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# The Bridges Option

Helping Christians share their faith with neighbors of Islamic background

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://bridgesoption.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Home Health Journey](https://bridgesoption.org/home-health-journey/)
- [Why?](https://bridgesoption.org/2023/07/11/why/) - April 19, 2022 Sometimes, when we are not happy with our circumstances, which sometimes we call bad news, we ask the “Why” question. I am coming to think that it has its roots in our thinking too highly of ourselves. Now, I am not talking about those situations where something didn’t work and we ask
- [Friday Was a Strange Day](https://bridgesoption.org/2023/07/11/friday-was-a-strange-day/) - April 29, 2023 Friday was a strange day. I had chest pains throughout it all. Being a man, I tried to tell myself they werenot significant, they were in the wrong place, and generally, nothing to be concerned about. I did actresponsibly by taking a couple of handfuls of aspirin during the day. But, by
- [ The Choice Is Up to Us](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/29/1144/) - The Choice Is Up to Us There are bad times. But rather than despair about whether this is the way it is always going to be, I choose to live with the hope of the better days to come. Better ones in this life and forever. The passage in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 verses 16
- [God Knows Just What We Need Long Before We Need It](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/27/1145/) - God knows just what we need long before we need it Every morning we follow a read through the Bible in a year plan. In our reading this morning we came to Romans 11:33-36 ‘Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and
- [Some Thoughts Come Late at Night](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/26/1146/) - Some thoughts come late at night It is about midnight. We had a real good time at Thanksgiving dinner today. Only two couples were able to attend but that worked out well For eating the women were downstairs and men upstairs. That allowed for some real in depth conversations regarding all aspects of our lives:
- [I Learned an Important Truth and a Little Update](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/25/1147/) - I learned an important truth and a little update I have often used the expression ‘there is good news and bad news’. It is handy for humor and irony, but I am thinking it is really not accurate when we are talking about God's role in our lives. Everything that comes to pass is from
- [Thanksgiving](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/22/1148/) - Thanksgiving So, at church today the Pastor started his sermon by asking what we are thankful for. I did not know if he really wanted an answer or was just using the question to get us thinking. Anyway, I did not say anything because my answer would have needed a bit of explanation. The most
- [I'm Not the Only One with Needs](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/20/1149/) - I'm not the only one with needs It is 6:45 on a cold dark morning and I am on my way home from another blood test. Blood tests have become a normal and frequent part of my life as doctors have to monitor cancer activity and medicine levels for two different cancers in two different
- [Sometimes You Have To Think Weird](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/14/1150/) - Sometimes you have to think weird I listened to a song about survivors missing a loved one. Don’t know the name, didn’t really care for it. It was no where as good as Angel’s Calling. Anyway, it started me to think about how hard it would be for me if Karen were to die before
- [ An Answer to Prayer](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/10/1151/) - An answer to prayer We met with the urologist today to discuss the results of the MRI. They were three main points in the report. He started off very upbeat talking about points number one and three. But he became much more sober as we talked about the second point. It seems the tumors growth
- [Just When We Thought We Knew What Was Happening...](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/11/04/1152/) - Just when we thought we knew what was happening... The initial reading of the MRI shows that there is NO cancer spread into the lymph nodes or the bone. There is a big spot where the tumor is intruding on a muscle. We have not had the consultation with the surgeon yet (that is 10
- [ The Story Keeps Getting Better?](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/10/10/1153/) - The story keeps getting better? I visited the urologist and he confirmed there was reason to be concerned and scheduled me for a biopsy. Today I received the biopsy report on my prostate and out of 12 samples 11 indicated cancer. 3 different kinds, the most prevalent one was advanced and aggressive. Next is an
- [This Medical Stuff Is Starting To Get Annoying](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/09/18/1154/) - This medical stuff is starting to get annoying Today I had a visit with my family doctor. This is the man who caused all the problems in the beginning by wanting to address the issue with my thyroid. I was feeling good but he took care of that. He was happy for the progress after
- [I Didn't Glow in the Dark😕](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/09/16/1155/) - I didn't glow in the dark😕 All along I knew that I would have to have radioactive Iodine therapy. One of the side effects of all these procedures is that you become very well versed in things you really wish you didn't have to know about. The short version is that the thyroid absorbs Iodine.
- [What a Strong Guy I Am, Maybe...](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/09/01/1156/) - What a strong guy I am, maybe... I received many commendations for the healthy attitude I expressed in the face of these difficult circum-stances. Of course, I wrote them and prepared in other ways for death because I was facing all the uncertain-ties of surgery and cancer. After the crisis began to settle down I
- [I Still Am Still Here, After Surgery #2](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/07/17/1157/) - I still am still here, after surgery #2 Sorry to be a day late with my report… The surgery went much better this time from my perspective, but then again I was asleep for the whole thing. Seriously, the recovery room time was easier and anesthetic did not cause as many side affects. I am
