My journey began with a sign—an electronic one at that. Shortly after we joined our church, there was an all-church meeting about an electronic sign. Our church sits in the perfect spot to be seen by many so this electric sign was an important addition to our community outreach. Some months later, I received a social media message from an old neighbor who had seen our sign and saw that we had a Cancer Companions group. I promised to get her the details. Truth be told, I knew that the group had been started, but like many others, I didn’t want to think of cancer. I contacted the group leader, Ken Weber, and offered to attend a meeting that week with my neighbor, not fully realizing the fear and turmoil she was navigating. That meeting was very large and was led skillfully with compassion, praise, and unending trust in God’s support. The room was quiet as roundtable updates began but soon there was give and take, relief that people there understood their fears, emotions, and the grief for the life that had changed. Their stories were compelling, full of courage and empowerment. I felt God alive and moving in that room even though I was not on a journey, or so I thought. It was quite a night that I thought about for weeks. Matthew 18:20 has always resonated with me and it was definitely what I experienced. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in
the midst of them.”
Six months later I got the words that blindsided me and my first cancer journey began. Was it a “Godwink?” I learned that word during one of my first meetings as a card-carrying member. The official definition reads: An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention. I have no doubt that I was meant to be there with my neighbor to experience a community that would soon become an integral part of my life.
For those that are unaware, Cancer Companions was the 2011 brainchild of St. Louis area resident, Karen Tripp. Her goal was to provide a holistic experience that included and celebrated the hope of Christ throughout their cancer journey. To that end, there are groups in 24 states with 400+ volunteers, e-newsletters, prayer teams, a wonderful God-centered workbook for cancer patients and caregivers, Seeing God in Your Cancer Journey, and their flagship 30 days of Cancer Prayer event that is available worldwide free of charge and each year picks up more steam with the support of clergy, celebrities and those intimately involved in the cancer area of healthcare. It culminates with a worldwide prayer service on social media that our church has hosted for a few years. Hundreds of people electronically and in person send in prayers and groups at the event pray for them almost immediately. It is powerful, indeed, as well as a comfort to many. My husband surprised me with his participation while I was in acute treatment. That moment of praying together for others will stay with us forever. I encourage churches that are unfamiliar with this ministry to contact Karen for more information.
Everyone’s cancer journey, support system, and faith journey is unique. Some choose to stay part of the group past their acute treatment and others slowly let go, trying to get back to some semblance of normalcy. Many continue to check back in and pray for others on our email chain. After my acute treatment I prayed about it and chose to stay on. The opportunity to train to be part of our facilitator team blessed me even further. We have a dynamic leader in Jeff Cook who effortlessly delivers calming and faith empowering words on a regular basis. My faith continues to deepen and I am blessed over and over again championing others while learning how to be more like Jesus in our church community and out on the mission fields. I’m a work in progress but I have learned that I don’t have to “fight” cancer with only my own strength—I can face it in the power, care and love He provides. I can’t imagine fighting cancer without Him.
My own cancer journey continues with yet a second, unrelated cancer. I am comforted by the belief that God knows all of my story and encouraged the deepening of our relationship to prepare for this new fight. In community with my brothers and sisters in Christ and my heavenly Father, I have the strength that I need to make each moment count in my walk, with my family, and using my gifts in service to others. I’m using this time to really notice the ordinary sparkling moments that I may have missed before. Looking at life with wonder and gratitude is invigorating and can be intoxicating. A few Sundays ago we sang the song Cornerstone by Hillsong in our contemporary service. I belted out these lyrics slightly out of tune, but with all the heart I could muster to praise—“Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all.” I love that I am not alone in my storm.
Nancy Curry
Elder, Commissioner
Dardenne Presbyterian Church, Dardenne Prairie, MO