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Series Code: IIWC
Program Code: IIWC201910S
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00:12 >> It has stood the test of time. 00:15 God's Book, the Bible. Still relevant 00:20 in today's complex world. "It Is Written" -- 00:26 Sharing messages of hope around the world. 00:30 ♪♪ 00:39 >> Welcome and thank you for joining us on "It Is Written Canada." 00:43 We are on the road today, and we are visiting the Church in the Valley in 00:46 Langley, British Columbia. You know, every now and then you hear the story of someone 00:51 who does something extraordinary. >> Mm-hmm. 00:53 >> And today we're going to be talking to a man right here in British Columbia 00:57 who decided to take a risk and put his life on the line to save the life of his friend. 01:04 >> His name is Michael Dauncey, and his friend's name is Florencio Ancheta, 01:09 also known to his friends as "June." But before we interview them, 01:14 we are going to show you their story. Take a look at this. 01:19 ♪♪ >> We had found out about your condition, 01:30 that your kidney was failing and that you were on dialysis, that you lost your father 01:37 at age 35 in the Philippines to kidney failure. >> Yeah. 01:40 >> And then your brother, also living in the Philippines, died at age 42 of kidney failure. 01:46 >> Yeah. >> And you also have this same issue. 01:51 And you are going to have to find a kidney donor. >> Yeah. 01:57 >> Several times you thought that you had found someone to donate. 02:02 >> I just pray to God that one day someone give me a kidney. 02:08 >> And then something happened. It was Thanksgiving 2016. We get a call from May 02:16 that you were in the hospital. You were in and out of consciousness. 02:20 You were having a very difficult time. And I looked at you there, 02:24 and I just realized that someone had to do something. At our church we sometimes 02:30 rent out our facility to the blood bank. I signed up and I gave my blood. 02:35 And then a couple weeks later I received a card in the mail, and it told my blood type, 02:40 O-positive. >> Oh. >> And then it wasn't long after 02:44 we were at your house. You were preparing some food in the kitchen, and I heard 02:50 you and May and Marci talking, and Marci, my wife, she said, "Oh, I'll give my kidney to 02:56 June." And so she asked what your blood type was. 03:00 And then May said O-positive. And when I heard that, I just froze. 03:06 For about three months, I guess you could say I was a little bit scared, 03:10 but then the Holy Spirit kept on working on me. I didn't want 03:14 to get your hopes up again. So, I didn't even tell you that I was getting tested, 03:17 and it had been about a year. I remember I was driving back from Alberta, and I remember 03:21 them phoning me and saying, "It's official. You can do it if you would 03:25 like." >> After my dialysis that day, I went out to my garden. 03:31 And then do some weeding and planting some garlic, and then all of a sudden, the 03:36 phone ring. St. Paul told me that "One more test and then you're good to 03:40 go," they said to me. They didn't even say who was the donor. 03:44 I said to God, "If this go through, you're really there for me," 03:51 I said to God. And then Marci told me, "Can we have a Sabbath lunch in 03:56 the house, just the Dauncey family and the Ancheta family?" So, when we came here 04:04 that lunchtime, I'm waiting for you to stop talking. >> [ Chuckles ] 04:10 >> And then when you stop talking, "I am your donor." 04:16 And then I got a shock. I said, "What?" So, I'm very, very grateful 04:25 until I live. >> Mm-hmm. I have never been good 04:32 at being a bystander, you know? If there's something I can do to help, I want to help, you know? 04:39 And that's what Jesus would do. I just want to be more like Him, and I know that He would give. 04:48 Jesus, He wouldn't even have to think twice about it. He would just give it, and 04:53 That's the kind of person I want to be. I would do it again. 04:56 If I had to do it over again, I would do it again because it's so worth it. 05:02 >> That's why, in my life, I never question God. Everything I pray to Him, 05:11 He give it to me, especially the kidney that you gave me a second life. 05:20 I'm very grateful on that. >> You know, it's a blessing to see you, Florencio, 05:25 functioning once again. You know, I love seeing you and your family at church. 