- [Some News Is Hard!](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/07/02/1158/) - Some news is hard! The Good news is that my June 17th thyroid surgery was successful and is healing well. It is so wonderful to be able to breathe freely again. The other news is that the pathology report is back and contrary to what was initially thought, 2 different cancers were discovered. There was
- [I'm Still Here?](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/06/18/1159/) - I'm still here? As I began to regain consciousness after my surgery and saw I was in the recovery room I confess to a twinge of disappointment. I thought about what I would not be enjoying in Heaven yet. But then I realized that the hope and reality were still before me. I also thought
- [The First Surgery](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/06/16/1160/) - The First Surgery Wednesday morning I arrive at the hospital at 8AM for surgery at 9AM. The hour and a half procedure will definitely remove the right side of the thyroid gland and the large mass attached to it. Hopefully there will be no indication of cancer or involvement of the left side which would
- [The Origin of the Name of This Blog](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/06/06/1161/) - The origin of the name of this blog Someday Grandmom or I will die. What a harsh way to start a story!! I am writing this to help you understand a little about what happens. It will be a time of sadness because we won’t be together, and we will miss each other. But, if
- [ I Know Where I Am Going](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/07/13/1120/) - I Know Where I Am Going This will probably be the final posting in my blog. In terms of my health things have settled down. No more treatments or major procedures, just blood tests every three months and periodic body scans. The other evening as I was trying to recuperate from a day of moving
- [The only thing certain is...?](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/06/12/1121/) - June 12 The only thing certain is...? Well, things had been quiet for a while on the medical front. That is, no radiation, Doctors visits, or blood lettings (known as blood tests). But, things change. Today I had my one-month post radiation blood test. The results were acceptable. I also received the interpretation of genetic
- [Treatment is all over, looking forward to the rest of my life...](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/05/19/1122/) - Treatment is all over, looking forward to the rest of my life... Last Friday, the 14th of May was my final dose of radiation. They say it will continue destroying cancerous material for another month or so. It was nice to finish, but because of Covid rules it was sort of anticlimactic. I walked out
- [Eight is Great](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/05/04/1123/) - Eight is Great I approached the time for radiation therapy in a medical milieu of 3 surgeries within 9 months, radiation therapy for thyroid cancer, a bout of covid, and androgen suppression therapy which weakened me both physically and mentally. Anticipation was that the ensuing 9 weeks of radiation would be very difficult and the
- [](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/04/20/1124/) - April 20 Radiation treatment this past Thursday was rough and I continued feeling bad all day. The normal pattern would indicate that Friday was going to be horrible. Instead, Friday's session went well, and I felt good. Afterwards I went to Lowe's for mulch. There was no one there to help load so I put
- [24 Down, my how time flies](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/04/16/1125/) - 24 Down, my how time flies Today we have completed our 24th radiation treatment. That means there are only 20 more to go. Another way of thinking is that it is just four more weeks. As time has progressed the side effects have begun to show up more. By Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I began
- [Sorry for the gap in postings](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/04/08/1126/) - Sorry for the gap in postings, It is 11 PM Wednesday night and I feel wide awake. On Wednesdays and Sundays I double the amount of thyroid replacement and the result is usually trouble getting to sleep on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Well, today was my 17th radiation treatment. Each treatment is very short and
- [ One down, 43 to go](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/03/15/1127/) - One down, 43 to go Today was the first day of radiation. Things went very smoothly end quickly. It is probably just my imagination, but I feel a little queasy down in the area of the X Ray but not any really big problem. The only disappointment that I could have about the process is
- [Update and a little insight into my head and heart](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/03/11/1128/) - Update and a little insight into my head and heart On March 4th I had bunch of CAT Scans which guided them to put the locator tattoos in the right place for the upcoming radiation. They also made a mold which will hold my body in the same place during all the sessions of radiation.
- [The rest of the story from 25 Feb that I should have written sooner.](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/03/11/1129/) - The rest of the story from 25 Feb that I should have written sooner. The procedure of 25 Feb was the most painful episode in my whole cancer journey. It seems that the skin and blood vessels on my right arm are very tough. At least, that was the conclusion of the two nurses who
- [Shortest Post Ever](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/02/25/1130/) - Shortest Post Ever Surgery successful. Home now. Groggy, tender, hungry, and tired. Thankful to God and for all those who prayed.
- [ Moving On](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/02/22/1131/) - Moving On After everything being cancelled because of Covid, we are making progress on treatment being scheduled. Thursday the 25th I will have the gold markers and spacing gel put in. This is a relatively simple surgical procedure, but I will have an IV anesthetic. I am glad that I will not be awake for
