Sometimes, prayers are merely felt by the one lifted up; other times, they actually transform the situation. For me, your prayers this last year have accomplished both.
For months, many of you have joined with Leif and me to #prayforzero. You’ve asked the God who heals that at the end of my treatment, my body would have zero cancer cells left.
After many months of chemotherapy and several surgeries, we finally received the initial test results.
We got zero.
God heard your prayers, your petitions, your requests. Thank you for standing with us and reflecting Jesus’ love to us. A thousand lifetimes wouldn’t be enough to express our gratitude.
We are left wonderstruck.
The surgeon explained that only about 15% of the patients with the type of cancer I have that she sees get a 100% response to chemotherapy. Knowing the extreme challenges I’ve faced during treatment, she described the results as “amazing.”
I prefer the word miraculous. This news allows me to continue to write and travel and speak and to connect with all of you who prayed so diligently for me and with me these many months.
I’m entering the next stage of treatment and then finishing up with recovery and cannot wait to see all of you soon. Thank you for all the support you’ve shown us during this challenging time.
Many of you have asked, “Is Margaret still traveling, speaking, and taking bookings in 2014 and 2015?” And the answer is YES! Simply fill out of a speaking inquiry form, and we will work with you on the details for your event.
Along with fighting with joy, Leif and I have chosen to root ourselves in the future throughout this battle. I’ve been so looking forward to the places my speaking schedule will take us this year. The idea of seeing old friends and making new ones has kept me going. Visiting faith communities where God is doing amazing things always gives me new life and new hope.
I’ve been overwhelmed with how God has moved through this season and am excited to begin sharing some of the insights into Scripture and God’s goodness I’ve found along the way.
Of course, the prayer for zero has not ended. I would ask that you continue to #prayforzero—that the cancer would never return and that others (like my father) who are fighting right now would experience supernatural healing. Our great, big God is listening and answering those prayers.
Know that I am more hopeful, joyful, and prayerful than ever before. And I look forward to seeing you soon.
Fighting with joy & grateful for zero,
Margaret, Leif, and Hershey
What wonderful news!!!!
Our God is amazing! So thankful to wake up to this incredible news!
Glory to God! Praise Him from whom all blessings flow. And as we continue praying for you, let us also pray for Darlene Zschech who’s was recently diagnosed and is beginning the battle. Happy New Year, Margaret, Leif and Hershey!
Yes– lifting up Darlene and her family during this time. Thanks for the reminder, Dusty.
I did not know about Darlene Z. I will be praying for her too. Meanwhile I am saying Thank you God for your wondeful answer to prayer. Thank you for the privelege of prayer. I praise you for who you are and all you are God which is more than we will everr imagine or comprehend. And yet your care about us and our prayers. Continue your work in Margret’s life and thank you for useing her to touch us, me specifically. Praise God Amen
Thank you for sharing this amazing and inspiring news today. Millions of prayers for Zero cancer and our God proves He is faithful AGAIN! What overwhelming joy! Bless you and your family, Margaret. I will continue to pray for you, your Dad and countless others who fight this battle. Truly … HAPPY New Year!
In His love & mine,
Felecia
Oh Margaret what wonderful news. I have prayed every time I see your name or read a post.
I am amazed how God has given you the strength, patience and endurance. With faith you have shown that we cannot do any if this alone. Our need is our God.
May you continue to rest in Him alone.
To God be the glory and may #prayforzero be our call to Him knowing too that He has the power to do all things.
Many blessings for 2014
Janis
Praise the matchless Name of Jesus! I’m so EXCITED!!!! Oh Margaret! This is AWESOME news my friend!!! 🙂 God is SO GOOD!!!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR Margaret, Leif, and Hershey!
Praising God from Whom All Blessings FLow,
Alicia
So thankful for a great report! Continuing to pray, and praying and fighting alongside my husband as he battles prostate cancer. Two years of surgery/treatments haven’t gotten us to zero. Yet. Praying this will be the year. #cancersucks #jesuswins #always
Praying for you and your hubby, Tracey. You are loved. You are prayed for. You are thought of.
