Jim and Sandra left at 4:30 this afternoon to travel to Frankfort. Tomorrow morning they will be met at the airport and taken to a clinic to begin her 21 days of treatment.

We arrived in Frankfurt Germany at 7:oo A.M.on Wed. We had a good flight from Charlotte ...approx. eight hours...We traveled to the Herzog Fachklinik in the small resort town of Nidda approx. a 45 minute drive northeast of Frankfurt. We were fascinated at the quaint and picturesque little villages we passed through to find this one...one of them was over 1200 years old...The small village of Nidda has a large internationally know natural mineral springs spa and park surrounded by several hotels for the many tourists who flock here. The clinic has 25 rooms, five doctors and several nurses and support staff. They are extremely compassionate and professional. It is akin to a bed and breakfast hospital...the intimacy and comfort of an inn and the function and equipment of a fully equipped hospital. The food is healthy and abundant. Sandra is excited and in her element here! Sprouts, fresh herbs, goat cheese, a juicing machine to make fresh raw fruit and vegetable juices any time during the day On Wed after a quick nap, we met with three doctors and had two treatments at 9 pm Germany time...six hours ahead of Greenville time...lasting 2.5 hours.

DAY TWO
Sandra had a full day of treatment including diagnostic testing...ekg, blood workup, ultra sound...and various helpful therapies including a full back rub from the physical therapist. By the way, there is a state of the art fitness room to keep my body buff...ha! We have met many wonderful people here from around the world and the USA including a 97 year old retired missionary whose goal is to live to 101 at which time he wants his daughter to drive him down hiway number 101 in California. Sandra is handling the schedule well even though it is tiring, maybe because she is eating so nutriously, getting infusions of vitamins C and B complex and sleeping well. Her endurance is not good and she gets winded easily, but she is a real trooper. She is not only my 'pampered pooch' but also a 'tough ol' bird' We have yet to hear the whole regimen ahead of her as the doctors are diagnosing the problem and beefing up her strength, but we have confidence in them. We are hopeful and grateful for all our friends back home who are praying for us. Thank you from our hearts! Keep praying! Although this clinic offers some of the best care in Europe, we know that our help cometh from the Lord. He chooses to use people and methods, but the healing comes from God. We will keep you posted on this site. See you in a day or two.
Blessings,
Jim Binney

DAY THREE
A lighter day for Sandra today...slept till 9:30 had treatment at 10 along with i.v. and oxygen. In the afternoon, had foot reflexology and another treatment before supper. She loves the food! Every meal is five star, the restaurant is top notch, and the atmosphere is like a spa more than a hospital.... She said the rainy day we had today made the pumpkin and ginger soup all the more special. Her energy continues to be low but we are optimistic what the future holds. Dr. Herzog is very caring and attentive. He is scheduling meds for her head pain and a temporarily implanted needle holder for her frequent iv`s to avoid continuous needle pricks. We are continuously impressed with the professionalism of the staff and their attention to every patient. Sunday is a day off and chapel services are available for the patients. The following week holds a real challenge since Sandra will have a four hour, whole body hyperthermia treatment ...it is an exhausting time and we covet your prayers. You will probably not hear from us until next week. Thank you again for your prayers and concern. You are loved.
Blessings,
Jim Binney

DAY FOUR
Today was lighter than usual with only three therapies in the morning and the remainder of the day free. Sandra received a dreaded shot today which left her in some pain. Last night she had high blood pressure so was awakened by the nurse to check on her and lost much sleep. She napped long and hard today to catch up. While she napped I went to the fitness room to work out and walked 1.3 km whatever that is and am hoping to build up my distance and speed on the treadmill. Sandra had some eye pain again and was given some medication to alleviate it. After she napped we took a long, slow stroll around the little village where the clinic is and enjoyed the park around the spa waters. We stopped often and rested on a bench and enjoyed the sun on a rather cool day. In the spa park there is water to drink, to soak in, and to breathe at a specially designed waterfull...all these forms of the healing waters are very beneficial to the body, although after one drink I wondered how. yuck. I am with Sandra for all her treatments, reading at her side if they take a while. She did well on the walk and seemed to be energized from her nap. Tomorrow is Sunday and a free day for staff and patients. I had thought that there were religious services here, but I was mistaken. We are on our own, but that is not all bad. We have connected with several believers so maybe we will get together somehow. I am praying for opportunites to witness and have already to a few but I am asking the Lord to open more doors for a more distinct ministry. I am praying for Faith Baptist tomorrow as they have special meetings with Evangelist Harold Vaughn. Thank you again for your prayers and concern. You are loved. See you in a day or two.
Blessings,
Jim Binney