- [ Memories...](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/02/16/1132/) - Memories... Getting ready for bed last night I ripped off the tape from yesterday's blood test . I commented that between the blood drawing and the EKG that was the most uncomfortable aspect of the day's tests. I then observed that next Thursday would be the next time for a hole in my arm for anesthetic
- [ FREE AT LAST...](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/02/08/1133/) - FREE AT LAST... Our covid isolation has been over for awhile but we were still taking it easy so that we can recover our strength before going out in public again. Last Sunday was going to be the big day returning to church. The only glitch was that early Sunday morning we had about 7
- [A Clearer Perspective -  thanks to all who responded and prayed](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/02/03/1134/) - A Clearer Perspective - thanks to all who responded and prayed Well, our little snowstorm of three days dropped about 31 inches in our area. After writing yesterday's post, I got a phone call from my daughter. She observed that I seemed to be feeling a little down and she said, ‘I tried to think
- [One Quick Update](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/02/01/1135/) - One Quick Update Well I am officially past the time where I have to be isolated because of covid. I would like to say that I am full of vim and vigor and back to normal. However, that is not the case I am still very tired. During the one week I lost over 15
- [However, if it turns out to be more then a common cold...](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/01/23/1136/) - However, if it turns out to be more then a common cold... Well I had been wondering what would be next in this whole journey. In my last post I talked confidently about my common cold. I was lovingly castigated by someone close to me for making an assumption like I did when I didn't
- [One good thing about the common cold — you feel so much better when you recover](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/01/19/1137/) - One good thing about the common cold — you feel so much better when you recover I have often thought about writing another post sooner, but I went and caught a common cold. I thoroughly checked to make sure the symptoms were that of a cold and not of covid, the flu, or some other
- [The Doctors Are Back](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/01/09/1138/) - The Doctors Are Back December and the first three days of January were very relaxed as far as medical procedures go. Not a single blood test, surgical procedure, or even a doctor's visit. If it were not for all the little things like getting up at 2:30 in the morning for medicine, a confusing mass
- [It is not all about hot flashes...](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/12/29/1139/) - It is not all about hot flashes... We were driving up to my son’s house for an early family Christmas celebration and I was feeling increasingly hot. I asked Karen if she felt warm hoping maybe it was not me, but she was fine. I was starting to get concerned because the hot flash kept
- [Words Mean a Lot](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/12/14/1140/) - Words Mean a Lot In my circles, I feel like an anomaly. Most of my friends have never had cancer, let alone having two during the same year. It is a learning process for them as they interact with me. I have never been in a cancer battle before, so it is a learning process
- [Who Turned the Thermostat Up?](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/12/11/1141/) - Who turned the thermostat up? Unlike my stodgy contemplative stay at home wife, I have always been adventurous and looking for new experiences, charging ahead into the unknown. Wait a minute I think I have that backwards. Those of you that know me understand how much I like the status quo. If something works why
- [ A Little Rant](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/12/08/1142/) - A Little Rant We were driving to church and Karen brought up the idea of downsizing. She had good thoughts about all the stuff that we had accumulated over the years and were not using. But she added in the idea that if I weren’t here, she wouldn't know what to do with the stuff
- [ What Am I Thinking About?](https://bridgesoption.org/2020/12/04/1143/) - What Am I Thinking About? I was asked the other day if I think about the cancers much. I responded that they are a reality of my life and part of my body, but I don't find myself dwelling about the cancers any more than any other part of my body. What I do notice
- [Once more again...](https://bridgesoption.org/2021/12/22/once-more-again/) - November 21 Well, here we are again. It's 8:30 Sunday night and I am waiting till the Monday morning drive to the hospital for another surgery. It's been interesting this time. In some ways it has been rather low key, everyone says it's not a big deal including the doctor. However, when it is not
- [What's the value of a Zero?](https://bridgesoption.org/2022/01/05/whats-the-value-of-a-zero/) - Do you ever feel like a zero? As we moved into studying about decimals there were some students who characterized themselves as zeros. Now I could not let that stand but neither did I think arguing with them about their perceived self-worth was going to be effective. After all they were expressing deep seated feelings,
- [Maybe it was the cheese steak sandwiches and the pepperoni pizza and the spicy Buffalo cheese dip](https://bridgesoption.org/2022/01/15/maybe-it-was-the-cheese-steak-sandwiches-and-the-pepperoni-pizza-and-the-spicy-buffalo-cheese-dip/) - Maybe it was the cheese steak sandwiches and the pepperoni pizza and the spicy Buffalo cheese dip that I had at my grandson's birthday party, or maybe it was something else. I was lying in bed thinking about the teddy bear that I have had since I have been four years old. It just sits
- [Just wait till a better time...](https://bridgesoption.org/2022/01/15/just-wait-till-a-better-time/) - I have told very few people about this. I don't consider myself a mystic nor do I put much stock in dreams, and I certainly don't like to put much stock in extrabiblical ideas. But let me go back just a little bit and provide some background to this. Many people would have described my