Praising our awesome God for Zero! What wonderful news Margaret! Thank you for sharing it with us. Continued prayers for strength and healing throughout your recovery and beyond.
Praying for Zero,
Victoria
PRAISE BE TO GOD! Such wonderful news for you, Margaret. I have joined you as you #prayforzero since I first saw your request. May 2014 bring you and Leif many more miraculous blessings.
Thanks be to God…. Oh, Margaret — thanks be to God.
Continuing to #prayforzero — and give thanks with you a thousandfold.
I send more love than these thin letters can carry….
Praise, praise, praising God while I do a little dance in my kitchen with a tear on my cheek! This journey with you guys has renewed my faith in THE God who heals Margaret!
JOY-FULL with you! xoxoxo
So thrilled to hear Margaret!!! To God be the glory. Great things He has done!!! Happy New Year!
Hallelujah!
What a wonder-full note to begin singing the glories of God’s amazing goodness this year!
Our Great Physician has responded to prayers and petitions and wrought a healing so precious it brings simultaneous laughter and tears.
Raising my hands to the sky and shouting thank You!
Pressing my fingers to the keyboard to express my love to Margaret, Leif and Hershey.
Amazed thinking of all of the lives this illness and healing has touched and those it will touch in the years to come.
Wonderstruck is an understatement.
And that’s how God does it.
Congratulations and Happy New Year!
Praise God!
Relieved and grateful. Praise be, Margaret, and continuing to pray…
thank God and praise Him for the fact that your work here with us is not finished!
Praise Jesus! We celebrate with you and are continuing to pray for and with you both! Can’t wait to hug your necks!!
Amen, amen and amen! Wonder-filled, life-giving news indeed! Keeping zero as the goal for you and joining in lifting up others (especially your father) in their fights as well!
WOOHOO!!!! Thanks be to God for all of His indescribable gifts. This is the absolute best news of the new year. 🙂 Now book something in Indiana already so I can see you.
My heart is full of rejoicing. This is the absolute best New Years Day news I could ask for. Thrilled beyond words and committed to continue praying. God is good.
Thanks be to God! HE is amazing! So happy to get your good news on the first day of a new year! Praying that the news will continue to be good and that you and Leif will have your most blessed year ever!! xoxoxo
Thank you Jesus! I’m praising our merciful God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all the we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen!!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful news. Happy New Year Margaret, Leif, and Hershey!
Praise the Lord!! God is so good!
Margaret, I am so happy for you….May this be the very best year for you.
And I will see you In April in Pensacola, Fl, I do believe you have a title
for an up coming book {Pray For Zero}. Love wishing we were closer to
be girlfriends. Really need someone at time to talk with. Yeah for Zero!
Love you,
Lisa
So happy for you, Margaret! I was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 23 and am undergoing chemo now, then radiation after. I won’t be finished with treatments until July. I would love it if you would also #prayforzero for me. It’s going to be a long journey. I pray to God for strength and courage to get through this. Your story gives me hope for a miraculous, complete healing. Thank you for sharing, and may God bless you.
Laura, lifting you up and I will continue to #prayforzero for you. Remember: You are loved. You are thought of. You are prayed for. Huge hug to you.
What wonderful news to start off this New Year Margaret! Absolutely ecstatic for you, Leif & Hershey! I can’t wait to share your update with all our ladies this “New Day” but I just had to write a quick note to you before I do. Our God is absolutely Amazing and His timing is always perfect! Praying specific for “zero numbers” has been a faith-builder for our group as well as exiting as together we “wait” to see God at work! Just want you to know we will be doing the “happy dance” here as we celebrate with you all the great things He has done! Love to you all as we continue to pray together!
To God be the Glory! ! !
Oh what a joyful BEGINNING to 2014. So thrilled for you and Leif. I will continue to #prayforzero!!!
Remember, when you tweet, I pray!!!
Thanks be to God! How wonderful ! That you are beginning this new year with such amazing news!
Amen, Amen. Amen. Thank you Jesus! Amen.