DAY FIVE
Today was Sunday and Sandra had the entire day off. We slept late and had a leisurely breakfast. In the afternoon, we walked across the street into the beautiful spa park where we enjoyed an open air concert with a full band from nearby Nidda. For one and a half hours we lounged in the sun with several hundred Germans and delighted in the universal language....music. All manner of selections were played ...even some American ones. I had a great time people watching and have come to several conclusions about the German people I saw. 1. they are natty dressers...all of them were dressed up ...because it was Sunday? 2. they all have very charactered faces, strength is written all over them, 3. when they stroll, they all clasp their hands behind their backs When we returned to the clinic, we had a small group Bible and prayer time. There were six present, including a German, 2 Hungarians...one of whom escaped from Communist Hungary when she was five years old...a Canadian, an American, and a professional ballerina from London, England. I had prayed about an opportunity to witness and encourage others and for one full hour we discussed the healing of the woman with an issue of blood, and prayed. Please pray for Marcia from England as she is very open and honest and seeking for peace and faith. I am to meet with her again. Pray that she will have faith to believe. Sandra has been experiencing high blood pressure ...up to 200/100...which may be reflective of a new environment and some anxiety from all that is happening. She is also being detoxed and we feel that has affected her energy level.

DAY 6
Dr. Herzog came into our room twice today to check on us. Another doctor checked on us on Sunday...and the entire staff is very attentive and concerned. Dr. H explained the hyperthermia treatment which Sandra is to receive on Wed or Thurs and answered some questions. Sandra had a local hyperthermia treatment and oxygen therapy before we boarded a van with some other patients and went into the village of Nidda where Sandra bought some very German looking walking shoes ...she left her others at home. Because the light bothers her eye, and because of pain, and double vision, she has taken to wearing a patch over her right eye. She has spilled a few things adjusting to this and has a new sympathy for Ron Hamilton. She is a true piratess. We appreciate so much all of you who have written and expressed your love and prayers. Sandra has not read through all of them but I have informed her of them and she was very encouraged. I am studying through the 17 healings of Christ in the New Testament especially the ones of life and death significance and praying that God will teach me much during this pilgrammage. Pray for me to have more faith, to understand faith better, and to apply my faith in my prayers. Because Sandra cannot read with her double vision, I read to her each night and pray with her. I want our faith and trust to grow through this. Pray that her eye pain and double vision will be resolved with the hyperthermia treatment. Keep in touch.
Blessings,
Jim Binney

DAY 7, TUESDAY
Today Sandra is feeling better. She has endured three days of consecutive detox infusions via iv which had zapped her. Her spunk and her appetite are returning. Today she had homemade tomato basil soup and goat cheese au gratin plus other goodies. She cleaned her plate...I always clean my plate...I like the food too! She had more blood work today, an immune building shot and a local hyperthermia, and another detox infusion. This morning we went to the spa park again and spent some time at the inhalatorium, a unique place where the mineral waters fall in a controlled mini-waterfall which creates a mist which, when breathed is very healthy for the lungs. At the park you can drink the mineral water, breathe it, and soak in it, and people come for it! The multitude of small hotels lining the street opposite the spa attest to that.. There are three other specialty clinics in this area besides the one were at. Tonight, we look forward to talking to Marcia ....the ballerina from London...and her mother Sue. She does not understand salvation but is a seeker. I had given her my NT and asked her to read the book of John, but she said it was hard going and quit after two chapters. We are going to read John chapter three together and explain it to her. Pray for her when you read this. She is returning to London tomorrow. She has a brain tumor.

A new couple has arrived from Australia. Pray for them for her cancer and for an opportunity to witness to them. There are so many in need here. What a place for a full time chaplain to minister to their spiritual needs. It’s too bad they don’t have one. Sandra’s whole body hyperthermia will probably be scheduled for Thursday. Pray for her.

Please pray for Dr. John Vaughn and family. Yesterday, Daniel Vaughn, age 28 was walking across Wade Hampton Blvd in Greenville and was hit by two cars. Dr. Vaughn is the former pastor and a member of Faith Baptist Church where I am currently the interim.