## Pages

- [Blank Page](https://bridgesoption.org/) - The Bridges Option exists to help local churches and Christians prepare for, and respond to, the challenge of giving their Muslim neighbors an opportunity to hear the Gospel. We do this through on-site training, seminars, DVD extension courses, and our literature ministry. Our goal is to serve the church, and we can tailor our efforts
- [Resources](https://bridgesoption.org/resources/) - Our mission statement is "To help churches in the U.S. provide their Muslim neighbors with an opportunity to hear the Gospel." The philosophy of Bridges Option is that we do not want to see ministry restricted by lack of funds. We do not sell any of our material, but we do let you know what
- [John](https://bridgesoption.org/john/) - For seven years, John & Karen Elias served in London, ministering in Muslim communities. Prior to this, John had been on the pastoral staff at Cedar Crest BFC for ten years. Their work in London involved personal evangelism, literature outreach, and mobilizing local churches and Christians for outreach in their own areas. Since January 2014
- [Events](https://bridgesoption.org/events/) - July 23 New Life Community Church, Kingsville MD August 13 Fairview Gospel Church, Fairview, NJ
- [Philosophy](https://bridgesoption.org/philosophy/) - The following statements constitute our ministry philosophy and guiding principles.1. God loves Muslims and is building His Kingdom among them. (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9)2. The Bible is sufficient concerning all matters of faith and conduct. The Bible is sufficient to draw people to faith in Christ. The use of other faiths religious texts is
- [Donate](https://bridgesoption.org/donate/) - If you would like to support the ministry of The Bridges Option, reaching our Muslim neighbors with the Gospel, you can use the PayPal option below.
- [Programs](https://bridgesoption.org/programs/) - We would like to offer our help to your church. Because all situations are different, we can tailor our involvement to your needs with some or all of the following:Providing the “Bridges DVD study on Christians Connecting With Muslims” for small group or Sunday school use.Help with starting an Oasis Group for prayer and growing
- [Beliefs](https://bridgesoption.org/beliefs/) - 1. SCRIPTURE – the sixty-six books of the Bible are the written word of God, verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit, without error in the original manuscripts, and are the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. Ps. 19:7-12; II Tim. 3:14-17; II Pet. 1:20-212. GOD – there is only one true God,
- [Contact](https://bridgesoption.org/contact/) - John EliasThe Bridges OptionBethlehem, PA Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastAddressPhoneEmail *Comment or Message *Submit
- [About](https://bridgesoption.org/who-we-are/)
- [Home](https://bridgesoption.org/home/) - The Bridges Option exists to help local churches and Christians prepare for, and respond to, the challenge of giving their Muslim neighbors an opportunity to hear the Gospel. We do this through on-site training, seminars, DVD extension courses, and our literature ministry. Our goal is to serve the church, and we can tailor our efforts

## Categories

- [Living with Cancer](https://bridgesoption.org/category/living-with-cancer/)
- [The Rest of Life](https://bridgesoption.org/category/the-rest-of-life/)

## Tags

- [surgery](https://bridgesoption.org/tag/surgery/)
- [frustration](https://bridgesoption.org/tag/frustration/)
- [resurrection](https://bridgesoption.org/tag/resurrection/)
- [daily living](https://bridgesoption.org/tag/daily-living/)