All praise to God, Margaret; and thank you for sharing your experience along this phase in your life journey. Blessings of health, wholeness, and peace in 2014 to each who #prayforzero – you’ve deepened our faith and trust in the Almighty God who ever caresses us; we stand rejoicing and #wonderstruck!
Praise God, Margaret, and congratulations on Zero! God is good. And Happy New Year!
Praise the Lord! I am so thrilled to hear this news! What a wonderful way to start the new year. I will continue to #prayforzero.
Sending you hugs, love, and prayers.
xoxo
Awesome news! Miraculous! I’m full of gratitude to God for answered prayers!
Margaret, I continue to be awed by the spirit of humility, grace, and faith that I feel when I read your words. I can only imagine the fear and worry that must come to you and Leif in the dark hours, yet, I hear nothing of fear and worry in your voice, only belief that God will carry you through one more day, even if this wonderful news were to change to something different. Your faith helps to embolden my faith and your devotion to people helps me to look beyond myself. I am in praise with you and in continued prayer for you. Be well.
Dear Margaret, I am so delighted to read your report! The triumph of God to have His way in your life – zero cancer cells -Praise God! Amen! Waiting for the good news for your father.
“I’m praying for Zero, Father.” is a battle cry I am now employing for others. Thank you for expressing the need so well.
Oh rejoicing…rejoicing…amazing grace…celebrating the joy with you…Glory be to God!!!
What awesome news to start the new year. Thank you for the update Margaret. And thank you God!
O Praise His Name! Rejoicing with you!
Beautiful news,Margaret! Happy New Year.
Praising God with you!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.
Praise The Lord, God is good all the time!
That is such awesome news!! 🙂
Praise The Lord! You have been on my heart and mind and when I read this post I rejoiced! I know God is using you and Leif to minister to so many. I’ll continue to pray!
Praise God!! How marvelous and miraculous is our God!!
That is wonderful, good news. Praise the Lord! God does amazing and miraculous work!
Hallelujah.
God is GREAT! What wonderful news. Continuing to prayforzero for you & your dad.
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!!
Such fantastic news and a very special Happy New Year for you!!! Continuing to pray 4zero!!!
Awesome God! Don’t you just love the miracles in life? So happy for your great news! Continued prayers for ZERO! Lynne
The best New Year’s Gift ever!
Pam
Grateful to read this post! To God be the glory, great things He continues to do!
Such GOOD news! All our prayers have been answered by an awesome God! You and your family will remain in my daily prayers. I believe that 2014 will be an amazing year of God’s blessing!
Word! SO HAPPY! from half way around the world …wonderstruck with u!
So happy for you and Leif, continuing to pray for your healing and restoration! Praising our Lord and miraculous restorer!
God be praised, Margaret! Rejoicing with you!
Oh Margaret,, praise God!! I am a believer in Miracles.. Joy, & love each time I read your words, I’m always uplifted, you are so inspiring
met you at Baydside in Ca., I’m excited to read your new book .. I’m sure you’ll be writing one!! Good news is so sweet!! Mae
Thanks be to God for this wondrous and miraculous news, Margaret! Major fistpump!!!!
What joy, to be blessed by Him and in being so a living testimony of His healing grace. I’m awestruck for you, Margaret.
Blessings!
Praise God for this great report.
May your faith be bolstered and may you be emboldened to continue to share the hope you find in Christ.
All for His glory.. And your joy!! All Glory Be to Christ
Rejoicing with you! AWESOME 🙂
Thanks be to God!! Wonderful news!! Thank you again for allowing us to share this journey with you. We are all blessed by your openness. Continuing to hold you in prayer.
Margaret, so thankful to hear this news! That is a report that does my heart my good! Many Blessings to you and Leif and Hershey!
Miraculous for sure!! Praise be to His name to cover you with His healing hands!! Much love to you & will plan on seeing you in TN! ((hugs))
Such stunning grace, such marvelous news!!!!!! Margaret, when I picture that GREAT BIG ZERO, i see it empty of every last cancer cell and as a complete and beautiful circle, like His arms encircling and embracing and emcompassing you with His love……His full, complete, protective love. My friend Shelly Miller speaks so highly of you. Praying for continued zeros of love and cancer-free days.