Thanks to Friendship Baptist of Raleigh, North Carolina for taking a special offering to help us with the expenses here. First Baptist of Hammond paid the initial costs, but we have discovered unforeseen expenses which this offering will help with. Thank you friends at First Baptist and Friendship Baptist. We are grateful. Thanks again for your prayers and love. While we read your messages last night, Sandra shed tears of rejoicing over your love and friendship. You can’t put a price on that.
Blessings,
Jim Binney

DAY 8, WEDNESDAY
It’s about 6 pm here in Germany...almost time for supper. Thank you for praying for our English friend. Sandra and I spent a couple of hours with her last night witnessing, sharing scriptures, and answering her questions. She is very open and honest in her thinking and has sincere questions about God, heaven, hell, sin, and sinners going to hell when they can't help sinning. A sincere heart and genuine desire to understand drives her thinking. She is without guile and open to truth. She needed more time to think on what we discussed, and we promised to keep in touch. Pray that someone else will water the seed so she can sense the drawing of God. Only two per cent of Englanders attend a church of any kind so she doesn’t know many Christians and some who she does know create more questions than answers.

Sandra had another difficult day. Her energy level is down and she endured several therapies including infusion, local hyperthermia, and the insertion of a needle port in her neck area which is very uncomfortable. Tomorrow at 7:30 am, six hours ahead of Eastern time, she will begin her whole body hyperthermia and needs your prayers. If you read this before church services tonight, please ask your church to pray about this. It is a challenging and draining process. It lasts for 4-5 hours. We are concerned that her lung function test today showed poor results. We are not sure if that plays a part in the WHH or not.

We took another lengthy walk in the park which has 2-3 miles of trails winding past picturesque ponds, open fields and secluded groves of trees all beautifully highlighted by bright and numerous flower beds bulging with every color under the rainbow. It is truly therapeutic. While I walked, Sandra rested and we both enjoyed the inhalatorium again. Several friendly German couples walked past, some engaging us in enthusiastic German. I just nodded and smiled and that seemed to satisfy them. What lovely people these German folk are. They are truly ‘vunderbar’.

We sat out on the clinic’s sunny terrace this afternoon. As I read some of the emails to Sandra, she was overwhelmed and in tears several times. So many scriptures were shared that we determined to review them all at later times. As she heard from all her loved ones, we were both moved and appreciative of this outpouring of love and prayers on our behalf.

We have grieved and prayed for the John Vaughn family, as this must be a very dark day in the loss of their son. Please remember them and pray for them.
God is our strength and He is with us all.
Blessings,
Jim Binney

DAY 9, THURSDAY
It is now 9.30 pm and Sandra is asleep and has been since her treatment ended at 2:00 pm except for a few minutes. She was in her session from 7:30 am till 2 pm. It was an exhausting and draining time for her. There was one glitch. The treatment is most effective when the temperature is highest. Because of her fair skin and its susceptibility to the heat, they could not go as high, and since we have not talked to the doctor since the treatment, we don’t have much news to report. Her fluids were kept level with iv during the whole treatment, and she had two iv’s afterward...one for electrolytes and one for glucose. She was also on oxygen for several hours. I print off each day’s notes to her on CaringBridge and read them to her. She was awake long enough to get some food and listen to the notes. They are such an encouragement to her, I can’t explain it. Thank you for writing and Sandra sends her deepest thanks as well.
Blessings,
Jim Binney

DAY 10, FRIDAY
Today Doctor Herzog asked how Sandra was doing. She doesn’t hurt, no side effects from yesterday’s treatment. The needle in her neck is annoying but necessary for the daily infusions (iv), her appetite is good. In fact she ate ravenously at lunch having had nothing for a day and a half. We had salmon, apricot dumplings, etc. She does have a sore spot on her back from lying on her back for a long time. Last night she was on oxygen all night and slept well. We went to the spa park twice today, once in the am for my workout and once in the afternoon for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the surroundings. Love that park! We found some apple trees with apples all around and I was tempted to try one and even offered one to Eve (uh, I mean Sandra) but she ate it not.

Prayer request...that we will begin to see a difference in the swelling in Sandra’s eye and a relief from her double vision. We have seen some improvements in other areas for which we are thankful.

We thank you for your prayers, letters and encouragement through this time. Keep those emails coming! We love them and read each and every one. How blessed we are to have so many friends. The highlight of Sandra’s day is to have the emails read to her. She clings to the verses you send and we write them out for her to reference often.