05:30 And it just gives me a good feeling to know that I've made a difference in someone's life. 05:36 You know, June, I think maybe God gave us two kidneys so that we could share one 05:42 with someone who needs one. >> I think so. >> Maybe. 05:45 >> Maybe. >> There's many ways that we can give. 05:49 And I believe that giving is just a part of us, our Christian lifestyles. 05:53 You know, the Bible talks about giving in many, many places. 05:57 And sometimes it doesn't come naturally to give, but when we help people, 06:02 when we give and we know that it's going to make a difference somewhere, it does feel good. 06:06 And so I just encourage you today to listen to the Holy Spirit 06:10 when He asks you to give. 06:15 >> You know, Jesus once said that greater love has no man 06:19 than this, that he lay down his life for the life of his friend. 06:24 And so what Pastor Dauncey did by giving his kidney, by having invasive surgery 06:32 and giving his kidney for the life of his friend, was an incredible act of love. 06:39 And so today with us here at "It Is Written Canada," we have Pastor Dauncey and 06:45 his friend Florencio Ancheta, who received his kidney, and now they're both with us 06:52 and we want to talk to them about their story. 06:55 >> Pastor Dauncey, what initially inspired you 06:58 or what made you decide to donate your kidney? 07:02 >> Well, it was quite a process. It wasn't something that was 07:05 a quick decision by any means. It all started 07:09 with my wife, actually. She said, "Well, our friend 07:13 June needs a kidney. I'll give him my kidney." 07:16 So, I got to thinking, "Wow, that's quite a statement." But she didn't have the right 07:22 blood type. It wasn't possible. So, that's kind of what got me 07:26 thinking about it. >> Mm-hmm. >> And when I initially thought 07:32 maybe I should do something, at first I was a little bit worried. 07:36 What happened was, I found out I had the same blood type, and then what happened 07:40 was I just kind of got a little bit scared. I was a little bit scared. 07:44 So, I just didn't do anything with the information for quite a while, 07:47 like, a few months. And then, you know, the Holy Spirit kind of 07:50 is working on me and saying, "You should at least explore this idea." 07:55 And so it took a long time. It took about a year worth of testing, and during 08:01 that process I had a lot of time to think about this. >> Yeah. 08:04 >> And so, it was a long, hard decision. >> I'm sure they asked you 08:10 or told you, you know, like, "Are you sure you're going to go through with this?" 08:15 and told you about the risks. Can you tell us any risks that could have... 08:20 >> Well, I don't think they really bring that up too much, actually. 08:23 [ Laughter ] I don't remember them kind of, but they were 08:27 very -- St. Paul's in Vancouver. They were just really amazing to work with. 08:31 >> Mm-hmm. >> They said at any point, you know, 08:35 this is a voluntary thing. And they were not forceful in any way. 08:38 >> Right. >> This was 100% my decision. At any point I could back out 08:43 and just walk away. You know, I definitely talked to a lot of people. 08:47 I got a lot of people's advice on whether I should do this or not. 08:52 And several said, "No, don't do it." >> Yeah, yeah. 08:55 >> But I have to make decisions for myself. And I have to answer 09:00 to what I feel God calling me to do. >> Exactly. 09:02 >> And I felt I needed to be obedient because I felt the Holy Spirit 09:06 was moving me in this direction. >> Yes, yes. So, here you are. 09:10 You're a pastor of a church, Church in the Valley here in British Columbia, in Langley. 09:15 And, you know, what does that do for you as a pastor? How did that 09:21 affect your congregation? >> Yeah, I remember, June, they had a special prayer 09:28 for you during the process. No one knew what I was doing. I kept it quiet while I was 09:33 getting checked up. It took a year, like I said. And we had a special prayer for 09:37 June in the congregation. And it's kind of interesting because we weren't really 09:42 saying, "Someone come forward, please." We were just sharing 09:46 what he was going through. And so we were in this together as a congregation. 