🧡 Deanna’s Journey to Health

🙏 A Step Forward

We have good news.

When we arrived back in Canada, we didn’t know how long it would take for Deanna to be seen by the cancer clinic—especially since we’re not yet in the BC Medical system. We expected delays.

But this week, the Abbotsford Cancer Clinic called.

Deanna has her first appointment on Wednesday, May 21, with the breast cancer team at Abbotsford Hospital. That phone call brought tears of relief. Once she’s officially in the system, we’ll know more about the journey ahead.

Of course, we’re praying for the best—that the cancer is already gone. That God has healed her. But whatever comes, we know we’re not walking this road alone. One day at a time, with Him.

👉 Want to receive updates about Deanna’s journey? Email rick.bergen@xtrememercy.com.

🌿 Seeds, Seasons,

and the
Beauty of Active Rest

This week we visited our dear friends Jim and Vicky Nyssen. Jim’s body may be slowing down, but his quiet strength is as steady as ever. Just by showing up, he encourages.

In 1992, we introduced Jim to Luke Huber—the man who invited us to Brazil. Jim, Deanna’s parents, and others from that season sowed deeply: through generosity, prayer, and belief in a vision not yet seen.

And those seeds? They’re still bearing fruit—baptisms, churches, transformed lives.

Jim is still sowing. Still resting. Still trusting. In many ways, Deanna is on that same path—walking in faith, one quiet step at a time.

🌱 These Lives Are Intertwined

Jim and Harold helped Ross build and export the airplane to Brazil—vital to our early mission years.

And Iza, the woman in the middle of the photo, was Deanna’s closest friend during that time. Their bond was so deep, we gave Emma her name as a middle name. Over 30 years later, Iza is still in our lives.

🕊️ Rest Isn’t Passive

Jesus taught us to pray:

“Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

That’s active rest—trusting God while doing what we can. Like the Israelites gathering manna: get enough for each day. No hoarding. No fear.

Deanna and I are rediscovering this rhythm. Most moments, on their own, are good. It’s regret or worry that robs us. But in the present moment—there is joy. There is enough. There is God.

🦎 When Love Finds You Weary

Several iguanas live in the tall trees near our home. They stretch for tender leaves at the edge of the highest branches. But unlike monkeys, they can’t grip well. They slither awkwardly, and now and then, one crashes down through the branches, hitting the ground with a thud. They lie there stunned—until they reorient and slowly begin the climb again.

That’s the image that came to Deanna’s mind when she received her diagnosis.

Overwhelmed. Disoriented. Weary.

But in that moment, God caught her—not as a taskmaster, but as a Shepherd. When she holds our grandchildren, she feels His healing. It is not her strength that carries her. It is His.

🙏 Prayer Points

• Deanna – Healing, peace, and favor with her care team

• Clenildo, Angelita & Jhonatas – Strength for their son battling cancer, and for their own health

• You – How can we pray for you? Just hit “Reply”

🌱 Living Today,
Planting for Tomorrow

There are four ways to live:

1. Actively Resting in God – Sowing, trusting, forgiving

2. Passively Agreeing – Nodding yes, doing nothing

3. Living in Regret – Longing to rewrite the past

4. Living in Anxiety – Trying to control the future

Only the first leads to life.

So today:

• May you enjoy the moments.

• May you forgive and be forgiven.

• May you gather your daily bread and give thanks.

And then—
In a stressed and anxious world,
May you walk into the day with a glowing peace radiating at least three meters around you.

With love and gratitude,
Rick and Deanna

To Support our Ministry