One of our sorrows is that we are separated from the Vaughns during this crisis of their life, the loss of their son Daniel. We know that the church will support them wonderfully and help them, but we wish we could be there. Please pray for them.

We are meeting new arrivals to the clinic...a couple from Australia, an Australian girl from England, two sisters from the island of Malta, and a couple from Oklahoma. Pray for them.

We believe that the work in Sandra’s body is just beginning, and we look forward to what God has in store. Thank you for your prayers. We love you all.
Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney

DAY 11, SATURDAY
This morning Sandra had local hyperthermia therapy on her lungs at about 10:00 am. She usually receives an iv during this procedure, but the nurse couldn't get the flow started so a doctor was called who 'ripped the tape off' (a direct quote from the ertwhile patient) and adjusted the needle in her neck by moving it around a bit and it finally began flowing. Her therapy lasted about 3.5 hours which gave us some time to walk in the park and visit with some friends. Meanwhile Dr. Herzog popped in to sit and chat a spell. We learned that the temperature during Sandra's full body hyperthermia procudure had been 105.4 not the 103 we had thought. This encouraged us as this insures a higher degree of success. He also told us that in his experience with similar conditions as Sandra's, 70% had experienced success. This, of course, gave us much hope so it was an encouraging time.

Dr. Herzog is a large man but keeps fit by racing bicycles competitively on his own clinic's team. He has also authored a book on healthful living but only in German...'NICHT ERFOLGREICH'! which is German for 'aw nuts'! I just want you to know I don't sit on my hands here, I am increasing my vocabulary and language skills. The Dr. suggested very sincerely that we see the sights and that we go into nearby Nidda and visit a local hotel with a built-in brewery where they brew organic beer. Is this too much information? Needless to say we didn't take him up on his suggestion. Bless his heart...he meant well.

This afternoon we had a pleasant surprise visit from some American missionaries from Heidelburg, an hour and a half away. Bill and Glenda Davis are with GFA Missions and had read my book on marriage and heard me on audio and wanted to come by. They brought some German tracts and Christian books for us to distribute. They also had a computer with skype capabilitites and Sandra and I recorded a greeting to send back home. They also brought some homemade brownies from their daughter Heidi. Keep cooking, Heidi, you've got the touch. Thank you Bill and Glenda and Heidi.

Today Sandra is wearing a bright green top, and because she is a blonde with rosy cheeks due to a lack of make up and blue eyes, she looks more and more German every day.

Remember that the highlight of our day is reading your emails, especially the scriptures you send. Last night for our devotions we spent the entire time reading all those scriptures. What a blessing! We also enjoyed reading the prayers of some school children who remembered Sandra in their prayers. If you haven't seen them in the journal section, you gotta read them. What a hoot!
We love you all.
Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney

DAY 12, SUNDAY
Today is a sunny restful Sunday with God, cheery sun bursting into our windows and the promises of a new morning where God’s mercies are new each and every day. Sandra is receiving an iv as I write (anti-toxin and liver detox) and is resting in our room while receiving it. She has no lingering effects from her whole-body hyperthermia treatment but does suffer from a back ache unrelated to her illness but a long time struggle. Lying around with little exercise exacerbates it I’m sure, so today we are going to get her out and walking a bit. Today there is another open air concert in Bad Salyhauses Park, the last one of the summer, and we are going early to get a good seat. It is very popular here in this area, so several hundred will gather to listen to a marvelous band. I thought of Bro. Garlock while I watched the conductor last time (no comparison at all Bro. Frank) and of other music lovers back home who would have enjoyed being there. I love the music but people-watching is the most fun; families together with their dogs, everyone dressed to a T, and oft-seen elderly couples with one mate pushing the other in a wheelchair or holding hands as they walk about the area. In America, you might find a refreshment table with pop and chips...here there is a refreshment with wine and beer and pretzels. We didn’t indulge (I leave it to you to decide whether I refer to the beer or the pretzels...ha) Horrors! I just had a flash picture of someone Googling 'beer' and finding that statement out of context!

Sandra is anxious about getting back to normal and doing the things I`m supposed to be doing. I shared with her that 'To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven ' (Ecc. 3:1)...even a long list of things including a time to weep, laugh, mourn, dance, love, hate, even and especially a time to heal! She is so involved with my ministry and so conscientious, it is a challenge for her to allow herself the time out from these things to find healing.

