Zacharias is an Indian-born Canadian-American evangelical apologist who has written numerous Christian books and publicly defended the Christian faith since he was converted at 17 years of age. He is now 74.

Zacharias’ eldest daughter Sarah Zacharias Davis, who is CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), posted the following update on her father’s health to the organisation’s website and social media accounts on Saturday:

“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.”

Since Zacharias founded his Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) in 1984, it has grown into a global team of speakers with offices throughout the world in: the United States, Canada, Latin America, Africa, the United Kingdom, Spain, Romania, Turkey, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Austria, Germany, Macedonia, and Switzerland.

On Sunday, RZIM invited Christians around the world to post testimonies of how Zacharias’ ministry has influenced them, under the hashtag #ThankYouRavi, saying the testimonies would be passed on to Zacharias and his family.

Christians of all stripes from across the world responded, with gratitude the common theme.

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On February 2, Zacharias announced he would be undergoing emergency spinal repair surgery after pain had intensified since two previous spinal surgeries. Eleven days after the surgery, his wife Margie posted an update, describing his recovery as progressing “at a slower pace than he expected”.

Then on March 13, Zacharias made the official announcement: “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. Indeed, we now know this is the cause of my extreme pain. In the past few days, we have been meeting with specialists to determine the next course of action. They will wait until I am fully healed from the back surgery, and in 4-5 weeks, will begin treatment to shrink the tumor.”

The Zacharias family have returned to their home in Atlanta, Georgia, and said they will “be together for whatever time the Lord gives us.”

Sarah Zacharias Davis said in a statement: “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.”