Love
Lynn
Oh, Margaret, I am so thrilled with your good news! I, too, have experienced the incredible healing power of our awesome God, and, after chemo and surgeries, have been blessed with ZERO 🙂 I continue to pray for ZERO, and you are included! I look forward to seeing you again at Capital Church in Salt Lake City!
Oh Margaret! Tears of joy for you and Leif. Continuing to pray with you and for you. Much love my friend. May God continue to amaze you this new year!
I’m so happy to hear your good news! I will continue to pray for zero! Blessings!
This is such wonderful news. Sue and I and so many from our church (Bayside of Granite Bay) have been praying for ZERO. We all LOVE you and so appreciate you..
Margaret and Leif,
Celebrating with you on the wonderful news of your healing. Continued prayers as you complete the last phase of treatment.
Blessings…
What amazing news!!!! Looking forward to seeing you back at Grace this coming weekend. Blessings!
Dear Margaret and Leif.
We leave behind a year of sadness and joy,to you wonderfull people I’m so glad that Jesus Grace and His Wisdom and Power thru all the Doctors and the medication healed you to continue the spreading of His Word and helping people as you have been doing for so many years. I realy share your Joy, may you guys have a wonderfull year and keep on doing what you enjoy the most. From us we have a few challenges ourself, for one thing is certain, as long as we have Hope we have everything we need.
Blessings and love.
Gert & Lynette.
Gert
I am filled with joy for you and Lief. I feel like I want to stand near you both and wonder in the presence of God enveloping you at this time. Such a good blessing from an almighty God to begin a new year . . . .
I continue to pray for growing health and vitality and strength for the work God has before you.
Blessings,
Darrell
Rejoicing! Dancing! Praising! High-fiving!
Extremely happy to hear this.
I’m very happy for you Margaret. Praise the Lord.
Margaret – Can we get an AMEN?!!! Fantastic to read this after I spent last night preparing with my leadership team at Grace Chapel, here in freezing cold Lexington, Mass! We were prayerfully getting ready to host YOU this coming Saturday with over 300 women! Be blessed and we lovingly await your arrival. I am going through lesson 1 shortly at work, during my lunch time.
Much Love,
Judith
Praising God with you! So thankful!
I just knew it! That God woulddo the math and the answer would be zero.
Halleluyah!
Wonderful news Magaret!
Really happy to hear this. Sandy and I are really happy. God Bless you!
Woo-hoo for what God did! Celebrating with you, friend! XO
Amazing is His Grace & Healing !
Don’t forget to listen for God’s voice in everything you do and everywhere you go; He is the one that will keep you on track.
..my soul waits quietly before God, He is my only Hope…. (Psalm 62:55)
Always give thanks for unknown blessings already on the way.
God Bless
Paula >
….faith like potatoes….
Yes!!! Thanks for the praise report!!! Continuing to pray & look forward to your next visit to Bayside!!! 🙂
YAY!!! God is soooo AMAZING!!! So happy for you!
May your 2014 be BLESSED beyond measure, FULL of SURPRISES, FULL of great relationships, and FILLED with an ever-increasing intimacy with God! Boy does he LOVE the heck out of you! 🙂 Snuggle up with him today. He’s waiting . . . and He soooo enjoys it! 🙂
ABUNDANT Blessings!!
Woo hoo! Praising God for his healing work in you! Your speaking sisters and your listening, learning audiences are grateful to know we’ll see you in 2014 and beyond, Margaret!
Amen to that!
Wow!!!!! Now that’s the God we serve – He is the healing, the provider! I am thrilled for you and your family. He has blessed us all in “our” prayer journey of praying with you in this.
Miraculous indeed! Can feel the love of God and know He is celebrating right along with us!! Continued prayers for all (including your father).
Wonderstruck again…..
Praise and Glory to God almighty who IS able to do exceedingly abundantly more!!
Thank you, Father God! Ms. Margaret, I will continue to pray for blessings overflowing on you and your family, for protection and wisdom. Much love sister!
so thankful to read this! <3
Joy unspeakable and full of glory! You mean so much to me, Margaret. You have been used mightily in my life and in the lives of my husband and daughter as well! There is immense power in prayer!!