I am so glad to have a few Gospel tracts in German to give out to the patients and staff. I have more on order but the supply given me by Bill and Glenda Davis will suffice for now. In fact, they gave me a complete book folder of tracts in various languages to cover all possibilities, Russian, Turkish, Polish, German, Italian, etc. Several of the patients are Christians and we have enjoyed sweet fellowship with them. Others are plainly not and not interested in talking about it. I met a couple from America named Cohen. We sat with them at dinner and saw a crucifix around the husband’s neck, When I enquired about this the wife said “I’m Jewish” and he said 'I’m Jewish by birth but..” then he held up the crucifix and winked at me. I also have a German New Testament and some other books which I plan to leave in conspicuous places. Pray for the witness of Christ to shine brightly.

We are truly enjoying this experience. These dear German doctors and nurses are the kindest, most compassionate, serving, deferential staff one could ask for. I only wish we had known of this months, even years ago. They have been doing this every day for twenty years and deal mainly with Stage 4 cancer patients.

Sandra is finished with her iv and there is no more treatment today being Sunday, so we are off to lunch and the park. Keep in touch.
Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney

DAY 13, MONDAY
Today was a long day for Sandra, beginning at 7:45 am with a four hour infusion and local hyperthermia treatment, broken only by a visit to the physical therapist. Following that we had a light lunch and good conversation with Alissa from Canada who is here with her husband Jim (who is here with a brain tumor). She escaped as a twelve year old from communist Russia with the retreating German army after Stalin executed her father. The stories of the people here are incredible...stories of struggle, suffering, and bravery. We are surrounded by people with fighting spirits who simply won’t give up. We are in good company. Please pray for Barry and his wife Helen from Australia. Helen is in serious condition and needs your prayers, but pray for their spiritual needs as well. They are a sweet couple from London with a lovely daughter (one hour flight from Frankfurt) who are much on my heart.

Sandra is struggling with soreness and redness in her right eye. A culture has been taken and some medicine prescribed for the eye, but we await the news of the culture. For tonight, some cream and compresses will suffice to deal with the irritation. This is a major concern for the moment, so we covet your prayers that God will overrule in this encroaching burden which, along with her chronic pain, is draining so much of her energy.

We did find time for another walk in the park and even stopped in at a little out-of-the-way gift shop.

We close with Sandra’s special prayer.
'Dear Lord, my soul desires to boast in You and Your power so that others may hear thereof and be glad in You. I want to magnify Your name together with my husband in the ministry You’ve given to us. We desire to exalt Your name together. You tell in Your Word about a poor man crying and being delivered out of all his troubles. I am such a person, poor in spirit and troubled in body, and I, too, ask for deliverance. Teach me to fear You, O God, even more than I do, and deploy the Angel of the Lord to encamp round about me and deliver me. I know Your eyes are upon me. Your ears are open to my cry, and that You deliver the righteous out of all their troubles. I am asking You, based on these wonderful qualities of Your character to do the same for me. I am of a broken heart and a contrite spirit, I have many afflictions but You can deliver me out of them all.
I am seeking you, O Lord, with all my heart and praying that You would deliver me from all my fears as well. I know, Lord, that You have heard my voice and my supplications. I believe that You have inclined Your ear unto me, therefore will I call upon You as long as I live.
I love You, precious Lord. Amen

This is a prayer which is so applicable to our lives and is based on Ps. 34 and Ps. 116. We invite you to read them.
Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney

DAY 14, TUESDAY
Today was a wet, cold, and drizzly day and a down day in other ways as well. Sandra slept poorly the last two nights because of her pain, and her eye continues to bother her despite repeated soakings, and applications of salve. This does not appear to be much of a factor overall but is a frustration and annoying nuisance which is one more straw on the overall burden. If it doesn’t clear up the doctor said he may refer her to a nearby eye doctor.

Despite the weather, we went for a walk. It is our only break from a demanding and predictable daily routine. It was barely misting when we began but raining more when we came back. But thanks to the amazing and insightful foresightedness of one of us, we took an umbrella. Guess who. It wasn’t me.

We do miss our friends, our home, our church, and our own bed. Sandra’s back is better but longs for her own private mattress and pillow. Her days and nights are still mixed up a bit and that is a factor. They plan to give her a sleeping pill tonight to help her get a good night’s rest.

I had a brief opportunity to talk with one of the patients today whose wife is desperately ill. I told him frankly that I was praying for them daily and even more often and was concerned about their spiritual needs as well. He said he was struggling but was willing to talk sometime and accepted a Gospel tract and promised to read it.

