Cancer Support Groups Need to Serve The Whole Person

        And be renewed in the spirit of your Mind (Ephesians 4:23)

                             This is my Body, which is for you (1 Corinthians 11:24)

Serve Him with all your heart and with all your Soul (Joshua 22:5)

It was Jesus who exemplified service when he took a towel and a basin of water and washed the feet of His twelve disciples (John 13:5). He said so clearly, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matthew 20:28) and “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).

Someone you know has just been told he or she has cancer. That person can focus on nothing else the doctor is saying. The “C” word. People can’t get past the word so they can absorb the rest of what is being said. Leaving the doctor’s office, a person with a newly diagnosed cancer is frightened. Initially, they don’t know where to turn.

Christ’s servants assist with filling the void between the medical system and our everyday world. Cancer support groups are needed to help patients not only cope, but, to assist with the daily necessities of life. These groups are an integral part of getting well – they can serve as educators for patients, caregivers and the community.

Every great leader in the Bible exemplified service to God. The Apostle Paul’s most common title for himself was “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ.” Peter, James, Jude, John, Daniel, Elijah, Nehemiah, Ruth and Isaiah all called themselves the same thing. Mary, when presented by the angel with the news of Jesus’ upcoming birth, responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

You see, God’s work never stops. It’s essential that we serve Him and further the Gospel. In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul writes, “I urge you, therefore, in view of God’s mercy to you, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.” In light of Christ’s sacrifice to us on the cross and His mercy to us, serving Jesus Christ with all our hearts and doing so with joy is our only reasonable response to Him.

It’s extremely important for a cancer patient to receive total mind, body and soul treatment. A cancer ministry support group can ensure that no one living with the disease ever has to feel alone again. Research shows that these groups can actually improve the physical health and wellness of its participants. Support groups allow those who share a common diagnosis to come together, share ideas, ways of coping and experiences.

Serving God does not end when we leave the brick and mortar of our church. We must serve God in all we do – at work, at home, at church, in our communities and in all of our life. To serve in this way requires discipline, time management and prioritization. It also requires humility and a sacrificial attitude. Servants know that the ultimate objective of all service is to become a fully devoted follower of Christ and to help others to become one also.

 The All Ribbon Group is dedicated to helping faith communities create cancer ministries that are customized to meet the unique needs of their congregations. For more information on The All Ribbon Group, please contact Lyn Thompson, Pastoral Care, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, 918-286-5235.