Description

The Cancer Had Disappeared

In 1991, Arno Kruisman was a student in college in the Netherlands. One day he noticed a lump on his left testicle. Doctors soon confirmed it was cancer and he underwent surgery that he described as not a “complex surgery, but it was an emotional one.” Then, six months later, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen. He was placed on a new and experimental chemotherapy regimen. Arno described the treatment as “brutal.” He was violently ill, his hair fell out and his weight dropped to about 160 pounds, which for a man who is 6’7” is quite low. Yet, somehow, he kept going. Then he received terrible news.

The doctors informed me that the prognosis was not good. The first series caused the tumor to shrink, but the second and third treatment had very little effect. They informed me that they wanted to finish the treatment by giving me the final dose, but then schedule surgery to remove the cancer. Then, after that surgery another series of chemo would follow. When I heard that, my heart really sank deep in despair.

Arno then describes what happened next.

My dad had a great friend by the name of Masoud Akhbari. He was from Iran and fled Iran in the 70’s when the regime changed. They had become good friends over the years. Masoud lived in the Netherlands and our families would visit together often. My dad also went hunting one time in the United States with Masoud and had some great stories to tell about that trip. On that trip he met a man by the name of Blain Taylor, who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Masoud told my dad about a miracle that happened to his youngest daughter Fiona, that at an age of 18 months she was miraculously healed through a priesthood blessing administered by Blain Taylor. My dad was so bold to call Blain and ask him to come over to the Netherlands to give his son a blessing.

Blain described that phone call and how Arno’s dad came right to the point.

“Blaine, Masoud Akhbari has told me I should call you”. He then informed me that his son, Arno, had been stricken with cancer, and that when he was speaking of this with Masoud and Willie, that they had recommended that he call me. He then further informed me that he would like me to travel to the Netherlands and give a blessing. Further, he had purchased a ticket for me which I could collect at the airport in Houston, Texas to use to affect the voyage.

As it turned out, Blain was already schedule to leave for Europe the next day. He already had a ticket and would meet him on Saturday. Neither Arno nor his family were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were of different Christian faiths but not that active. Blain arrived that Saturday and visited with Arno. The next day all went to Church in the Haarlem ward. To this point, no one had informed Arno what was going on and what was going to happen. Imagine his bewilderment when the went into the Bishop’s office after sacrament meeting and found it “packed with people.” His family was there. Masoud was there and four missionaries. Arno told what happened next.

Bishop Oddens anointed my head and Blain sealed and confirmed the blessing. My English has improved over the years, but I do recall having a decent command of the language and understanding the words Blain spoke. The reason I mention it is because I cannot recollect any words he said other than that my cancer would be taken away by the hands of a surgeon. Even to this date, those are the only words I remember. I do however, remember that I felt warmth and love and this I learned was the Spirit of God and it washed over me with some familiarity. When Blain finished, I saw that everyone in the room was emotional and I felt deep gratitude. Hugs and words of affirmation followed and I was simply a little overwhelmed. What just happened I thought and what am I to make of it all. I almost felt like a bystander, yet I was the focus of the ordinance and peoples present.

In the days that followed, Arno received the fourth round of chemo. It took its toll and he was weak. The doctors were concerned but still scheduled him for the surgery to remove the afflicted lymph nodes. Three days before the surgery, Arno went in for a battery of tests to determine the progress of the cancer and his ability to withstand the surgery. He walked into the doctor’s office with his mother and sat down, feeling in a bleak and somber mood. The doctor then announced that:

The cancer had disappeared and that I was in full remission. Since it wasn’t my regular doctor, I immediately started to question him. I asked him if he had the right person and how was it possible. He insured me that it was me and he then showed the x-rays of the before and after…. He pointed out the cancer and the new x-ray showed none….I sat there with a blank stare on my face not sure if I should jump for joy as I was letting the news sink in. I was shocked and it came as a complete surprise to say the least. I remained in a state of obliviousness, simply not understanding it. My cancer had just vanished. My mind was racing to find answers on how it happened, but my heart was calm as it knew. I felt the heavens were smiling on me and I was given a gift beyond the veil. To this day I feel nothing but gratitude for that moment.

In the months and years that followed, Arno never lost that feeling of gratitude. He joined the Church at the age of 22 and then served as a missionary in England. Now today, he is diligently involved in family history and temple work. Some 3500 members of his family have received there temple blessings through his efforts. His personal database of family names now numbers roughly 15,000 souls.

And incidentally, when Brother Taylor pronounced that blessing he also boldly called Arno to serve a mission, and that in order for that to happen he promised him that he would be made well, that he would marry in the temple and would have children, and, in time, “all of his family would be blessed through [his] complete acceptance of the Gospel.”

The doctors had promised Arno that the chemotherapy would render him permanently sterile and unable to have children. Today Arno and his sweetheart are the parents of three children. As Arno happily put it, “the blessing did not just take my cancer it also took away the effects of the chemotherapy.”