Thanks again for your emails. Our schedule is grinding and wearing, and we find real refreshment in your words of comfort and encouragement.

Kelly Hoffman, did you find your Bible yet? We would love to hear the joke you had in mind. In fact, since a merry heart doeth good like a medicine, why don’t some of you try your favorite joke out on us?

Well folks, we’re tired and heading to bed. We love you all. Thanks for keeping in touch.
Blessings,
Jim and Sandra

DAY 15, WEDNESDAY
A fun day in the village of Nidda today. Sandra got a good night’s rest and was raring to go for shopping therapy! So we got our driver to take us 2 km into Nidda, a quaint village of 3,000 with 22,000 in bedroom communities and set out in search of the healing power of door-to-door shopping. It has cobblestone alleyways lined with mom and pop shops, a river runs through it, with a water-powered water wheel. Beautiful! She found a scarf which covered the port in her neck, and 2 nice sweaters more suited to her new size, and we ended the day in our favorite corner kaffe shop indulging in some rich German chocolate and a cup of strong, bracing German coffee. We had to convert some US dollars to Euros, and was that a shock! 221 US dollars brought only 151 Euros. What’s going on back there! At this rate I won’t be able to afford my return ticket.

Sandra’s lab work today came back normal across the board. Her liver needs some work and they are doing that via iv for detox and cleansing of the liver. Her eye infection seems to be clearing up somewhat. We have been faithful with the soaking and application of salve. Thanks for your prayers. We now realize that her fatigue is more attributable than we knew to the effects of her treatments while here, and that is a comfort.

I got to witness to a girl from Malta today and was once again amazed at the European worldview. So post-modern, so tolerant and accepting of all views but at least willing to read a tract because she is open-minded.

I am surprised that so many who are at the point of death are not more concerned about their eternal welfare. Pray for a breakthrough in more hearts.

I am now deaf in the left ear from a chronic ear problem. It is running with fluid on occasion, and I believe it may have blocked my canal. Sandra can’t hear thunder and now I am partially deaf. Our conversation is like the three old geezers who were out in a boat fishing, 'My, it’s windy out here' said one. 'Wednesday, I thought it was Thursday'! said another. 'Thirsty?, Me too. what cha got to drink!' said the third.

Gotta go. Sandra is about to finish her hyperthermia treatment and can’t find her way to the room.

Love and Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney

DAY 16, THURSDAY
An uneventful day...good night’s sleep, first appt. at 10:00 am, then 12, then 4:00 pm for a killer 3-way treatment that has left Sandra physically drained. It was difficult for her to endure it.

Between lunch and the 4:00 appt., we went for a walk in the park with Sandra walking further than she has for a while. Usually she lets me do the walking while she sits. There is one isolated spot in the park with a lane bordering the park and an expansive meadow on the other side. There are a couple of apple trees side by side, so I have labeled the lane 'Apple Lane.' Every time we pass under the apple trees, I sing to Sandra at the top of my lungs, 'Don’t sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me.' The birds scatter, the trees bow in despair, the clouds disperse, and every hotel for a mile around slams their windows shut, but Sandra likes it and she’s the only one that counts. By the way, does anyone know the rest of the words to that song? I suppose you have to be an old timer to remember it, but if you do, help me out.

We moved today! When we first arrived, they put us in their smallest room ...really meant for a single person...but it was the only room they had available. It is so small that we hardly had room to turn around without bumping into each other. I slept on a fold out bed, but we like it because it was a corner room with a cross breeze during some very hot days. Now the temperature has changed for the cooler and we are getting a bit of cabin fever. So, after two weeks I was walking by the room next door and noticed the door open for cleaning. I sneaked a peek and was amazed at how expansive and roomy it was. When the occupants moved out, I immediately asked if we could have that room. Voila! It is now ours; and not only is it more roomy, the beds are more comfy. There is even a little sitting area with a desk and chair for study where I can hunker down without disturbing Sandra. The doctor told us that we had been in their smallest room and now we are in the largest. God is good to His children!

Sandra’s eye still needs some improvement so pray for her. My ear is still attached and somewhat improved (not the appearance but the function), but when you are surrounded by people fighting for their lives, a malfunctioning ear seems trivially small. If fact, one is sobered into a new frame of thinking altogether.

