Editor’s Note: After the publishing of this article, an independent investigation found allegations implicating Ravi Zacharias of sexual abuse to be credible. Prior to this report, ChurchLeaders had published multiple articles about Ravi Zacharias and his ministry. Although our editorial team believes his work still has value since it involved articulating the truths of God’s Word, we would be remiss not to disclose the painful truth of Mr. Zacharias’ personal actions that have come to light following his death. For further reading, please see:
Sexting, Spiritual Abuse, Rape: Devastating Full Report on Ravi Zacharias Released
The Story Behind the Ravi Zacharias Allegations (Part 1): Lawsuits, NDAs, and Email Threads
The Story Behind the Ravi Zacharias Allegations (Part 2): ‘Cursory’ Investigations and More Accusations
Apologist and ministry leader Ravi Zacharias is currently battling a rare form of cancer. Yesterday, Zacharias’ daughter, Sarah Davis, shared a sobering update on her father’s health: The doctors have done all they can but are out of options for treatment. Zacharias has traveled home from Houston, where he was seeking treatment, to Atlanta to be with his family as they utilize “whatever time the Lord gives us.”
“We have just learned that while the tumor in my dad’s sacrum has been responding to the chemotherapy, the area where the cancer metastasized has actually worsened,” Davis, the CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), wrote in an update posted to the apologist’s Facebook page. “His oncologist informed us that this cancer is very rare in its aggression and that no options for further treatment remain. Medically speaking, they have done all they are able.”
Early in the year, the 74-year-old Zacharias told followers he had undergone an emergency back surgery in an effort to correct recurring back problems. His wife, Margie, took to Zacharias’ Facebook page to ask followers for prayers as Zacharias was in “extreme” pain following the surgery. A short while later, the apologist announced that during the procedure, doctors discovered a rare form of cancer. “While we have assumed this pain was a natural consequence of the surgery, we have learned in the past week that a biopsy taken during the procedure revealed that I have a malignant tumor on my sacrum—a very rare cancer called Sarcoma,” Zacharias wrote in an update.
Despite the freeze on most medical procedures due to the coronavirus, Zacharias was able to travel to Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center and undergo treatment in April. He shared an update with a picture of himself and Margie while in Houston. The couple celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on May 6th.
During treatment, Zacharias also took the time to write a brief tribute to his late friend and colleague Nabeel Qureshi, who died of stomach cancer in 2017.
Now, the update from Davis indicates the apologist doesn’t have much time left. Davis, whose update was addressed to RZIM’s global staff writes: “One day, likely sooner than later, we will be serving without our beloved founder, though I know his love and legacy will convict and inspire us to service of his Lord even greater than we have seen before.” Despite this sobering reality, though, Davis says “While we are full of so many emotions, we are also at peace, resting in the truth that God knows all and sees all and is sovereign and good. I think of the great joy my dad will have, and I am comforted.”
Her update in its entirety is included below:
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your faithful prayers for my dad and for my family in recent months as he has undergone back surgery and treatment for cancer. Truly, words fail to convey the depths of our gratitude for your many expressions of love.
We have just learned that while the tumor in my dad’s sacrum has been responding to the chemotherapy, the area where the cancer metastasized has actually worsened. His oncologist informed us that this cancer is very rare in its aggression and that no options for further treatment remain. Medically speaking, they have done all they are able.
Ravi, Margie, and Naomi are returning from Houston and will remain at home in Atlanta, where our family can be together for whatever time the Lord gives us.
We are so grateful to God for His goodness and His love that we have seen evidenced in so many ways. The love and care that you have given to us is one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s kindness. We are deeply grateful for the care of the medical teams at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the friendship and love of those who served and cared so faithfully and came alongside in many generous and unexpected ways.
After many weeks of separation, our family is anxious to spend time together. You are also our family. We love you and are grateful to share these thin places with you. Thank you for what each of you do to faithfully support my dad’s work and calling, and to advance the cause of evangelism around the world.
We know that God has purposed and numbered each of our days, and only He knows how many more Ravi will experience on this earth. One day, likely sooner than later, we will be serving without our beloved founder, though I know his love and legacy will convict and inspire us to service of his Lord even greater than we have seen before. While we are full of so many emotions, we are also at peace, resting in the truth that God knows all and sees all and is sovereign and good. I think of the great joy my dad will have, and I am comforted.
Thank you for taking this journey with us, and as always, for your faithful prayers.
With much love and on behalf of Ravi, Margie, Naomi, and Nathan,
Sarah Davis
CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
