We cannot choose what happens to us, but God gives us the choice of how to respond. Kevin and May Lo were honored as one of 10 to receive the "Most Harmonious Families" award -- while she was going through breast cancer treatments.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” - 1 Peter 1:3

We were baptized into Christ in the Hong Kong Church of Christ more than 18 years ago. By God's grace, we have been married for 12 years and are blessed with two wonderful kids – Teddy (9) and Kevina (5). We are both working for international IT companies with stable incomes, committed to the church and ministry. God has given us many blessings looking to a brilliant future. However, an incident in 2006 taught us about the ‘real’ blessing from God in a much deeper way.

The bad news
In late November 2006, May was diagnosed with breast cancer at stage two. Why was this happening to us? Was this just a nightmare? Our minds were blank when we were told about the disease by the doctor. The next many days would be very difficult. It seemed that it rained every time May needed to undergo all the cancer treatments such as operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, target therapy, etc. At the beginning, we always asked God, “Could You change your plan for us to glorify you in another way? We could not stand for it.” Finally, after countless prayers with tears, we surrendered to God, and accepted His plan with peace in hearts before the operations.

In the operating room
On the day of my second operation, I (May) got up at 6 am as I felt that I needed God to give me strength and to be sure He will be with me before surgery. Especially because it is not difficult to relate the two words “cancer” and “death”, I studied all the scriptures about God’s promises for eternal life to strength my faith. As a disciple for 18 years, I had helped more than one hundred of non-Christians to study the Bible. However, it was truly a testing time for my real convictions about His gospel.

I laid down on the cart and was being wheeled to the operation room by the medical staff, accompanied by my husband. Door by door, we went through several corridors, passed through different wards and floors. A the last door, the nurse said to Kevin, “You’re her husband? You must stay here as you’re not allowed to go inside.” Suddenly, I started to feel nervous. But it reminded me that, at the Judgment Day, nobody can accompany me, even my husband. I will be standing in front of God for the full accountability of my own life.

I was put on a surgery bed and I almost could not open my eyes as more than six to ten spotlights were above me. “Stretch out your left hand for me”, said my surgical doctor as she was marking my body for the operation. “Stretch out your right hand, I need it to inject the anesthetic medicine. You will fall asleep after a few seconds.” Suddenly I realized that the scene was so familiar to me. Oh! It was exactly the same when Jesus was on the cross. I could hear His whisper “I am with you. Don’t be afraid! I suffered what you’re suffering”. Then, I was happy. I smiled.

The experience is that should be most unpleasant drew me closer to Him in an unexpected way. I was united with Him and He accompanied me to go through the most difficult time. Thanks to God!

Overcome pain by giving to the others
God did bring me through the operation, but the treatment wouldn’t stop there. It was followed by the chemotherapy which meant 8 times of chemo injection. Each time took 2 hours or even 2 days. What could I do in order not to be indulged in a downward emotional spiral and depression?

God helped me find these ways. I deliberately kept myself focusing on other's needs, mailing “Encouragement Packages” to the friends of the church and the children in the kids’ kingdom, calling some friends to care for them.

In January, I decided to write 1,000 words about our family in order to participate in the “Harmonious Family Drive"(which was one of the key celebrations of the Hong Kong Government for the 10th Anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to Mainland China) as I really wanted to do something when I was able to leave my bed. At that moment, I was still receiving chemo treatment and my body was very weak. With God’s grace, we were selected to be among the finalists and were requested to join the interviews with the board for the final selection. Our story of love inside the family moved the judges (which include a number of top officials and famous figures in Hong Kong SAR). Out of the 1,200 participating families, we were chosen as one of the 10 Harmonious Families of Hong Kong. Glories to God!

Journalists and cameramen from the media came to our home to report our story. The Award was presented by the top official of the Hong Kong SAR Government during a TV show to celebrate the anniversary. On Fathers’ Day of 2007, I (Kevin) was interviewed by the TV news reporters about how to balance work & life during your wife’s illness. Unexpectedly, God used our lives to shine in a very different way than we had ever expected.

Celebrating God's blessings
Thanks to God's grace and strength, I completed all cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, target therapy) May 28. We had planned our celebration on the wonderful Steps of the Apostles Tour sponsored by Disciples Today and led by Roger Lamb. April 26 – May 8. I will still take medication for five years. Gratefully, I am in good health and energetic. I'm going to swim now after completed this article, but sometimes I easily tire. The doctors say that I am in good condition and recovery. They encourage me to just continue with my joy and good habits.

The secret to enduring pain and suffering
We understand that the greatest glory comes from giving and sacrificing instead of material blessing. Jesus said it best: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." The real blessing cannot be measured in what we have or can achieve but in the eternal life that God gave us through his son Jesus Christ. This living hope helps us to endure the greatest pain and insecurity during our toughest moments. May the Lord be glorified when we keep following His steps and enduring our trials and challenges in a godly way!

Kevin & May Lo

Hong Kong, China