09:52 We have about 600 attending. And this was a family moment. This was a church-family moment. 09:58 And so, as a pastor, you know, we preach, we teach. What do I do as a pastor? 10:06 I encourage people to give. >> Yes. >> I encourage people to serve. 10:09 >> Yes. >> It's part of who I am and want others to do this. 10:14 And then it's like, "Do I really practice what I preach?" 10:17 You know? Here's the test. >> Yes. 10:20 >> And I've had people, more than one, say to me, "What you did to June 10:27 by giving your kidney was the most powerful sermon you've ever preached." 10:32 So, the old adage is true. Actions speak louder than words. >> Yes. 10:36 >> And I decided I wasn't going to be a bystander. I figured out that 10:40 I could do something to help, and I wanted to do that. >> Yeah. 10:45 >> God put that in my heart. >> So, every time you, I mean, a person who's sort of a 10:49 bystander, watching someone else, what goes through your mind? 10:53 You're seeing your friend, he's going through pain. He's suffering. 11:00 What was it that -- was it the Holy Spirit prompting you? Did you have this feeling, 11:05 "Hey, I really have to do something here"? >> Well, when I saw him 11:09 in January of 2016, he was in rough shape. I got a call. 11:13 We're friends. We're friends. June and May's children are the same age as my children. 11:19 >> Okay. >> And so, we had a relationship, and May called my 11:22 wife, Marci, and said, "June's in the hospital. He's not doing well." 11:26 And so it was Thanksgiving, right? It was Thanksgiving Day. 11:29 We rushed over to the hospital. And you were looking really bad shape. 11:34 And it scared me. His eyes are rolling back in his head, and he was going through 11:38 things. And as I sat there, watched and prayed and was there, 11:43 the thought came over to me, "Someone has to do something." This is not good to see him in 11:49 this condition. I was scared. I thought maybe he could die. 11:52 It was scary. >> Yes. >> And so at that point I didn't 11:56 know it was going to be me. I just said, "Someone has to do something." 11:59 >> You're looking around. "Who's going to do something about this?" 12:02 >> But in the back of my head, I had a feeling that it might be me. 12:06 >> Right. >> But at that time, I had no idea, no idea. 12:10 >> Pastor Dauncey, you say that your decision to donate your kidney was 100% yours, 12:16 but then you also mentioned earlier on that your wife was the one that said, 12:20 "I'll donate my kidney to June." I was just wondering, how did 12:26 your children feel about this? Did you speak to them about it? >> I did. 12:30 I take that back. It isn't 100% my decision, because I do want 12:34 to include my family, and we did have a family meeting. And, you know, I asked my 12:39 children -- I have three kids -- and asked them how they felt about it because there could be 12:46 problems. There could be complications, like whatever. 12:49 Who knows, right? Whenever you do surgery, you never know 12:52 what's going to happen. And they were okay with it. They didn't really 12:57 fight me on it too much. And my parents, as well, and sister, also good friends 13:03 of the Ancheta family, and they also were were onboard with it. 13:09 And so, yeah. So I had the support of everyone closest to me. 13:14 >> Yes. >> And that's important, you know. 13:17 So, yeah, it was all of our decision together as a family. >> Right. Yeah. 13:23 >> But, June, can you tell us what your life was like before you got the kidney 13:30 from Pastor Dauncey? 13:32 >> Before, when I had that transplant, I'm going to the 13:40 hospital three times a week. 13:45 And it's kind of a little bit scary every day. I'm praying to God 13:53 that I'll get through to this. >> Mm-hmm. >> And then now I get 13:59 Pastor Dauncey's kidney, I feel much better now. >> Mm-hmm. 14:04 >> So, what kind of medication were you taking at that time? >> That time, I got tons of 14:10 medicine I take. >> Yeah. How much was it? >> It's like 13 different kind 14:17 of medicine -- blood pressure, potassium, you name it. So, but now I only take 14:30 1.5 milligram... >> Okay. >> ...since I got this kidney 14:36 transplant. >> Just one little tablet. >> Yeah, one little tablet. 