TULSA, Okla. — “Harrison Moseby is a Tulsa firefighter, a husband and a father.” He is also a dedicated follower of Christ and an active member of his church, Owasso, First.
What makes the journey of this young man especially noteworthy, though, is that Harrison was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that he has been battling since 2022.
Amid that cancer battle, Harrison’s church family, friends, fellow-firefighters, Facebook friends and the community have watched in awe as he has battled the disease with a tremendous amount of courage and faith.
On Dec. 13 at Tulsa Fire Station 24, many of those impacted by his journey gathered for a special Community Impact Ceremony, led by Harrison’s pastor, Chris Wall.
“Every time I sit with Harrison Moseby, I learn to trust the Lord a little bit more,” Wall said. “I have taught Harrison and Mallory for years as their pastor., but they have become two of the greatest teachers in my life. God’s promises are true, and, in the toughest of times, the Holy Spirit gives real strength. Harrison and Mallory both are living examples of this.”
Leading up to that special ceremony has been a grueling series of health setbacks and struggles. In January 2022, Harrison went to the doctor after significant shoulder pain, where he found out he had a muscle tumor that was first believed to be benign.
An MRI revealed “the area had doubled in size and was becoming more painful,” according to a web page set up to track Harrison’s journey. He was diagnosed with high grade Epithelioid Sarcoma and started cancer treatments.
He and his wife Mallory have a young daughter, and their church family and many others began to rally in prayer.
“God is in control, and it’s all going to be okay,” Harrison said.
Thousands have expressed their prayers and support for Harrison on Facebook and online, and more than $100,000 has been donated toward his medical expenses. Tulsa news outlets have been reporting on Harrison’s cancer journey, as well.
During the Dec. 13 ceremony, Fire Chief Michael Baker shared how Harrison’s courage in the face of cancer gives their firefighters courage to do their job, to help others.
Others on the program included General Carver (MG, ret. U.S. Army) of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and Andy Taylor (MAJ, ret. U.S. Army), who is a regional ministry partner with Oklahoma Baptists.
Because of Harrison’s reputation of encouraging and ministering to fellow firefighters, he was bestowed by Carver as Honorary First Responder Chaplain, followed by a Scripture reading and prayer led by Taylor.
In addition, Harrison, who is enrolled as a student at Midwestern Seminary and the Spurgeon College, was presented with certificate of recognition on behalf of Midwestern President Jason A. Allen during the ceremony.
As of Dec. 13, the cancer has continued to grow and spread. On his health journey web page, the family reported, “The cancer has continued to grow and spread despite our efforts of chemo and radiation treatments… it is involving a significant amount of muscle, bone and tissue. Unfortunately, according to our doctors we have reached the limits of what is available to fight this disease. Therefore, they recommend stopping the chemo and further treatment altogether and focusing on improving quality of life with hospice.”
“This news for Mallory and (me) is an answered prayer, however difficult it may be,” Harrison said. “We see where one door is being closed, and anxiously await His promise and guidance for another door to be opened, in these next steps of our walk with Him.”
“Please keep praying for this family,” Wall said, mentioning Harrison and Mallory grew up attending Owasso, First. “This is an FBC Owasso story, family story, love story and impact story. The Gospel adventure by their side continues to teach me about the faithfulness of God.”
Quoting the Bible, Harrison posted the following verse in recent days:
“Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. For, as the Scripture says, ‘Just a little while longer, and He who is coming will come; He will not delay’” (Heb. 10:35-37).
For those gathered at the ceremony or who have followed Harrison’s journey, the Tulsa firefighter has demonstrated an exceptional amount of courage and faith—an amount that can only come from the Lord.
Editor’s Note: This story first appeared here at The Baptist Messenger.