The daughter of apologist and author Ravi Zacharias says her father’s cancer has worsened and he has returned home in Atlanta “where our family can be together for whatever time the Lord gives us.”
Sarah Davis, CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and the daughter of Zacharias, posted the update Thursday on social media and on the ministry’s website.
Zacharias was diagnosed this year with a rare form of malignant cancer on his sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine. The cancer was discovered during back surgery.
“We have just learned that while the tumor in my dad’s sacrum has been responding to the chemotherapy, the area where the cancer metastasized has actually worsened,” Davis wrote. “His oncologist informed us that this cancer is very rare in its aggression and that no options for further treatment remain. Medically speaking, they have done all they are able.”
Zacharias, his wife Margie and his daughter Naomi are “returning from Houston and will remain at home in Atlanta, where our family can be together for whatever time the Lord gives us,” Davis wrote. Zacharias is 74.
“We know that God has purposed and numbered each of our days, and only He knows how many more Ravi will experience on this earth. One day, likely sooner than later, we will be serving without our beloved founder, though I know his love and legacy will convict and inspire us to service of his Lord even greater than we have seen before,” Davis wrote.
“While we are full of so many emotions, we are also at peace, resting in the truth that God knows all and sees all and is sovereign and good. I think of the great joy my dad will have and I am comforted.”
Davis thanked supporters of the ministry and the wider Christian community “for your faithful prayers for my dad and for my family in recent months.”
“We are so grateful to God for His goodness and His love that we have seen evidenced in so many ways,” Davis wrote. “The love and care that you have given to us is one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s kindness. We are deeply grateful for the care of the medical teams at [Houston’s] MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the friendship and love of those who served and cared so faithfully and came alongside in many generous and unexpected ways.”
Tim Tebow, in a social media post, implored his followers to join him in prayer for Zacharias, who he called one of his “heroes of the faith.”
“Ravi has inspired me and millions of people around the world,” Tebow said.
Just wanted to share this message in regards to my friend & hero of the faith, @RaviZacharias. Please join me in prayer for Ravi & his family as he battles cancer. Also, if Ravi has touched your life or inspired you, please leave a comment to maybe encourage him & his family. pic.twitter.com/v9kDbhHAgh
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) May 8, 2020
Apologist Lee Strobel wrote on Twitter, “Please join me in praying for Ravi, Margie, and their family as we come to terms with this trying news. Thanks for your love and support. “
Related:
Ravi Zacharias Reveals He Has Malignant Tumor: ‘We Are Trusting the Lord’
Photo courtesy: Ravi Zacharias Facebook Page
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, The Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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