We’ve seen the statistics. It’s likely we’ve each felt its impact in some significant way; its reach is deep and wide. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, making it one of modern medicine’s greatest challenges, and the percentage of the U.S. population who has or ever has had cancer has increased over the past 15 years. In 2020 alone, there were an estimated 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed and over 600,000 cancer deaths in the United States, and The National Cancer Institute estimates one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.

Where do we see God at work and how can we serve God in the midst of this grim reality?

Some in our community are responding through a new cancer-care ministry here at Orchard Hill, specifically feeling led to answer God’s calling to encourage one another.

God wants hearts to be filled with hope, and this ministry is an expression of God’s love FOR us and His hope IN us. We want to reflect on God’s goodness and compassion by encouraging those around us.

God calls us to love one another with genuine affection and honor. To rejoice in hope, pray through the trouble and be ready to help. God wants us to meet people where they are and lock arms in support of them, whether it is a season of joy or tears.

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.” – Romans 12:10-13

The Cancer Care Ministry at Orchard Hill Church aims to reach and serve anyone touched by cancer, including patients, family members, and caretakers, supporting their unique concerns when, where, and how needed. No single approach or definition can summarize what it means to be a ministering person, and certainly, we extend our personal ministries beyond those impacted with cancer.

What does this look like in practice?

How do we minister to others and encourage them in a way that is meaningful and respectful? At the heart of being a ministering person is being watchful - hearing and understanding the story of the person standing before us, while ENCOURAGING HOPE in that person as they begin the next chapter in their story.

A ministering person takes the role of being a COMPANION on another person’s journey, rather than being a problem-solver or rescuer. A ministering person enters into a relationship with another person and shares their pain, listening, and raising questions for reflection. They allow others to make decisions, supporting them through the decision-making process, and accepting that solutions are best arrived at by the person being served.

A ministering person understands the power of a personal encounter between an individual and God. They recognize that while they cannot put an end to the physical, emotional, and psychological pain of others, they can be a witness to it and give a voice to that suffering.

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14

It takes strength and courage to keep trusting in God when it doesn’t seem like He’s showing up in the way that we think He should. In these times, much of our role is simply being present to remind each other of God’s faithfulness and goodness, and we hope to be a reminder of GOD’s PRESENCE in the midst of uncertainty.

Encouragement can be such a confidence booster for each of us in times of trouble.

My personal journey with cancer started when I was nine years old when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her six-year battle began. During this period, we struggled as a family with the significant impact it would have on us, physically, emotionally, and financially. What we never anticipated or understood at the time was how abandoned we felt by friends, neighbors, and even our church community. Everyone seemed to distance themselves from us at the time we needed them most. Of course, this was during an era when people were often afraid of even saying the word ‘cancer’ out loud, and honestly whispered the word!

In hindsight, I feel I have a better understanding of how and why this happened, a perspective that comes from time and experience. When people feel uncomfortable or concerned that they may say the wrong thing, it can be easier to avoid placing themselves in the situation. But having that better understanding doesn’t remove the memory of the sense of isolation.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2

The phrase "one another" is derived from the Greek word “allelon”, which means "one another, each other; mutually, reciprocally." It occurs 100 times in the New Testament.

As members of the Cancer Care Ministry, we’re privileged to walk alongside and encourage one another. We look to build relationships, connecting by phone, text, mail, and/or in person. Sometimes it’s talking about the current treatment, sometimes it’s talking about anything BUT cancer. Often there is a cup of coffee involved!

We embrace hope, honor scripture, and let the love of God work through us. This Journey of Hope ministry serves as a reminder of God’s promises and His presence in the most difficult seasons of our lives.

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had." – Romans 15:5

If you, or someone you know, would like to be connected with a member of the Orchard Hill Church Care Ministry Team, please contact Cindy Tomaro or call 724-935-5555.