The family of Evangelist Luis Palau, who is known as the Billy Graham of Latin America, sent Christian radio network Air1 an update on the beloved preacher’s health last week. The 86 year-old Palau has been battling lung cancer for the last three years and has fought it well. His family revealed in the update that their father took a turn for the worse at the beginning of the year that required a two-week hospitalization due to lung and heart issues.
In a February update on his Luis Palau Association’s website, his son Andrew said, “As you might suspect, Dad is famous at the hospital – truly loved by all and pointing each and every one to the Savior every chance he gets. The number of stories and reports from the medical staff – sharing how much of an encouragement and blessing he was to them while there – was such a blessing, yet also not a surprise. He is a true champion for the Gospel and a great example for us all.”
Air1’s update said that Palau had to return to the hospital last Friday and after consulting with doctors, they made the decision to stop all treatment and start on hospice care. The family explained that all the medications and treatments were too much for their dad’s body to handle.
Luis Palau is currently in the comfort of his home, resting and spending time with his family. Palau requested one-on-one time with each of his 12 grandchildren as he senses his time on this earth is nearing its end.
His family thanked everyone for their love and prayers and said, “We are all at peace. We serve a good God who loves us beyond compare.”
After receiving his lung cancer diagnosis in 2018, Palau said, “I know that the Lord is with me by the Holy Spirit indwelling. I’m ready, I know it sounds crazy to say, ‘I can’t wait to go to heaven’ now, it’s a reality for me.’ “
In an exclusive interview a year ago with ChurchLeaders.com, Palau encouraged pastors preparing for Easter “to keep things simple and to the point. Explain the Good News of Christ in a way that even children can understand.”
Please keep his wife Pat and the rest of his family in your prayers.
The Air1 letter from the Luis Palau family can be read below:
“You may have heard that Luis is not doing so well. We thought it would be good to send you an update so you know how to pray.
As you know, Dad has been fighting lung cancer for more than three years. For most of that time he has felt great. It has been a blessing.
Sadly, at the beginning of the year that changed and Dad took a turn for the worse. He spent two weeks in the hospital in January, dealing with heart and lung issues. Andrew shared a bit about that in his email last week. Although the doctors thought they had stabilized his condition and were happy to send him home, he returned to the hospital last Friday.
After meeting with doctors, the decision was made to stop all treatment and start on hospice care. All the medications and treatments were proving to be too much for his body to handle. On Tuesday, Dad returned home where he can rest, be more comfortable, and spend time with family.
We don’t know exactly how much time we have left with Dad, but the end seems near. He is in good spirits and not in pain, which is a blessing. His final wish is to be able to spend one-on-one time with each one of his grandchildren. That time has definitely been sweet.
We know this is probably hard for you to hear. Please know that the entire family is so thankful for your encouragement, prayers, and friendship.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated in the days and weeks ahead. And if you want to send a note of encouragement, please don’t hesitate. You can simply reply to this email or send it to info@palau.org. We’re taking as much time as possible with Dad each day to read the emails and notes we receive.
Thank you for your love and prayers. We are all at peace. We serve a good God who loves us beyond compare.
On behalf of the entire Palau Family, Kevin, Keith, Andrew, & Steve Palau”