14:40 >> Wow. >> And then they cut up again because last week 14:45 St. Paul called me again that they said, "You're feeling better. 14:50 So, you have to cut down to 1.5 milligram." That's what they said. 14:55 >> Nice. >> So, June, at the time that Pastor Dauncey 15:00 mentioned that you were really sick at that Thanksgiving and they came to visit you 15:03 in the hospital and you were very concerned about June, at that time, 15:10 were you on dialysis? >> Yeah. >> At that time, okay. 15:14 >> At that time, I'm in peritoneal dialysis at that time. 15:18 That was my blood pressure going high, going down. I never -- I don't know what's 15:26 happened that time, right? So, I just fell down on the floor. 15:31 And then my wife is kind of worrying me because I cannot recall that 15:36 time because I don't know what happened 'cause I'm in the blur. 15:41 So, I didn't know that May, my wife, called the ambulance but is kind 15:48 of panicking. At the same time, she called my friend Marci, 15:58 Pastor Dauncey's wife. >> Wife, okay. >> And then, by the time we get 16:03 in the hospital with this paramedic, these two couples, they're already there, waiting 16:11 for us. So, I don't know what happened that time. 16:17 It's really kind of scary because my wife is crying. "He doesn't know what he's 16:22 doing." It's like, you know. And then my son is there. 16:27 He was talking on the phone with 911. >> Wow. 16:32 >> Yeah. >> So, Pastor Dauncey, you and Marci got there 16:35 before the ambulance and were waiting for them. >> We got there as soon as we 16:39 could. I mean, you hear your friend's in trouble, and you just want 16:43 to go and reach out, right, and be there for them. >> Yeah, exactly. 16:46 >> Yeah. >> So, June, once you found out that Pastor Dauncey 16:52 was gonna give you his kidney, how did you feel at that moment? 16:56 >> Well, what happened that time is this story. His mother told my wife that can 17:04 we have a potluck Sabbath lunch in their house? I said, "Okay." 17:12 I said to them. So, we have Thanksgiving Sabbath lunch in their house. 17:21 But is keeping going around and waiting for him to stop talking. Keeping around the table, 17:28 like this, talking and talking because we're having a toast. >> I'm a pastor. 17:32 I talk a lot. >> "Pastor Dauncey family and Ancheta family, can we have a 17:39 toast?" he said to me. Talking, talking and talking. He doesn't stop talking 17:43 because I have to tell him, tell him again that I have a donor now. 17:48 So, when he stop talking, and then he's in my back, behind me. 17:53 He is hugging my back like this. "I am your donor," he said to me, and then I get shocked. 18:02 >> Yeah. >> I stop. >> Yeah. 18:04 >> And my wife is crying, and his mom is crying. The same time you're laughing. 18:12 >> Because you're so happy. >> Show again the one can of kidney -- "This is my kidney. 18:18 I give it to you." >> We had a can of kidney beans there. 18:22 >> Kidney beans. He's joking again. So, that time I'm so speechless, 18:31 and I'm so blessed because of him. >> Yeah. 18:35 >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I said to myself, 18:41 "This is my good friend." I said to myself. And then it came to my mind that 18:47 the Holy Spirit is working for me. >> Yeah. 18:53 >> That time. >> Yeah. >> And every single day, 19:00 talking to Him, He gave it to me. >> Mm-hmm. 19:05 >> I never, I never complain every day, even though I had dialysis. 19:11 I never complained. I just go home, eat a little bit, and go out in the backyard. 