Yes, I did have surgery on Aug 10, 2021. The rest of the left kidney was removed. Everything went well. Except the doctor said it was the toughest surgery he’s done in several years, what with the scars from the previous two cancer surgeries in the area. My recovery went very well and I was released to return to full work duty Sept 20, but that never happened, because I had tendered my two week notice two weeks before that date. I am now retired and fully available to do whatever God has planned for me going forward.

I received word this past Monday, Jun 28, 2021, that the rest of my left Kidney would be completely removed. My right kidney is operating at 100% and will be able to handle all the work going forward. The doctor is rearranging his schedule and will have a date in July soon. God is stirring the fire inside me and moving in a mighty way. He’s just not prompting me to write at the moment, although He did arrange me to present a message on 3 hours notice last Friday. His handiwork is everywhere I look.

Posted on FaceBook Jun 8, 2021

Hello, Kingdom,

In Oct 2010, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which resulted in 1/3 of my left kidney being removed (it was rated stage 1B, full encapsulated.) A subsequent regular checkup 3 years later showed three polyps had sprouted near the site of the surgical removal, and those were removed by ablation (electrodes inserted into my back and zapping them away.) Two weeks ago, yet another routine MRI scan showed that the cancer may have returned, to the same kidney. Follow-up scans are scheduled for Wed, Jun 9, to determine the next step, most likely laparoscopic surgery to remove part or the rest of the left kidney, depending on the health of the right kidney. This post is not one to elicit pity or sorrow, or prayers even, though I know there are already plenty of prayers being offered up and are appreciated greatly. This post is to give YOU hope in your own circumstances by giving you a glimpse of my walk with Christ, a walk that each of you can enjoy RIGHT NOW, no matter your current circumstances, beliefs or level of faith. HOPE!

Some may think I have bad luck. Not a part of my belief system. Some may think I am cursed, having cancer diagnoses 3 times in 11 years, and wonder what my sins are, as did Job’s friends in the Bible. Not my situation either. Some may think I am under attack by Satan, while others may think God is testing me. Either one of those is possible. Time to strap on your seatbelts; we’re about to go on a ride through how my heart works.

In July 2017, I approached our pastor, Pastor Donald Leavell, about the drumbeats in my head. I felt God was calling me to ministry, to tend to the brokenhearted. That conversation began a nearly 4 year journey during which I was equipped in His Word. It culminated last Sunday, May 30, when I was ordained. Within a few weeks of my initial conversation, the first test came: Hurricane Harvey. Pat asked me if we were going to bug out or stay put. We stayed home. All we lost was part of a fence. We never lost electricity, internet or even satellite (and we had DirecTV y’all.) Whether it was Satan trying to distract me or drive a wedge in the spiritual realm between Pat and I (who’s in charge?) or God was testing my resolve and commitment to Him was irrelevant at the time. I knew God was in control and would provide for us, so we stayed. My response would have been the same either way. Focus on God.

And so it is now with the cancer situation. Whether Satan is trying to distract me, cause me to curse God for my misfortunes or God again testing me or still building up my testimonial portfolio, makes no difference. The response is still the same for me, again.

At the death of my late wife (and probably even before that) I surrendered everything to God. Since then, He has continued to provide my needs and still continues to bless me, so that I may bless others. That is my unshakeable faith. FOCUS on Him, always. Since He is the answer to everything, I am committed to keep my focus and faith on Him and Him alone. That is why I have no fear. God has done it before, and He will do it again. He is not finished with me, not by a long shot.

I know many are suffering right now. A number of friends are battling cancer (one actually passed away as I was writing this,) and are more greatly affected by the devastation the disease is causing to their bodies. But God is faithful. Everything has a purpose in God’s plan for our lives. We are never alone. Our Hope comes from Him, and we must have faith and put our trust in God. We must place our complete surrender in His hands. Again, I can’t say it enough. It doesn’t matter whether your problems are brought on by Satan, or God is testing you. The response is the same: trust in God and stay focused on Him.

This same thought process can be applied to the End Times. Whether you physically pass away before the End Times or you are alive when Jesus comes, your focus should still be the same: live a righteous, surrendered life walking with Jesus Christ. Focus on what Jesus tells us in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.”

Wrap your head around that. Absorb that deep into your heart. That is your HOPE! That is my HOPE!

So, celebrate with me as we watch God’s victory over this cancer unfold. One way or another it is already gone. Praise God! This continues my personal revival and the Kingdom revival here on earth is coming. SOON!

Be Blessed.

Posted on FaceBook May 30, 2021

The Legacy continues. My dad was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church in the early 70’s. Two of his sisters were Catholic nuns (one still is.) I believe the first Goguen to land in North America (Canada) was a priest. I have a few cousins who are pastors. And today I joined the ranks and was ordained!Thanks to all who have supported this journey, whether you knew it or not. Thanks for all who joined and celebrated with me today: family and friends, and church family.

I must thank my wife, Pat Cruz-Goguen, for your support, guidance, patience, criticism and love through all of this.

I am humbled that God chose to call me to this ministry almost 4 years ago, then immediately began equipping me with His Word. His call was very specific. It was more than minister to the broken hearted (we were already hosting GriefShare and DivorceCare.) He told me to become an ordained pastor. Now that I am one, I look forward to what His plans are for me now.

And a special thanks to Pastor Don and Marva Leavell for your support and encouragement.