Margaret,
That is wonderful, I too just finishe going through chemo and radiation for Breast Cancer. Can you tell me what tests they took after everything was done that let you know that there is zero cancer in your body? I would ask for prayer that zero cancer would ever come back. No recurrence ever please!
Praise be to God! What wonderful news! Continuing to #prayforzero and for His blessings upon you, Margaret.
Congratulations!! I will definitely be praying that the cancer never returns and that it is gone for good. Miraculous healings always take my breath away.
Praise the Lord for His healing touch that leaves me awestruck!
PTL!!! Best news today.Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly!
That’s such terrific news, Margaret! Rejoicing with you!!
That is wonderful news! Thank the good Lord!!
Doing the happy dance with you and Leif. What a praise! Continuing to #prayforzero excited to see what God has in store for you in 2014.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praising God!!!
I am so full of joy and gratitude. God is good. Still praying for you. Thank you for sharing!
I’m sitting at my desk, tears washing my face, singing…Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. AMEN. Your healing is a gift to us all! In the 21st century God continues to work miracles! Blessings! Blessings! Blessings!
I was so, so happy to read this news. Praise God! Please let us know if there are other ways we can pray as you continue with any treatments. I’m sure you are exhausted!
What wonderful news! I’m so happy to hear this. God bless you as you continue to serve him. You are such a treasure. Blessings!
Yeah!!! So glad to hear that!
Praise the Lord!!! 🙂
We thank you Father for the healing and grace you’ve blessed your child Margaret with.
May you be glorified in the miracle you’ve bestowed.
Hi Margaret…. I am so thankful to hear your MIRACULOUS report! You and your hubby have been in my thoughts and prayers so much this year! I can’t wait to hear about all that the upcoming year holds for you!! God is good! Much love! Julie
So very thankful to hear this!!! 🙂 God is so very good! <3
Margaret, I am so happy and thrilled at this news. May your story be an encouragement to many many others
Your neighbor and future friend, David
PRAISE GOD!!!! You are a MIRACLE, my sweet friend!!!!!
To God be the glory! That is wonderful news! We are so happy for you and may 2014 be your best year ever.
Agape,
Kristianne
Thank you Jesus. Excited to see what the future holds for you.
Praise God!
I’m so very glad for you and rejoice with you.
See you in Monterey real soon!
I know I’m a couple of weeks late to the party, but WOOHOO! I am elated to hear this report about your health. We will continue to pray for you and your father, as well as, Leif and your Mom.
Love,
Felicia & Dave (SJ, CA)
Good new, indeed! Thankful with you and for you.
I recently attended Escape to Renewal in Miamisburg, Ohio. I have been sick for quite some time with migraines, chest pains, ect. I got sick and missed the second half of the second day. I really enjoyed your message, I am praying for you and your great work for God, and I bought you book, Wonderstruck. I am someone who likes to talk to others about Jesus and I enjoy giving gifts so I will be ordering some of your material. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for being an inspiration.
Pam Patrick
Dear Margaret,
I just finished reading all your “Battling cancer posts” God does work in mysterious ways. My bible study group read your “wonderstruck” book a few months ago. I was unaware you were battling cancer at the time, but I felt a kindship to you throughtout the whole study. I wish I had been able to tell you this earlier but in gods time. 5 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. 1 month later my 31 year old niece was diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 month later my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer! I feel for your mother, my mom had her daughter, granddaughter and her husband all in Chemo at the same time. Talk about testing our faith! Never lose hope! I just celebrated my “5 year birthday”, my niece also celebrated hers this month and more importantly just gave birth to her second beautiful son! My father did lose his battle a year later but his greatest pleasure was seeing his daughter and grand daughter win the battle! I will hold you and your family up in prayer Margaret’ I know what it did for my family and I know what it can do for yours! Before you know it you too will be celebrating your “5 year birthday!”
Love to you Jenny Paulsen
Dear Jenny– thank you for your sweet note of encouragement. Huge hug to you!