It has been about 3 weeks since our last family update.  In many ways, it feels like our lives run in a three week rhythm now.  Every 3 weeks, Kimberly sees the oncologist.  Every 3 weeks Kimberly has another chemo infusion.  This has been our rhythm for the past 16 weeks, alongside the steady drumbeat of a daily targeted treatment for her lung cancer’s particular mutation.

As someone who is used to life having a weekly rhythm (Sundays occur every 7 days after all), life feels like it has slowed down a bit over the past four months.  In other ways, though, time is flying along.  Josh is nearing the midway point of his second semester at OU.  Wildwood is just 90 days away from wrapping up the construction phase of our Deep + Wide program.  We loved the chance to gather with a number of our missionary partners at Wildwood’s Missions Conference this past week.  And, Kimberly’s body seems to be responding well to the cancer treatments.  We have much to be thankful for as Spring Break approaches!

As we head to mid-March, Kimberly’s medical team has added a new riff to our rhythm.  Beginning Monday, Kimberly will have 5 radiation treatments on (what is believed to be) the original cancer site in her lung.  This radiation is designed to burn up what the chemo has shrunk.  The targeted treatments and chemo will take a week off while radiation does its work, then start back to keep the cancer in a dormant state.

As we adjust to this new groove, we’d love to have you pray that the radiation does not cause any unintended damage, but eliminates cancer in that original mass.  We’d also love to have you pray for wisdom for her medical team as they determine the best plan for treatment after radiation.  We also pray that all the cancer cells in her body right now would be eliminated, restoring her to full health.  Personally, I’d also love to have you pray for me as the past couple of weeks have been played in a “minor key” for me.   And also, please join us in praying for God to be glorified and for us to continue to see His goodness to us through it all.

In Christ,

Mark, Kimberly, and Josh

In life sometimes you have friends you have never met.  Kimberly and I feel like Drew and Ellie Holcomb are friends, even though we’ve never shared a meal together.  Their music (independently and together) has been a huge blessing to us over the years, putting words and emotion to rhyme and meter in a way that God has used to encourage our souls.

One Ellie Holcomb song we find ourselves listening to more often these days is “Find You Here.”  This song, written after Ellie learned that her father (the great music producer Brown Bannister) was diagnosed with cancer, is raw and real … but also helpful and hopeful.

As we experience this journey through Kimberly’s bout with lung cancer, we can honestly sing the words of this song, “It’s not the news that any of us hoped that we would hear.  It’s not the road we would have chosen.  The only thing that we can see is darkness up ahead, but You are asking us to lay our worry down and sing a song instead …. ‘You’re gonna carry us through everything!’”

This is the song we are singing, and we hope you will sing it with us.  We are walking through this valley following our loving Savior every step of the way.  We sing NOT because Kimberly has cancer but because we have Christ.  We sing NOT because everything is currently comfortable but because we have an eternal hope.  In light of this, what have we to fear?

If you have been following along with us, you may know Kimberly began an initial four cycle chemo regimen in November 2025 for metastatic lung cancer that was diagnosed in early October.  We are now through this four cycle treatment and she had a PET scan on Friday to determine how things were progressing.  We were encouraged to learn that the cancer is not currently growing.  Though the tumor sizes are similar to what they were near the end of the second cycle of chemo, the cancer was less “active.”  We have learned that (medically speaking) this is the target … to keep the cancer from growing. Of course the prayer is for the cancer to be removed forever – a prayer we are confident God will answer, either in this life (our hope and request) but certainly in life after death.  Cancer stinks, but it is temporary.  Cancer is heavy compared to many things, but light compared to the blessings that God has for us in Christ.  “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corinthians 4:17)”

So what is the plan going forward?  On Monday, Kimberly began the fifth cycle of chemo with a slightly modified medication plan.  She will also continue to take the daily “targeted treatment” for her particular cancer’s mutation.  This new chemo plan will carry on with no definite end: as long as it is helpful to keep the cancer from growing, she will continue to receive the treatment … so we are settling in to a new rhythm.

And as we settle into that rhythm, we are singing to the God that we are finding “here in the middle where the healing hasn’t happened yet.”  So, join us in singing, and join us in praying for God to be glorified in this, and for us to continue to see His goodness and His overwhelming peace.

Oh, and check out the words to our friend Ellie’s song “Find You Here” below, or better yet, give it a listen.

