Congregation Prays For Tulsa Pastor Diagnosed With Lymphoma

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Billy Joe Daugherty, Pastor of Victory Christian, one of the largest churches in the Tulsa area, is getting treatment for lymphoma.

Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty started Victory Christian in 1981. Over the years, it has grown to 17,000 members. Now, those members, and many others worldwide, are praying for Daugherty's recovery from lymphoma.

"Now we know what we're focused on, and can target our prayers and recovery from that particular situation," said Pastor Bruce Edwards, Victory Christian Center.

Pastor Bruce Edwards at Victory Christian says Daugherty went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago for a possible viral infection, but was ultimately diagnosed with lymphoma, which usually means a malignant tumor that arises in the lymph nodes in the neck.

"It's being evaluated right now, and weighing the options of the treatment. He's strong in his faith and believing for a quick recovery," said Pastor Bruce Edwards.

Church leaders won't talk about his specific condition, other than to say Daugherty is in good spirits.

"He's positive. His faith is strong and believes Jesus is the healer and he's grateful for doctors and medicine and nutrition and diet, and will apply all of those things as well, but ultimately knows healing comes from the Lord," said Pastor Bruce Edwards.

In a letter to his congregation, Daugherty says he's standing on God's promises of wholeness in every cell.

And the focus of prayer is for the abnormal lymph cells to be eliminated and the healthy red cells, white cells and platelets to increase.

Church members are praying in shifts, 24 hours a day. They're hopeful Daugherty will make a full recovery and will soon be back in the pulpit again.

Anyone wishing to send get well wishes to Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty can do that by emailing him through the Victory Christian web site.

10/12/2009  Related Story: Tulsa Pastor Diagnosed With Cancer