- On February 26, we received this update from the family of evangelist Luis Palau, 86, who has been battling lung cancer. Our prayers join the prayers of the family and millions of others who have been touched by his ministry.
"You may have heard that Luis is not doing so well. We thought it would be good to send you an update so you know how to pray.
As you know, Dad has been fighting lung cancer for more than three years. For most of that time he has felt great. It has been a blessing.
Sadly, at the beginning of the year that changed and Dad took a turn for the worse. He spent two weeks in the hospital in January, dealing with heart and lung issues. Andrew shared a bit about that in his email last week. Although the doctors thought they had stabilized his condition and were happy to send him home, he returned to the hospital last Friday.
After meeting with doctors, the decision was made to stop all treatment and start on hospice care. All the medications and treatments were proving to be too much for his body to handle. On Tuesday, Dad returned home where he can rest, be more comfortable, and spend time with family.
We don’t know exactly how much time we have left with Dad, but the end seems near. He is in good spirits and not in pain, which is a blessing. His final wish is to be able to spend one-on-one time with each one of his grandchildren. That time has definitely been sweet.
We know this is probably hard for you to hear. Please know that the entire family is so thankful for your encouragement, prayers, and friendship.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated in the days and weeks ahead. And if you want to send a note of encouragement, please don’t hesitate. You can simply reply to this email or send it to info@palau.org. We’re taking as much time as possible with Dad each day to read the emails and notes we receive.
Thank you for your love and prayers. We are all at peace. We serve a good God who loves us beyond compare.
On behalf of the entire Palau Family, Kevin, Keith, Andrew, & Steve Palau"
In a January 2019 message delivered at Bayside Church in California, Palau spoke about life, death, and Heaven, saying, "God knows when your day has come. He knows my days. He hasn't told me, but I know it's getting close." He accepted that.
"One encounter with Jesus Christ is enough to change you, instantly, forever." - Luis Palau