In Christ,

Mark, Kimberly, and Josh

“It’s not the news that any of us hoped that we would hear

It’s not the road we would have chosen, no

The only thing that we can see is darkness up ahead

But You’re asking us to lay our worry down and sing a song instead

And I didn’t know I’d find You here, in the middle of my deepest fear

But You were drawing near, You were overwhelming me with peace

So I lift my voice and sing:

“You’re gonna carry us through everything!”

You were drawing near, You’re overwhelming all my fears with peace

You say that I should come to You with everything I need

You’re asking me to thank You even when the pain is deep

You promise that You’ll come and meet us on the road ahead

And no matter what the fear says, You give me a reason to be glad

And I didn’t know I’d find You here, in the middle of my deepest fear

But You were drawing near me, You were overwhelming me with peace

So I lift my voice and sing:

“You’re gonna carry me through everything.”

You were drawing near, You’re overwhelming all my fear

Here in the middle of the lonely night,

here in the middle of the losing fight

You’re here in the middle of the deep

regret, here when the healing hasn’t happened yet

Here in the middle of the desert place,

here in the middle when I cannot see Your face

Here in the middle with Your outstretched

arms, You can see my pain and it breaks Your heart

And I didn’t know I’d find You here, in the middle of my deepest fear

But You were drawing near, You were overwhelming me with peace

So I lift my voice and sing:

“You’re gonna carry me through everything!”

And You were drawing near, You’re overwhelming all my fears with peace

Rejoice, rejoice! Don’t have to worry about a single thing

‘Cause You were overwhelming me with peace

Don’t have to worry about a single thing!

You’re gonna carry us through everything

Overwhelming peace

It is hard to remember that we have only known about Kimberly’s cancer for about 4 months.  A recap of the timeline:

• Mid-September 2025 – Suspicious symptoms led to tests where cancer was suspected.
• Mid-October 2025 – Biopsy results return confirming non-small cell lung cancer
• Mid-November 2025 – Chemo begins a 4 cycle regimen (each cycle would be 3 weeks in duration)
• Mid-December 2025 – A follow-up PET scan indicates the cancerous spots are decreasing in size.
• Mid-January 2026 – On January 19, Kimberly started the fourth cycle of chemo.

So what will happen next?  Toward the end of this cycle of chemo, a third PET scan will be performed to gauge progress.  After that, Kimberly will continue to receive more rounds of chemo with a modified set of medications.

A few FAQs:

How is Kimberly’s kidney doing (she had a kidney transplant in 2012)?Her kidney function is doing great!  No impact to date.

How is Kimberly tolerating the treatments?
Honestly, she is doing very well.  That is not to say that chemo is FUN (far from it), but she has been doing a great job of taking care of herself, and the Lord has been gracious to answer our prayers by minimizing some of the potential side effects of the treatment.

What does her doctor say?
Kimberly’s doctor is very pleased at how she is tolerating the treatment. We are very blessed to be receiving such great care so close to home.

How are our souls?

Walking through something like this is a bit like running a marathon.  Some miles/days are harder than others, but overall, the Lord is good and taking care of us.  Tomorrow night I am teaching at our children’s AWANA club at Wildwood.  The verse I am teaching is 1 Peter 5:10, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

A few takeaways for us in the midst of this trial:

• All trouble is temporary (“After you have suffered for a little while …”)
• God Himself is helping and will continue to help us (“The God of all grace … will Himself …”)
• God helps us with a  promise for tomorrow (“…has called you to His eternal glory in Christ…”)
• God helps us with provision for today (“… will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”)

We are seeing the God of all grace help us each day, and we invite you to trust Him with us in this season – both for the trial He has entrusted to us, but also in the the things He is guiding you through.

We are so blessed and encouraged by your care, support, and encouragement.

To God be the glory as we look for His good,

Mark, Kimberly, and Josh

“Surrender don’t come natural to me

I’d rather fight You for something I don’t really want

Than to take what You give that I need

And I’ve beat my head against so many walls

Now I’m falling down I’m falling on my knees

So hold me Jesus ’cause I’m shaking like a leaf

You have been King of my glory

Won’t You be my Prince of Peace” – Rich Mullins

Earlier this year, Andrew Peterson (and a number of other artists) released a live recording of a tribute concert featuring the music of Rich Mullins.  The above song was one included on this album.  I have always loved the music and poetry of Rich Mullins and have particularly enjoyed this new collection of his songs.

Music is a part of the Christian life.  We have a faith that sings when things are going well, AND when things are difficult.

