Louisville—Ken Thomas is civil engineer at the University of Tennessee. He is a husband, a father and a grandfather. Last June, when he found out he needed knee replacement surgery, he went in for a checkup, where the physician noticed an unusual growth on his leg.

At first, it was thought to be a cyst, but further examination and tests showed it was far worse. It was synovial sarcoma, a rare but aggressive cancer that spreads very rapidly.

“The Holy Spirit was already preparing me,” said Thomas. “I was very calm through the whole process.”

Thomas is the father-in-law of Doug Williams, missions strategist for the Missions Mobilization team at the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Thomas, a resident of Knoxville, Tenn., has made it a point to share the gospel with people he encounters on campus and to be a living example of a life changed by Christ.

“He has used his career to point students and faculty to the gospel,” said Williams. “It’s been a strong testimony to God’s grace.”

Upon removal of the growth, the crater on his leg had to be cleaned out and filled in. This was an arduous process that required steadfastness and a reliance upon God for strength, perseverance and hope. Thomas also underwent a muscle transplant in his leg to rid it of unhealthy muscle and tissue caused by the cancer.

Following that, Thomas underwent radiation treatments at the University of Tennessee’s cancer institute. He was confined to a hyperbaric chamber, where he was to breathe pure oxygen and let his leg recover. His pain medication wasn’t working like it should, and he was in extreme pain for long periods at a time. He was unable to walk and wasn’t sure he ever would again.

“I thought about the pain Christ suffered on my behalf,” added Thomas, a member of First Baptist Church of Powell, Tenn. “It was nothing like my pain. Death didn’t bother me.”

“He kept a very God-centered attitude,” reflected Williams, “It was really amazing how the Lord was at work through him. He didn’t seem phased at all.”

Amazingly, after two weeks, Thomas began making strides. He began by using a wheelchair. Then he was able to walk with a cane, and now is able to walk normally. He still needs regular checkups and medical visits, but by-and-large life is back to normal.

“I kept telling God how grateful I was, how He was doing work,” recalled Thomas. “I was very much at peace.”

Along with intentional prayer visits from family and friends, along with Scripture reading and meditation, Thomas found solace in two Christian songs, “Same Power” by Jeremy Camp and “Overwhelmed” by Big Daddy Weave. These songs made their way into his heart and have come to represent more than just any other Christian song he’s heard on the radio.

The songs reminded Thomas that trials such as his cancer battle are God’s way of strengthening our faith and making us more like Him. Thomas was also reminded that the hope we have isn’t a recovery from cancer, financial stability, a career we love, or anything earthly; it’s hope in Christ for our eternal salvation.

“The family was doing an incredible job in prayer and support,” said Thomas. “My wife did an incredible job of caretaking.”

Thomas plans to return to work in August. He feels strengthened by this brush with cancer and not only hopes the cancer is gone for good, but also that it has strengthened his Christian witness, and that it will point to the kingdom of God.

“This type of cancer generally goes to the lungs and is very dangerous,” said Williams. “He knew how to suffer well and honor the Lord while doing it.” (WR)