Dear beloved friends
It’s Easter now, the time when we usually send out a newsletter, but we’ve been thrown off our usual routine.
Tabitha Shares:
We had planned to come to Denmark this April for a meeting trip, but had to change our plans and cancel this tour around the country. I had been experiencing severe pain in one hip and preferred to seek treatment within the Danish healthcare system. The doctor in Tanzania thought it was osteoarthritis, so I figured I’d need a hip replacement to get better. The pain was so severe, though, that I was given a morphine based medication to relieve it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t tolerate the medication, so I became terribly ill with vomiting. It was therefore a very sick and weakened Tabitha who landed in Denmark on February 26. It was the longest flight I’ve ever taken to Denmark. I couldn’t find any relief anywhere, but just had to grit my teeth and endure the pain.
The month of March was spent going for examinations at the orthopedic surgery department with a view to getting a hip replacement. In connection with that, I finally had an MRI scan, and last week the results came back: The cause of the pain is not osteoarthritis, but cancer.
The images showed that the cancer has spread to the abdominal region, the lungs, the spine, and further into the bones. I thought I was going to get a new hip, so it was really a huge shock to receive that news.
The doctors have determined that the cancer has been developing for a long time. They are still in the process of evaluating the situation. Only after another CT scan following Easter will they be able to say exactly what type of cancer it is and what treatment options are available.
I put my trust in Jesus, who strengthens me every day, and I have not lost heart.
Torkild Shares:
I have to be honest and say that Tabitha’s situation really knocked me off balance. It’s probably very human to ask, “God, where are you in all of this?” When I sat down to write this newsletter, I had absolutely no idea how to approach it. Sometimes we worry too much, but God has everything under control. Our Danish newsletter team offered their help so that, despite all the adversity, we can share the latest news with you, dear friends
On Monday, Tabitha was scheduled to be discharged from the hospital, and that same day, I unfortunately had the misfortune of tripping over a garden hose! I fell and broke my shoulder blade and had to go to the hospital. There’s a humorous Danish saying: “Only a fool does not fear the garden!”—and I’ve certainly learned that the hard way.
So now my arm is in a sling, and I have to rest it for a few weeks. It was a setback, because Tabitha needs my help, and there are many things I’d like to accomplish while I’m in Denmark. But I have to accept that I’m now in a pause mode, and I’m praying that I can find peace in this situation.
Pray for us
In this situation, we feel a great sense of helplessness, yet at the same time we are hopeful, for we know that our lives are in Jesus’ hands. We cling to the words from Psalm 118:17: “You shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.”
We would truly appreciate it if you would join us in prayer. Pray for healing; pray that God’s will be done.
Warm regards and God’s peace,
Tabitha and Torkild.
Thrown off our usual routine
Written 02.04.2026 11:51 under Archive
Latest news
In accordance with Tabitha’s wishes, we asked for monetary “flower gifts” to support the work in Tanzania instead of physical flowers. It was truly overwhelming to receive the list from the mission treasurer showing how many people had sent “flowers” in this way. That money will go toward new faith-based projects that Tabitha felt we should undertake before we return to Denmark in February 2026. These include, among other things, children in 6th and 7th grade whose mothers are single parents and have lost their jobs. As a result, they can no longer afford to pay for their children’s schooling. This would mean that these children would not receive the graduation certificate necessary to continue in the education system. Here, Tabitha made a promise of faith to help, so that so many years of schooling would not be wasted. This is now in place. Tabitha would be overjoyed if she could witness it.
After the burial, we returned to a memorial service in Betania, where good friends in the congregation had prepared a lovely coffee table, providing a warm setting for us to talk together and remember Tabitha as a community.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Thank you to everyone who helped with all the practical arrangements and made sure that, despite our grief, it turned out to be a good day after all. Thank you to everyone who attended. Thank you to all of you who sent flowers. You should all know that it meant an incredible amount to me. I’d also like to look back a bit and thank family, friends, and the congregation for your tremendous support while we’ve been in Denmark. Thank you for all the meals you brought by and all the other practical help you provided.
Farewell in Arusha
Our staff has been completely devastated by Tabitha’s illness and death. As a team, they have come together and been praying and fasting for her. And they are now continuing to pray for us and our work.
On the day of Tabitha’s funeral, our staff followed the service on a large screen and was thus able to participate in the ceremony. They had printed a beautiful banner to represent Tabitha’s coffin, and there, with roses and tears, they were able to say goodbye to her.
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