In Acts 16:16-40, the Apostle Paul and Silas are persecuted for their faith in the city of Philippi.  After being beaten, chained, and placed in a dark and smelly prison, at midnight Paul and Silas WERE SINGING PRAISE TO GOD.  Can you imagine that?  Instead of stewing in self-pity, they were singing worship to God!

In the Robinson family, we are not currently being persecuted for our faith in Christ, but we are experiencing difficulty as Kimberly is roughly half-way through the first set of treatments for metastatic lung cancer.  You may remember, the first treatment prescribed has been four cycles of a chemo regimen (each cycle lasting 3 weeks), and she just started the third cycle yesterday.  As we walk through this reality, we don’t want to stew in self-pity, but we want to sing worship to our God … and we would love to have you join us!

A few notes of thanks:

• Last week Kimberly had a follow up PET scan to evaluate progress, and all the cancerous spots that appeared in the original PET scan were smaller.  This indicates the treatment plan is working!  Thank you Lord!
• Last week we were able to have a lot of joyous moments celebrating the incarnation of Jesus as a family.  Kimberly was able to attend one of our Christmas Eve services, we had dinner with friends and family, we made a quick trip to Bartlesville, and Kimberly, Josh, and I had some memorable times together around our tree. Thank you Lord!

A few items for continued prayer:

• Side effects from the chemo have been tolerable up to this point, but the effect of the medication is cumulative.  Join us in praying that her skin rash would improve or go away completely, that digestive issues would stabilize, and that mouth sores would go away.
• Though the spots that showed on the September PET scan are shrinking, a new spot has appeared.  The doctors assume it is now also shrinking. Pray that no new spots show up and that all cancer continues to disappear or reduce in size.
• As always, continue to pray that we would collect reminders of God’s goodness, and that God would be glorified through our walk with Him through this valley.

Thank you friends!  Let’s be people who sing praise to God at midnight no matter what is going on.  In fact, let us be people who praise God at midnight ESPECIALLY when times are difficult.  We cannot imagine facing this moment without Him, and we are so thankful for how He is using you all to minister to us during this season.

In Christ,

Mark, Kimberly, and Josh

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” – Luke 1:46-49 

In Sunday morning’s service, we looked at Mary’s reflection on her virgin conception.  We noted that instead of collecting grievances and problems, Mary was collecting memories of God’s goodness to her.  By application, we are challenged to do the same.

Today, we are wrapping up the 30th day of treatment for Kimberly’s lung cancer.  Over the past four weeks Kimberly has gone through two infusions of chemo and taken a daily targeted treatment for her disease.  As we are walking through this season, we have asked you all to pray with us that God would be glorified through this journey and that we would see God’s goodness toward us.  We want to follow Mary’s example and collect memories and experiences of God’s goodness to us in all circumstances.

So, we want to say that our souls magnify the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior, for He has looked upon us with kindness and grace and has done great things for us.  He has shown us kindness through the care, prayer, and concern of our family and friends.  He has shown His kindness in the excellent care we have seen from our Norman doctors and nurses.  He has shown us His kindness in the second opinion of a doctor at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston who confirmed the treatment plan being administered by our local team at OU Stephenson Cancer Center.  He has shown us His kindness through some good time together as a family over the Thanksgiving holiday.  He has shown us His kindness through the joy of celebrating the Advent season reflecting on His goodness in Christ Jesus our Lord.  He has shown us His kindness in chance/sovereign encounters at the hospital during the times of the infusions.  He has shown us His kindness by sparing Kimberly (so far) of some of the possible side effects of the chemo.  He has shown us His kindness in Josh having a great first semester at OU.  He has shown us His kindness in keeping our eyes mostly on Him during this season of uncertainty and “new.”

God is worthy of our trust and praise at all times, regardless of our circumstances.  God is worthy of our trust and praise when we are diagnosed with illness, and when we are pronounced cancer free (we are hopeful for this one day!)  God is worthy of our trust and praise when the side effects are moderate, and when the fatigue and nausea set in.  God is worthy of our trust and praise when we get to go to our staff/elder Christmas party together, and when Kimberly stays home from other events when not feeling up to it.  God is worthy of our trust and praise when her chest hurts less and when we are wondering about the progress and effectiveness of the treatment.  He is worthy all the time … because He is worthy!  Not just because of what He does, but because of who He is.  We are thankful we are His, as we cannot imagine facing the uncertainty of this life without the certainty of His love and care.

Thanks for continuing to pray with us, and help us collect expressions of God’s goodness and grace along the way.  Just as He cared for Mary through Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45), God is caring for us through you.  We are thankful and we are blessed.

