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Well-known pastor of Grace Community Church, John MacArthur remains in hospital almost a month after receiving a heart valve replacement.
Grace Community Church elder and staff pastor Tom Patton updated congregants back on Jan. 5, saying that pastor John MacArthur, 85, had required a number of surgeries and his recovery has been slower than expected with occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs and kidneys.
Late last week, church elder and executive director of Grace to You, Phil Johnson said MacArthur continues to be treated for symptoms that have plagued him since his recovery from the surgery.
"The tests and treatments continue," said Johnson.
John MacArthur is still in the hospital. The tests and treatments continue. Please keep praying for his recovery.
— Phil Johnson (@Phil_Johnson_) January 22, 2025
In an earlier post, Johnson said that MacArthur has been bedridden long enough that they are giving him physical therapy.
For those who missed my reply to someone who asked: John MacArthur is still in the hospital, so keep him in your prayers. He’s been bedridden long enough they are giving him physical therapy.
— Phil Johnson (@Phil_Johnson_) January 18, 2025
Meanwhile, Johnson also gave an update on his health. In June 2024, he was diagnosed an incurable blood cancer.
"My cancer treatment so far has been somewhat eventful (a couple of trips to the USC Medical Center for extra stitches on a surgical incision), but it has not been as bad as I feared," said Johnson on X. "The drugs they have me injecting myself with make me feel feeble, with lots of bone pain. And the blood thinners I’m on have caused havoc with the port they put in my jugular. But it could be worse and probably will get worse."
On Monday, Johnson started heavy chemo.
"I’ll be in the hospital for two weeks. I’ll most likely be hairless after that," said Johnson. "Thanks for all the prayers and words of encouragement."
Meanwhile, Gateway Community Church continues to ask congregants and people who follow MacArthur's ministry to continue to pray for him.
"Please pray that the physicians handling the case will identify a suitable treatment or treatments," said pastor Patton. "And please pray for John that he will recover strength and health enough to resume public ministry. The pastor desires to return to his beloved church soon."
Pastor John MacArthur has been involved with Grace Community Church since 1969. He is also a best-selling author.