Oklahoma pastor Billy Joe Daugherty told his congregation Sunday that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma.
In a letter read during worship services, Daugherty, founder of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, said he was hospitalized last week because of a viral infection in his throat. After running a series of tests, doctors diagnosed him with lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
One of the symptoms is swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, according to the National Institutes of Health.
"My faith is in God's ability to give me victory in life and healing from sickness every day," said Daugherty, who is well-known for his Word-Faith teaching. "Therefore, I am standing on God's promises of wholeness in every cell."
Daugherty remains hospitalized and said he plans to maximize God's "gifts" in doctors, medicine, nutrition, diet and exercise. "Ultimately, all healing comes from God so our eyes are on Him," he said. "Our faith is in Jesus that we will come through victoriously."
He asked that members pray for the abnormal lymph cells to be eliminated, for healthy blood cells to increase, and for his immune system to be strengthened.
A list of prayer shield Scriptures was posted on the church's Web site.
"That's our focus, prayer," said Victory associate pastor Bruce Edwards. "We're standing in faith for his healing."
Edwards said it remains unclear how long Daugherty will be away from the pulpit. Currently, Daugherty's wife and co-pastor, Sharon, and other Victory ministers are assuming his preaching duties.
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