December 1, 2025

Dear Friends,

Happy December!  It is hard to believe that 2025 is nearly over.  In some ways, personally, this year seems like it has flown by … but looking back so much has happened.  Many good things (Josh’s graduation and beginning college, the Deep + Wide project breaking ground at Wildwood, and more), but also some hard things (Kimberly’s lung cancer diagnosis, ministry challenges, etc.)

Though the year has had a few ups and downs, God has not changed!  As Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  Jesus is the King of Kings and worthy of our adoration and faith on graduation day AND on day #14 of cancer treatment.  As James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”  He has given good gifts in each of these seasons.  Thank you for praying that we would see His goodness in this current season we are facing.  I can assure you that God has answered our prayers.  God has been good, sustaining and encouraging us throughout this journey.

I am not saying that this time has been easy (or fun) … it has had hard moments (side effects, uncertainty, and changes in schedules),  but God has been good all along the way.  And so we want to glorify Him.

Kimberly is through two weeks of the first cycle of chemo.  She has been tolerating the treatment pretty well so far.  She begins the second cycle of chemo next Monday, December 8.  We will not know how well the treatment is working until she has another scan, sometime around the first of the year.

In the mean time, continue to pray for her doctors who are monitoring her treatment plan, that they would have wisdom to make any adjustments necessary.  Pray also that God would bring healing to her body.

As we talked about in yesterday’s sermon, for the believer in Jesus Christ, asking God in prayer for physical healing is guaranteed to be answered in one of two ways:  either “Yes” or “Not yet.”  “No” is not an answer we will receive related to physical healing.  God has promised us that the trials of this life are “light” and “momentary” (2 Corinthians 4:17).  Even “heavy” things like cancer are “light” compared to the glory that is to come.  And even “enduring” struggles like cycles of chemo are “momentary” compared to eternity.  And make no mistake about it, one day God will upgrade our bodies that are prone to decay to a new body that He describes as “imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).  Therefore, we pray with full confidence that Kimberly’s cancer is temporary.  We pray that God will remove the cancer soon and give her a return to full health now.  But even if the cancer lingers, one day, in eternity, the cancer will be gone FOREVER.  So, let’s pray with confidence for its removal, and ask God to help it feel “light” in the meantime.  We are yoked to Jesus after all and He is doing the heavy lifting … and He has used your prayers to “grab a corner” and lighten the load as well.  THANK YOU dear friends!

As always pray for God to be glorified in this, and for us to continue to see His goodness along the way.

In Christ,

Mark, Kimberly, and Josh

November 13, 2025

Dear Friends,

Happy mid-November to each of you!  We wanted to provide an update to our previous post regarding the path the Lord is currently walking us through.  As you know, Kimberly was diagnosed with lung cancer one month ago.  This diagnosis came after a variety of symptoms led to a variety of tests and scans which led to a biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis exactly one month ago.  Since that time, the biopsy was sent off for genetic testing to help guide the formation of the treatment plan.  On Monday of this week we met with our Oncologist who (informed by the results of the genetic testing and in concert with her transplant doctor) shared with us the proposed treatment plan.

Since the cancer has spread beyond the lung, the first treatment utilized will be a combination of chemotherapy and a targeted medicinal treatment.  The chemo will be administered (at least initially) in four rounds, with each round consisting of a day of IV infusion, followed by three weeks of waiting and letting the chemo do its job.  On top of the chemo, Kimberly will also take a daily oral medication that is targeted at the particular mutation her cancer is presenting.  She will begin round one of this treatment on Monday, November 17.  These chemo and targeted treatments carry with them the usual suspects of side effects related to these types of drugs.  Join us in praying that these medications do their job and take out the cancer, while keeping the side effects to a tolerable level.  Also pray that her organs would be protected during these rounds of chemo – that the “cure” would not cause any long term damage.

After the 4 rounds of chemo, Kimberly will probably go through radiation to attack any remaining visible cancer cells in her body.  Though we don’t have a specific timeline on the radiation, I would assume we will be walking this road over the next 6 months or so.

