Evangelist Luis Palau has stopped treatment for lung cancer and is receiving hospice care.
An update on the 86-year-old's condition was sent by his family to American Christian radio network Air1 .
"As you know, Dad has been fighting lung cancer for more than three years. For most of that time he has felt great. It has been a blessing.
"Sadly, at the beginning of the year that changed and Dad took a turn for the worse. He spent two weeks in the hospital in January, dealing with heart and lung issues. Although the doctors thought they had stabilized his condition and were happy to send him home, he returned to the hospital last Friday.
"After meeting with doctors, the decision was made to stop all treatment and start on hospice care. All the medications and treatments were proving to be too much for his body to handle. On Tuesday, Dad returned home where he can rest, be more comfortable, and spend time with family.
"We don’t know exactly how much time we have left with Dad, but the end seems near. He is in good spirits and not in pain, which is a blessing. His final wish is to be able to spend one-on-one time with each one of his grandchildren. That time has definitely been sweet."
The statement concluded with the family saying they were so thankful for prayers, encouragement and friendship.
They also encouraged Christians to send a note of encouragement to [email protected] adding they were reading emails and notes to their father every day.
The update was signed as coming from the "entire Palau Family, Kevin, Keith, Andrew, & Steve Palau."
Following his lung cancer diagnosis, Luis Palau said: "I know that the Lord is with me by the Holy Spirit indwelling.
"I'm ready, I know it sounds crazy to say, 'I can't wait to go to heaven' now, it's a reality for me."
In the midst of his battle with lung cancer, Luis Palau returned to overseas ministry with a mission to Madrid, Spain, in June 2019.
He preached to thousands at the Plaza del Callao in the city centre before speaking again the next day to similar numbers at a nearby park.
At the time, his son Andrew, who leads much of the ministry, updated supporters on his father's involvement:
"Miracle upon miracle, Dad has arrived.
"It's the first time he's been out of the country since his diagnosis.
"It's been eighteen months and he's fired up!"
Palau was born in Argentina and moved to Portland in his mid-twenties to enroll in a graduate program in Biblical studies.