Recently, I was invited to participate in the first Christian Cancer Support Group meeting of Milton – being held at the Gathering Place. I was asked to lead the opening prayer, give a brief message, and close our time together with prayer. I also volunteered to be available for any private prayer or counseling with individuals as needed.
15 poeple, who have been touched with cancer in some way, attended. Many had experienced their own cancer diagnosis ranging from thyroid to ovarian to breast to skin to non-Hodgkin’s… . Several were there as caretakers living with cancer patients. At least one person had experienced the loss of a daughter and wife recently to cancer.
An important part of my message to this group was that this support group would not be the typical support group. It would be different in that at the center – the core of this new ministry – would be Jesus Christ. Hence, the ‘Christian Cancer Support Group’ with a mission statement emphasizing the importance of providing a caring “Spiritual Oasis” for anyone touched by cancer. This is a time and place where we can feed the spirit and the body. This is a group of people dedicated to providing not only emotional support but spiritual encouragement as well.
Listening to the stories of these people was heart rending in one way, but very affirming in another. Stories of tragedies endured through cancer diagnosis and treatments were shared, but also (and most importantly) was how their faith in Christ was either renewed, affirmed or strengthened during this time.
While the voice of hope, comfort and encouragement is found throughout both our Old and New testaments I think the Apostle Paul writes something especially significant to us. He writes to the people of Corinth as they find themselves struggling.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. … So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
We do not lose heart. We must not lose heart. We must find our strength in Jesus Christ and through the support, encouragement, listening and sharing and praying of each one of us. Together you will help make a difference in the life of another cancer survivor.
For more information on the Christian Cancer Support Group contact Steve Hynds (608-290-6932) or Paula Schutt at the Gathering Place (868-3500) or our Milton UMC church office (868-2860).
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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