As we walk into this season, a few quick thoughts:

1. God can and will be glorified in this journey.  That is our chief prayer.  For whatever reason, we are walking through this valley, but we know we are not walking through it alone, and IN NO WAY does this struggle deter us from our primary purpose in living.  We were created in the image of our awesome God, and recreated in Jesus Christ as new creations at the moment of our conversion.  We were made on purpose and for a purpose – to live in relationship with God and to bring glory to Him forever.  There is nothing that can separate us from Him or that purpose.  Cancer stinks, and cancer treatment is awful … but, it is momentary and light COMPARED TO what God has in store.  Therefore, we will live this moment with our hope in Him, and knowing that brings Him glory.  Join us in praying that God would be glorified … and join us in praising God for who He is each and every day.  As you think of us, praise Him.
2. Grief and pain and worry come in waves.  We are not immune to that.  There are moments Kimberly and I are doing great, and there are moments when we are weak and worry and are struggling.  Those of you who have walked similar roads know what we are saying.  Please pray that in all instances, our worry and concern would lead us to our Savior who invites us to come to Him and “lay our yoke upon Him” because He cares for us so that we might find rest for our souls.  If our experience is causing any of YOU anxiety or bringing back memories of difficult struggles from your past, may you join us in laying your burdens at His feet.  Jesus Christ can care for all of us simultaneously in amazing ways!  We are limited, and He is not.  We don’t “take a number and wait in line” to talk with Christ, He is available 24/7/365 … therefore let us collectively run to Him!
3. God works ALL THINGS together for the good of those who are called according to His purposes.  That means that God is working THIS MOMENT, THIS CANCER TREATMENT PLAN together for OUR GOOD.  This is not a promise to physical healing in this life, but it is a promise that God will deliver good gifts to us along the way.  Some of the good He will deliver is a deeper relationship with Him, perhaps others coming to faith in Jesus, an enriched time as a family as we trust God together, opportunities to see the Body of Christ at work, and many other things.  We want to have eyes to see and ears to hear the goodness of God in this moment.  Anyone can collect grievances, frustrations, and things that annoy us … but we don’t want to be anyone … we are His and we want to live in light of His goodness toward us in this season.  We invite you to look for God’s goodness in this process as well in our lives, but also in your life as you trust in Him with the struggles you are experiencing.

Thank you friends for all the support and encouragement you have extended to us this past month.  Though our lives are taking a  different path than we expected this year, this moment has not surprised the Lord, and He has prepared good works for us to walk in during this season.  We love you all, and are trusting God together with you through this moment.  To God be the glory, great things He has done/is doing!

A song I have been singing lately that may encourage you as well is Rich Mullins “If I Stand”  lyrics:

There’s more that rises in the morning than the sun

And more that shines in the night than just the moon

It’s more than just this fire here that keeps me warm

In a shelter that is larger than this room

 

And there’s a loyalty that’s deeper than mere sentiments

And a music higher than the songs that I can sing

The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance

I owe only to the Giver of all good things

 

So if I stand, let me stand on the promise

That You will pull me through

And if I can’t, let me fall on the grace

That first brought me to You

And if I sing, let me sing for the joy

That has borne in me these songs

And if I weep, let it be as a man

Who is longing for his home

 

There’s more that dances on the prairies than the wind

More that pulses in the ocean than the tide

There’s a love that is fiercer than the love between friends

More gentle than a mother’s when her baby’s at her side

 

And there’s a loyalty that’s deeper than mere sentiments

And a music higher than the songs that I can sing

The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance

I owe only to the Giver of all good things

 

So if I stand, let me stand on the promise

That You will pull me through

And if I can’t, let me fall on the grace

That first brought me to You

And if I sing, let me sing for the joy

That has borne in me these songs

And if I weep, let it be as a man

Who is longing for his home

 

October 16, 2025

Dear friends,

Kimberly and I want to share a brief update about a new trial we are facing.  For about a month now, Kimberly has been going through a series of tests that have now confirmed that she has lung cancer.  In the next few weeks the treatment plan will be identified and started.  We are resting in the security of our loving God in this moment, enjoying the sure foundation that only He can provide.  We know that nothing happens in our lives that God does not permit or allow.  We also know that He loves us and works all things together for our good.  Therefore, we invite you to pray with us for God to be glorified in this and for all to continue to see the goodness of God in this moment.

Of course we are praying (and invite you to pray with us) for the cancer to be eradicated or driven into remission very soon.  We think that would be a great way for God to be glorified in this!  But God can and will be glorified in any way this develops – on that we have full confidence.

Also, anyone who has ever faced a difficulty like this knows that our emotions and where we focus wax and wane from moment to moment, but we want to continue to have “eyes to see and ears to hear” the goodness of God toward us every day.  Indeed, His mercies are new every morning, and we have experienced His goodness already throughout this process.  Pray we would continue to see it and acknowledge it along the way.

Thank you for trusting God with us in the days ahead.

In Christ,

Mark and Kimberly