19:18 And then that's my life that time. Now, because I got the kidney, 19:25 I can do much better now. >> Mm-hmm. >> So, you were saying the 19:30 Holy Spirit was working for you, and He was working on Pastor Dauncey's heart 19:35 and speaking to him. That must've been quite an intense pressure 19:42 and moment and conversation that was going on. How were you thinking 19:47 about this? Like, what if it didn't work? What if... 19:51 How many kinds of "what ifs" were there? >> Yeah, you know. 19:57 That was the big question for me. What if I do this, 20:00 and it doesn't work and his body rejects it? And how am I 20:03 going to feel, right? But then if I didn't try it, he would be -- 20:10 there would be no chance. Now, one thing you didn't mention was the fact that you 20:15 had thought you had two other donors. Or is it three, even? 20:18 >> Oh, yeah, yeah, three. >> Three other donors were lined up before I did this, 20:22 and they all fell through, whether it was for health reasons 20:26 or they backed out or whatever it was. And that's why I didn't tell him 20:29 for the whole time. I didn't want to get his hopes up again, but there was three. 20:34 And people even came while I was being checked out. People came along. 20:38 I thought, "Oh, maybe this will be taken care of," the selfish part of me. 20:43 But no. They all fell through, and I'm glad 20:46 I started the process early because they all fell through. And then I was next in line, 20:51 and I was ready to go, because I've been working on this for so long. 20:57 He had three other fall through. And what kind of feeling? Think about the emotions there. 21:01 You're up here. >> Yes. >> And then falls through. 21:03 Three times! And so I'm so glad that I was able. 21:09 You know, I remember the day like it was yesterday, coming back from Alberta and 21:13 on the phone. I was at Burman doing a master's degree, and they called me 21:17 and said it's official. "You can donate if you are willing." 21:20 I was like, "Wow." So, yeah. >> So, you're thinking beyond 21:24 it. Say you go into the surgery. It doesn't work, but on the 21:29 other hand, the Holy Spirit's speaking to you. What if you don't do it, right? 21:35 So, which is the greater discouragement? What if you never did it at all? 21:42 >> Exactly. >> Then what do you have, right? >> Right, and, you know, 21:45 there would probably be regrets. And what if I could have helped? >> So, you're a pastor. 21:50 What Bible verse, or how was God speaking to you through His work? 21:55 >> You know what? It was really, I think, the Bible, the Word of God, 21:59 that put this decision over the edge. You know, Luke 6:31 says 22:05 "Do unto others what you would want them to do to you." >> Yes. 22:08 >> And I'm just thinking if I was in June's shoes, I would want someone to come 22:13 along and give me their kidney. I mean, it sounds selfish, but no, I would. 22:16 I would want someone to do something. >> Of course. 22:19 >> And then I got to thinking, "Why not me?" >> Why not me? 22:22 >> Why not me? Why not? You know? And so that's really -- 22:28 that Bible verse just, that was the one that did it for me. 22:32 God, Jesus is saying that to my soul, is saying, you know, "Do what you would want done to 22:39 you." >> Yeah. >> And someone's got 22:42 to do something. Might as well be me. >> Yes, yeah. 22:46 >> Yeah. >> And so, June, you mentioned that your life 22:49 has changed so much now. You are only taking one little tablet, 22:54 and you took 13 tablets before the time. You were going 22:57 to dialysis three times a week. And before that it was like four hours all the time, 23:04 constantly when you were doing peritoneal dialysis. >> Yeah. 23:07 >> And so this has been just a whole life-changing -- not just life-changing but 23:12 lifesaving experience, right? >> Yeah. >> So, Pastor Dauncey, 23:16 how do you feel? Because it's been more than a year now. 23:19 How are you feeling today? >> I feel great. I feel like I have two kidneys. 23:25 I don't know the difference. You know, I play ice hockey regularly. 23:29 I play pickleball regular. I run four or five times a week, 6 kilometers, on the 23:33 weekends, 10 kilometers. So, I'm more active than ever, and I'm just -- our bodies are 23:40 fearfully and wonderfully made. The fact that I can do this and not feel any different, 23:46 it's amazing. It's so rewarding. It's so rewarding to be 23:51 a living donor. >> Yes. >> Number one, living donors' 23:55 organs last longer than ones from deceased bodies. >> Oh, really? 23:59 >> Yes. And so that was also another positive point. 