Hopefully things will get better.
Former Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines revealed in a YouTube update that his kidney cancer has advanced to his lungs, prompting continued prayers from his congregation for his recovery. This announcement follows his initial diagnosis shared with Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, where he pastors.
In the video released on a Wednesday, Gaines, also the former president of the largest Protestant denomination in the US from 2016 to 2018, shared the progression of his health since the kidney cancer discovery. “During those tests, they discovered the cancer had also spread to my lungs,” Gaines disclosed, expressing trust in his medical team and faith in Jesus Christ for healing.
Grateful for the outpouring of support, Gaines, accompanied by his wife Donna, mentioned an upcoming port placement for chemotherapy. Donna shared that doctors are optimistic due to recent advancements in treatment against this type of cancer.
The plan includes a trip to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston next month for consultation and to finalize the treatment strategy. Despite this health challenge, Gaines remains committed to his ministry, with the church urging prayers for his return to the pulpit.
Gaines, serving at Bellevue Baptist Church for nearly 20 years, has a history of pastoral roles in Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama. Married for 43 years, the couple has four children and 18 grandchildren. The church has assembled a prayer guide with Bible verses for congregants to support Gaines and his family during this trying time.