THE WOODLANDS –
A Woodlands pastor is thanking God for an opportunity to “start over.”Returning to the pulpit five weeks after receiving a kidney transplant, Dr. Daniel Hannon delivered a message Sunday at Christ Church United Methodist about the gift of being able to begin a new chapter in life.
“By the power of Jesus Christ, anyone can start over in their life,” Hannon said during his Sunday morning sermon. “When we are broken, we can start over.”
While much of his message referred to being spiritually and emotionally broken, Hannon was physically broken for the past three years.
He was born with only one kidney and after being diagnosed with renal cancer in 2006, it was removed. For the next two years, he underwent dialysis three times a week until physicians determined he was cancer free and could be placed on the National Kidney Registry.
In the fall, his sister, Shelly Hannon, was tested as a positive match for Hannon and on Jan. 6 she donated her kidney to him.
Although Hannon is still sore, he is healthy and energetic, and congregation members noticed.
Following one of the church’s three services on Sunday, member after member shook Hannon’s hand or gave him a hug, told him they were glad to have him back and commented on his good state.
“The prayers and love of the community has sustained me,” Hannon said. “It feels great to be back.”
In addition to having more energy, Hannon can finally eat what he wants after spending years on a restrictive diet.
“I’ve eaten pizza at least five times in five weeks and I hadn’t had a slice for three years,” Hannon said.
During the sermon, Hannon used the Bible story of the tax collector Zaccheus, who was hated by his fellow townsmen for cheating them out of their money. However, after he met Jesus, Zaccheus committed to changing his ways and he was forgiven.
Hannon said Zaccheus’ story relays the good news of starting over.
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/02/17/conroe_courier/news/hannon0216.txt
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