24:03 >> That is. >> But I remember they kept me in recovery so long 24:08 because I was having issues. I'd never been admitted to a hospital before this. 24:11 >> Right. >> So they're having -- I didn't know much -- I was 24:14 having issues with the meds. I was having sleep apnea, and they didn't like that. 24:18 So, they kept me there for, like, six hours in the recovery room. 24:21 So, I was there when he came in after the surgery, and I saw this bag there 24:26 next to his bed, and I knew immediately that it was working. 24:31 It doesn't take any time. You put a kidney into someone that doesn't have an organ, 24:35 and bam, it's working. And there's just this feeling of reward that comes over. 24:42 This is a rewarding experience. I'm helping someone out, and I can see the difference. 24:46 I'm not dead. I'm alive. I can see the difference I'm making in someone's life. 24:49 >> That is incredible. >> Yeah. >> I mean, you know, usually 24:53 parts of a body, giving, donating, the person is deceased already. 24:58 Now you can see this. You've given a part of your body and you continue to live. 25:03 >> We have a relationship. >> You're thriving. >> Yeah. 25:06 >> We see each other at church every week. >> And he has a part of you 25:10 inside of him. That is incredible. >> So, if he starts acting 25:13 a little weird, you'll know why. >> You know where that came 25:16 from. [ Laughter ] Incredible, incredible. 25:20 Do you have any last remarks that you would like to share? >> Well, yeah, I think 25:25 what I would like to share is just if there is someone out there that is in a position 25:32 where they can help someone, whether it's physically or spiritually, mentally, 25:38 otherwise, whatever it is, I would just encourage you to do it. 25:41 >> Yes. >> There might be someone out there right now wondering 25:44 if they should donate an organ to help someone. And I would just recommend them 25:50 to do it. >> Exactly. >> It's been a life-changing 25:53 experience for both of us, and it's been nothing but positive. And I just think 26:00 that God has designed us to give and there's something that happens to us when we give. 26:07 It really is... It really is a wonderful feeling to give 26:12 and to be able to help someone to really save their life. It didn't really come out here, 26:18 but during that process of dialysis, it's not a cakewalk. 26:24 I mean, you'd get sad. You'd get depressed. Let's be honest. 26:29 So, you are totally helping someone have a new life. >> Yes. 26:35 >> And if you can do that, then I recommend you to do that because it will save a life. 26:41 And it's been wonderful. >> Yeah. Well, Michael and June, 26:45 thank you very much for coming and sharing this story with us -- very inspirational. 26:52 And I'm sure that everyone who has been listening to your story was 26:58 really touched by it. It really touched me personally. So, thank you so much. 27:02 >> Amen. That's what we want. We want people to be touched 27:04 by the story. >> And we're alive. >> You are. 27:08 >> Yeah! [ Laughter ] >> You betcha. 27:12 >> You know, friends, Jesus said that "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples 27:18 if you love one another." So, He was giving us the credentials for Christianity. 27:23 And clearly illustrated in the story of Pastor Dauncey and his friend June, 27:29 we can see the love of Jesus. So, as we close off today, let's just bow our heads 27:35 for a word of prayer. Father in heaven, I thank you so much for the inspirational story 27:42 that we could hear and listen to and see of how Pastor Dauncey was prepared 27:50 to be prompted by your Holy Spirit and to listen to your Holy Spirit 27:55 and by doing that saved the life of his friend June. I thank you for the inspiration 28:00 that it gives to each one of us and help us to listen to your spirit, as well, 28:05 and as we read your word, Lord, to follow that you will give us the strength 28:11 and the promptings of your Holy Spirit to do what you ask us to do. 28:16 We pray this in Jesus' name. >> Amen. >> Amen. 28:19 >> So, thank you for joining us, friends, on "It Is Written Canada." 28:23 Remember -- "It is written: 'Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds 28:30 from the mouth of God.'" 28:32 ♪♪ ♪♪ 28:45 ♪♪ ♪♪ |
Revised 2020-05-20