I am praying that perhaps the doctor will be open to spiritual and musical therapy if we can provide it free of charge for the patients. I have been surprised at the lack of these and am hopeful and praying for some area missionaries to come on a monthly or twice a month basis and provide spiritual counseling, prayer, musical performances, and possibly a brief Bible study in English and German. Please pray about this. I plan to talk to the doctor soon about this.

We have enjoyed the merry medicine of your jokes, even though Sandra has a hard time figuring out the blonde jokes. She doesn’t always get them the first time; and by the time I explain them, something is lost in the translation, but that makes it even more funny.

We love you all and thank you again for your prayers and notes. Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney

DAY 17, FRIDAY
Four days left before return home! To say we are eager is an understatement. A beautiful day in the neighborhood today. Went for a walk in the park to enjoy the sunshine and blue skies and balmy temperature. Every park bench at the park was filled with sun worshippers; so even though I went with every intention of singing all the stanzas of 'under the apple tree'(thanks everyone for sending the lyrics), I didn’t feel the world was quite ready for my open air musical debut so I limited my offerings to one stanza only and that was low key slightly above a whisper. Sandra heard me and that’s all that matters. We did pick up some apples thinking that if we play Johnny Appleseed and took some dried seeds home, we could plant them and duplicate our favorite German apple trees. Would one of you horticulturist let us know if this is how you grow an apple tree. If it worked for Johnny, why not us!?

Sandra has a triple infusion this morning before her hyperthermia treatment and then a lung function test. Her previous tests registered a 44% function so the doctor ordered a third thinking they weren’t accurate. The results were less today. Sandra has never had much wind (could never play wind instruments) so I’m not sure if this isn’t just a reflection of her normal physical make up. It reminds me of when Barney Fife was being examined by the doctor and was told to take a deep breath. He stared at the doctor without moving. The doctor said, 'I asked you to take a deep breath'. 'I did', said Barney. Call it the Barney Fife syndrome if you like, but it’s no cause for alarm unless you aspire to be a tuba player. We will have a fuller medical opinion on this before we return as well as an overall evaluation.

I shared Heb 13:15-16 with Sandra in the park today about the 'sacrifice of praise' or giving thanks with the lips unto God continually. It pleases the Lord for us to thank Him. To thank Him is to praise Him so if anyone ever wondered what praise is to God, this will help them. Let us all praise Him with our thanks 'in everything'.

We wish we could watch the presidential debates, but we are six hours ahead, and though I am motivated, I’m not motivated to watch after midnight. If any of you tekkies happen to record it, save us a copy.

Thanks again for your prayers. Don’t stop.
Blessings,
Jim Binney

Day 18, SATURDAY
We woke up early today...too early (early is always too early), went to treatments then had lunch. Its very quiet here today as it is the weekend and the schedule is slow.

Sandra was teary-eyed today because this was our day to visit Jonathan and we can’t. Our niece Allison is visiting him and that will be good. We are missing home.

We have an invitation from a young couple in Frankfurt to visit them overnight. Vera is a former BJU student from Russia who is now married to Peter whom we have not met. They have even invited us to a wedding reception tonight (at the invitation of the bride’s father) and then church tomorrow at their German church. If things go well, we plan to take them up on the invite. We will be under dressed I’m sure, as we didn’t pack for public meetings, but hopefully they will understand. We look forward to the weekend and wish you a good one too. We love you. God bless you all.

Blessings,
Jim Binney

DAY 19, SUNDAY
Dear Friends,
For the past 30 hours we have been in the Frankfurt area with friends Peter and Vera Unruh. Much has happened since we last talked and I will catch you up on everything tomorrow. I have some interesting and exciting news to share, but for now it is very late here and we are exhausted so it’s off to bed. Talk to you tomorrow.

Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney

Day 20, MONDAY
I am sitting here at the computer enjoying cake and tea time in the German tradition. Sandra is sitting next to me having water and vitamins. What’s wrong with this picture? Tomorrow is our last day of treatment. We arrive in Charlotte Wed pm. WE ARE READY TO COME HOME!!!

We had a fascinating week-end. On Saturday afternoon, Peter Unruh from a small village outside Frankfurt picked us up and drove us to join his wife, Vera, at a wedding reception/banquet. The wedding and reception lasted from noon to 9 pm. We arrived at 4:30 and enjoyed a full German and African meal representing the countries of the bride and groom. We were invited by the bride’s father who graciously welcomed us in German like one of the family. This was the first time we ever attended a wedding where we knew neither bride or groom. The food was bountiful and delicious. The festivities were both spiritual and lively and even included a conga line. There were skits, music, family videos, mimes with black lights and choreographed movements accentuating the white gloves and clothing. At one point the African contingent broke into joyful jumping and clapping to the obvious consternation of some of the reserved German guests. It was a study in contrasts. We met many new friends there despite the language barrier.

