Nick Jones, Gateway (Grants Pass) and SonRise (Eagle Point) churches pastor, was deeply missed at the Gladstone Camp Meeting this year. The recently ordained pastor was at home in Medford undergoing a grueling series of chemotherapy treatments. Cancer had returned in his body.
Pastors throughout the Oregon Conference and beyond rallied at Gladstone Camp Meeting and were "Nicked for Nick" as they had their heads shaved to match the effect chemotherapy was having on Jones' hair. All told, more than 40 pastors and friends participated. A huge crowd gathered to lend support, pray with the pastors and show love for the Jones family, which includes his wife, Julie, and a baby girl due in October. The video of this event was captured on YouTube and shared on several Facebook walls. After watching the video, Jones posted on Facebook, "I am so humbled and amazed. Thank you so much for your support and prayers and beautiful bald heads!"
The spirit of solidarity was carried from Gladstone to Grants Pass as many others were inspired to have their heads shaved. One such group met on July 24 at the Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist School. Christian Martin, Grants Pass Church pastor, gathered with Phil Ermshar, Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist School principal, and several others on the school grounds to shave their heads and pray for Jones. For them, it was personal as each knew of someone else who had battled cancer. In that moment, it was a meaningful show of support for their friend and colleague in the Grants Pass community.
Jones has been open and honest about his cancer battle, describing his first round of chemotherapy and its effects. He has noted several times in his blog, pastornick.com, that the support of family, friends and beyond — along with a close walk with Jesus — has helped him stay positive during this fight.
Nick Jones, a pastor in the Grants Pass area, is fighting cancer and inspiring a host of others to shave their heads in a show of support for his battle.
Christian Martin (with clippers), Phil Ermshar (sitting down) and Michael Rae are goofing off and getting "Nicked for Nick."
(From left) James Burkes, Phil Ermshar, Michael Rae and Marcus Bryner sport shaved heads in support for a local pastor facing cancer.
Phil Ermshar, Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist School principal, gets "Nicked for Nick." His daughter, Loryn, can't watch.
