am so sad you have ALS! Thank you for touching the lives of both my sister Vicki and myself! Sending many prayers to you and your family for continued strength! Good Bless Pastor Bruce! Lisa
October 19, 2021 at 8:32 pm
Helen Tripp
I was thinking of you the other day. I was trying to figure out how I could sing a song for you, more of a chorus that has become meaningful to me for meditation. I’ll work on it. We will get to hear Dr. Bailey at Word of Life, in Hudson, FL this winter. Wish it was you instead. We stay in the RV park there for the conference season Jan.-March. Peggy Pardini and I have been chatting on Messenger from time to time. Of course you come up. Praying for you, Bruce.
October 19, 2021 at 9:14 pm
Sharon Droste
Thank you for the update. Many years ago, I won a pearl necklace at the SCS silent auction, and later found out it was donated by you and Yvonne. I wear it often and each time I do, I think of both of you and the influence you both have had on my, and my family’s life. Continued prayers for you and your family.
October 20, 2021 at 10:07 am
Andrew Chao
Please continue your life journey with pride and joy surrounded by loved ones despite your medical conditions.
We are praying for you and your family for peace and comfort in His presence.
May His mercies and grace be with you all the time.
DTS alumni
Emily and Andrew Chao
October 20, 2021 at 10:27 am
Lincoln Ching
Pastor Bruce and Yvonne,
Thank you for all the teaching and encouragement you had bestowed upon us when you were our pastor in Sunset Church. Thank you for encouraged the men’s ministry. Words cannot express our gratitude. We have been and will continue praying for both of you and family. We always remember the word you spoke at the end of each sermon: You are loved.
October 20, 2021 at 5:18 pm
beehis
Hi Bruce,
This is bev! Alan and I have been praying for you and Yvonne in this season of your life. We are thankful for how God has used you to bless so many lives. And we are thankful to be your friends. May God continue to be near you and Yvonne in the coming days and give you grace and mercy to finish the race.
love & prayers,
alan & bev
October 21, 2021 at 1:21 am
Junko Nishiguchi Cheng
David and I have such fond memories of hearing you speak at Mt. Hermon during JEMS weeks. We are so sorry that you are suffering from ALS. We are praying for you and your family.
October 25, 2021 at 1:41 pm
pastrsteve
I heard about your situation from Louis Lee. It has been a long time since we were in seminary together preparing for ministry, not knowing where it would lead to. The Lord has directed us in different directions and places but He has blessed us all. We are thankful for you and your ministry. May God’s grace surround you and give you hope like Paul- For to me, to live is Christ and die is gain.
Steven and Nancy Chin
November 6, 2021 at 9:16 pm
Kim Rilette
Dear Bruce and Yvonne, please know you are in my prayers. I will never forget my first class in the the Grad program. It was OT survey and your teaching style was so enthusiastic. I was working 90% as a nurse at OHSU and looked forward every friday for the OT and NT survey class. Bruce, you made learning so much fun! And evenings at your house watching movies with other classmates was such a blessing. You were not just a teacher, but a mentor. Thank you for your wisdom, encouragement and making learning so much fun. I am praying for all of you. Yvonne, I charished visiting with you in your home. Your grace, kindness and wisdom were such an encouragment to me. With love and gratitude, Kimberly Rilette