Peter took many photos which we will show you later.

We spent the night at the home of Peter and Vera (a former BJU student from the Ukraine) and attended church with them the next day in a Baptist-Brother Church founded by Russian immigrants years ago in a small village just minutes from their home. All the families sat together in orderly fashion, beautiful blonde-headed children were everywhere and loved by all. It was a family church in every sense of the word. We loved the building, the program, the people, and afterward shared a German thanksgiving celebration with the church family. Mountains of steaming mashed potatoes, bowls of German coleslaw, and pots of beef stew soaked in gravy all served on fine china. Following this we gathered outdoors around tables for coffee and fellowship. Then back inside for a concert. We enjoyed a number of musical selections (which we could understand) with some instruments we had not seen before. Peter played a violin solo (he studied at a special musical academy in Russia) entitled My Tribute which we greatly enjoyed.

We were in church for six hours, then we were invited to Peter’s sister’s home for cake and coffee and fellowship. While there we met some new friends including a couple from Heidelberg. Sven is the Chief of Staff of the mayor of Heidelberg and invited us to visit him for a tour of the city.

Peter and Vera then packed us some sandwiches, lest we have a five minute space of time we were not eating something, and drove us back to the Fachklinik. They carried our bags in for us and got a brief tour of the clinic. I asked Vera to wait a while and meet a Ukrainian doctor on the staff to whom I had been witnessing. I had given her a Gospel tract in Russian and she came to me in tears and said 'Thank you, thank you'. We arranged to meet again and talk further, hopefully with a German translator because the doctor speaks German along with four other languages but not English. I called the doctor and asked her to come to our lounge outside our room and she showed up with two other Russians to act as translators for the conversation she thought was to take place. Now Sandra and I were in the room with four Russian speakers all talking a mile a minute while we looked on in amazement at how quickly they connected. I witnessed to the doctor with Vera’s help and the other Russians helped out from time to time with a needed word. Instead of one person receiving the Gospel, three did! Praise the Lord. Because the doctor had to leave to make her rounds, I invited her to talk again. We finally got to our room at 11 PM. Whew! What a round of festivities ,challenging language barriers, and smiling and nodding at people who seemed oblivious to the fact that we couldn’t understand a word. The little old ladies in their babushkas took to Sandra and hugged and kissed her goodbye. They welcomed us like family.

The Ukrainian doctor approached us today while Sandra was having a treatment, kissed my hand, thanked me again, called in a German nurse to translate for her, and asked if she could talk with us tomorrow through her Russian friends. I am very encouraged by this initiative on her part. Please pray for her and for our talk. Sandra went through the week-end like a trooper, ate well, and endured the strain wonderfully. She went through treatments today, met with Doctor Herzog, and was prescribed several supplementary things to bring home and continue her therapy. Dr. Herzog here in Germany is to connect with our oncologist in the US and work together.

We plan to keep this site open for updates on Sandra’s health for those of you from afar. Our hearts are thrilled as we read your email and picture your faces. We want to hug each of you but we must do so via this electronic means. You are scattered all over and require some long arms which reach across America to each one of you. You all mean so much to us. Thank you for writing, praying, and caring.

Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney

DAY 21, TUESDAY
Today is our last full day at the clinic here in Germany. After looking at the weather in Greenville, we are excited about getting back home. Today Sandra had four infusions along with three other therapies and tomorrow morning at 6 am before our departure, she will have three more infusions: for her immune system, detox, and the liver. The doctor said today that Sandra has metastes from breast cancer to the lungs, and behind the facial bone bordering the right eye. He prescribed meds and a planned program to follow with her doctor in Greenville.

We are already packed looking forward to touchdown tomorrow and seeing you Frank and Flora Jean at the airport. Thanks for picking us up.

We plan to speak to the doctor from the Ukraine again this evening. She’s a special lady with a sweet and tender spirit. We are praying for her salvation. We look forward to being at Faith Baptist on Sunday.

Once again, thank you all for your email and your love and concern for Sandra. You have been a great encouragement. It’s been great hearing from you. We love you all.

Blessings,
Jim and Sandra Binney