CHRISTIANS OVERCOMING CANCER-CHRISTIAN FAMILIES, CARE TAKERS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AFFECTED BY/OR WITH CANCER

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. CHRISTIAN CANCER CARE SUPPORT GROUP TESTIMONY SPOTLIGHT 2010

By Sister Joan Hush, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

I have no doubt in my mind that F.R.I.E.N.D.S. IS FULFILLING A DIVINELY MERCIFUL AND DIVINELY GUIDED purpse! It is true-you can find many examples of support groups in every town, in every city. I have friends who attend AA meetings. And more to the point, they tell me that it is the SPIRITUAL component of these groups that is most helpful.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. meets that pressing need for people of Fait who face the challenges of sickness and death. I am certain that cancer survivors know just how precarious life really is, and definitely how fragile. They need not only the reassurances of Faith, but also the companionship and sharing with others who are also battling this grave illness.

Reliance on scripture and prayer provides the structure and "God-connection" which gives F.R.I.E.N.D.S. its reason for being. The warm atmosphere of friendship that grows every time we meet provides spiritual support and comfort. The stories people share strengthens every person in the group!

One of the wonderful things about F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is its ecumenical character - it simply does not matter which church we attend. At this point in life, we all face the same questions and the same God. And when, perhaps, Faith grows dim for a while because of illness and so many other problems facing cancer patients, the light shining in the faces, and the commitment sounding in the voices of others, can make a profound difference. It is Church, the Communion of the Saints on earth.

I thank God that Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt, Dr. Morris S. Dees, III, Oncologist and Dr. Grace Diez-Hoeck along with Bonni Titcomb, Certified Nurse Practioner had the courage and insight to begin this venture for our hospital and community. I personally pray that F.R.I.E.N.D.S. will travel all over the country, and bring its message of hope, peace, prayer, comfort and faith to EVERYONE WHO YEARNS TO HEAR AND SHARE IT!

Welcome "FRIENDS" By Bonni Titcomb, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

It has been a blessing to be a part of "FRIENDS" since the first meeting.
Im a Board Certified OB-Gyn Nurse Practitioner.  Ive been a womens health care provider for
Twenty-five years.  On many occasions Ive been in the position to give women their abnormal
mammogram or pap results.  Everyone experiences anxiety over abnormal results and most fear
the potential cancer diagnosis.
 
My dear friend Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt, a cancer overcomer and the co-founder of "FRIENDS,"
asked me to be a medical support member of "FRIENDS".  I thought I was just that.  I wasnt a
cancer overcomer.  My Mother was a 17 year breast cancer overcomer and I had experienced
the death of my 38 year old husband Twenty-one years ago.  I thought I could share how I
overcame these painful times and my medical experience, to encourage the group.
 
God knew---Romans 12:5  "Since we are all one body, in Christ, we belong to each other and
each of us needs all the others".
 
Recently, I was gripped by fear, when my Husband received test results that were suggestive
of cancer.  I feared losing  my Husband.  I couldnt stand the thought of the pain and grief that
would bring and I feared being left alone, again.
 
"FRIENDS"  prayed with me and comforted me.  GOD ENABLES US TO LOVE THE FEAR OUT
OF ONE ANOTHER
 
2 Corinthians 1:3-7+10-11Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received
from God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ
our comfort overflows.  If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are
comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same
sufferings we suffer.  And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share
in our sufferings, so you also share in our comfort.  On Him we have set our hope that he will
continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.  Then many will give thanks on our behalf
for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
 
Shared pain, shared suffering, thats Gods way with us.  He is the God of all comfort and
when he comes beside us and offers us strength for living, moment by moment, we learn
to freely stand beside fellow suffers, to let their pain become our pain, for as long as they
may suffer.  Shared pain, shared suffering and shared comfort!
 
Thats why "FRIENDS" need "FRIENDS"
 
My "FRIENDS" prayed and loved the FEAR right out of me and rejoiced with me when my Husbands,
tests were negative for cancer.  My "FRIENDS" have blessed me with their testimonies of courage,
faith, strength, compassion and love, while they are over comers of cancer through the hope,
healing and comfort of JESUS CHRIST!
 
I continue to remember you in my prayers.
 
Your "FRIEND"  Bonni G. Titcomb