Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, triggering outpouring of prayer from fellow Southern Baptists

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson’s announcement that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has spread to his liver has triggered an outpouring of prayer from his fellow Southern Baptists across the state.

Thompson, a member of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, said he will provide updates on his health as they become available.

“While we wait on a final prognosis, I can assure you I will continue to be who I have always been — a fighter,” he said. “From the start, my life has been full of what seem like insurmountable challenges, but I've never given up and this farm boy from Montana doesn't intend to start now.”

Thompson also said he will continue to fulfill his duties as labor commissioner, and that, with his “highly professional and qualified staff” will ensure Georgians are served “with uninterrupted excellence.”

“I ask that you cover my family, the DOL staff, and me in prayer as we prepare to boldly take on this next battle,” he said.

Suzanne Guy, one of Thompson’s fellow members at First Baptist Woodstock and a citizen lobbyist on faith issues, called Thompson “one of our Georgia treasures.”

“He serves and has served our great state for so many years with such courage, boldness, integrity and a tireless dedication to all Georgians and to the cause of life,” Guy said. “He is the type of leader that stops and takes an interest in every soul in his path.  People matter to Bruce, and he is the kind of leader that sees every person and gets to know every person.”

Guy said Thompson has a history of overcoming adversity, and with God’s help, he will overcome this.

“My family, along with all of Georgia, is storming the heavens, praying for a miracle,” she said.

Mike Griffin, public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, said he has let Thompson know his fellow Southern Baptists are praying for him.

Griffin said Thompson is a witness for Christ in the state Capitol.

“We’re trusting and praying that the Lord is going to get him through this time in his life,” Griffin said.