Missions Minute - Tom and Bev Hawkins (Sept 9, 2026)

The Hawkins’ trip to the U.S. went well overall despite considerable travel and several unexpected health issues. Soon after arriving, Bev caught a cold that Tom also picked up; their daughter experienced a spinal fluid leak that required two ER visits and a three‑day hospital stay, and her family faced additional illness during the visit. Their youngest son had a brief ER visit for a UTI. Because many were unwell, the family stayed home in Tennessee, rested, enjoyed the house and pool, and treasured being together. A special blessing was a time of family worship at the house, where the children sang with all their hearts.

Tom has been managing side effects related to his cancer treatment. Doctors determined these were caused by an interaction between his chemo medication and a seizure drug he has taken for decades, which led to toxic levels and symptoms of vertigo, imbalance, and confusion. After stopping both medications the symptoms improved. He was hospitalized for a week after returning home for a fever that responded to antibiotics while clinicians addressed the medication issue. Tom has now begun transitioning to a newer seizure medication that does not interact with his chemo; his chemo was paused for about a month and has recently resumed.

August has otherwise been quiet and productive: Tom has been catching up with work, and Bev has been preparing for la rentrée with chorale music and programs, planning craft workshops, and working on three upcoming exhibits. They have also enjoyed reconnecting with friends and neighbors now that the extreme heat has eased.
The family appreciates the congregation’s prayers and support—especially for Tom as he restarts chemo, for continued recovery and strength for their daughter and family, and for everyone’s ongoing health.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Tom restarting his chemo and his capacity to handle the effects.
• In Sept & Oct, Tom has three trips of 4-5 days and another overnight.  Normally these wouldn’t be problematic, but pray that his chemo effects will allow him to travel comfortably.
• The outreach choir will start practices in early September; we already had one full weekend (Sat/Sun) of good concert opportunities and are looking to set up a couple more concerts for another weekend.  Pray for us as we share God’s love both within and outside of the chorale. 
• Bev appreciates prayer as she prepares for the three exhibits.  None of them are explicitly “Christian” in their focus, but can open up opportunities for spiritual conversation.  Last week she saw one of the librarians that she met during her February exhibit.  This woman is struggling with depression and Bev was able to share the previous Sunday’s sermon on Psalm 139 about God’s presence with us and care for us.  It was a very encouraging conversation that derived from the Feb exhibit.  She is praying for more of that to come!