TEMECULA, Calif.--Longtime Church of God member and evangelist Raymond F. McNair announced Aug. 22 he had canceled his plans for sponsoring a Feast of Tabernacles site for 2006.

Mr. McNair, 76, noted that "continuing serious health problems," originating from prostate cancer, have curtailed his church-related activities.

However, Mr. McNair said in a letter dated Aug. 22 to supporters of his ministry that his cancer appears to be "arrested" or possibly "totally eradicated." Still, he said, "I will not know until further tests."

Mr. McNair and his wife, Eve, have received well-wishes from around the world.

"My wife and I wish to wholeheartedly thank you brethren scattered across the globe for the cards, letters and E-mails expressing your loving concern and assurance of your continual prayers for my complete healing," he wrote.

"We have received well over 1,100 signatures from brethren, including ministers from various congregations of the Churches of God. We deeply appreciate your support and prayers."

Mr. McNair noted that God's servants must sometimes suffer debilitating health problems.

"During the long history of God's true Church," he wrote, "some of God's servants have suffered serious illnesses. The Bible says that the Prophet Elisha died of some kind of illness."

Mr. McNair encouraged his supporters to travel to various Feast sites, even though he would not be able to be with them.

"Many of you will be disappointed in having to observe this Feast in your own homes or with another Church of God group,"he said.