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"FRIENDS" TESTIMONY SPOTLIGHT
DIANA GROOVER
First I would say, "FRIENDS" SUPPORT GROUP HELPS THOSE THAT ATTEND TO NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, GIVE UP!
It was in my Doctors Oncology office that I found out about the "FRIENDS" SUPPORT GROUP by seeing The Testimony of a Cancer Overcomer pamphlet written by Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt . I had just received the most grim diagnosis, my fourth diagnosis of cancer in 24 years. The treatment promised severe side effects. I was very alone and needed group support with people who would help me face my future with hope. It was very important to me that I did not want to see fear in the eyes of those I shared with or that prayed with me. I was looking for people who were in faith about my outcome: I was really looking for a group like "FRIENDS".
The following scriptures became very important to me and was re-enforced by the faith atmosphere of the "FRIENDS" SUPPORT GROUP.
Habakkuk 2:3 "For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end (fulfillment): it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait (earnestly) for it, because it will surely come: it will not be behindhand on its appointed Day. I had to get a vision beyond cancer statistics because God alone holds the number of our days in His Hand.
In Hebrews 10:38 encourages us to live the life of faith with a childlike abandon..."the just shall live by faith and holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with, and IF he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in him." This is NOT to chide us for having the normal fear that comes with a diagnosis, but to strive toward throwing that fear over our shoulder and abandoning our care to the CARETAKER of our soul. He desires us to have the joy of another realm overshadowing all that we experience here. "FRIENDS"SUPPORT GROUP offers an atmosphere that helps us walk with our enemy under our feet rather than at the helm of our life.
After three bouts with cancer, in August of 2006, I moved to Jacksonville, Fl.
When I received my fourth diagnosis of Cancer I though of the scripture Mathew 12:20, "A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering (dimly burning) wick He will not quench, till He brings justice and a just cause to victory!" Amplified Bible. Naturally, I questioned WHEN God was going to bring an end to seemly endless afflictions. I can only tell you, that I did not feel in my heart and spirit that I was finished. I needed support that would surround me in my hope so that I would not be the one who is alone when they fall.
I do not believe that God every intended man to cope without HIM and without His body to unify and support each other. I, personally, saw the Pamphlet for "FRIENDS" CANCER SUPPORT GROUP in the Office where I received Chemotherapy. I attended a meeting and brought little more than an empty shell that needed reviving if I were to hang on to life.
I will say that I have never attended a "FRIENDS" meeting that I did not leave feeling changed and filled with hope. The vision for this Meeting sets it apart from groups that are only social events offering much "woe is me" conversation, but little substance to live through the crisis of cancer. Diagnosis alone without the filter of Gods word to put cancer and any tragedy of this life in divine perspective offers no lasting peace. Each person that attends this meeting is valued for the precious person they are in Christ Jesus. Through "FRIENDS" people receive hope shared, burdens lifted, and knowledge that is accurate both medically and Biblically. We are given tools to fight the good fight of faith and hope while being allowed to share our fears and struggles in an atmosphere of confidence and trust.
Today I find that God is always there as the God of our hope and our future. Jeremiah 29:11 has a very personal word from God to us! It says,, "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for YOU, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." "FRIENDS" has supported my belief that my final outcome with GOD can only be good whether I continue in this earth or go home to live eternally with Him. While here, I have found that God reserves many treasures that we only find while searching in darkness. "FRIENDS"has been a true treasure to lift my faith, and dispel that darkness that isolation brings when we try to handle things alone.
Today, I am cancer-free and looking forward to marriage with someone God has brought into my life. This is one of those events that truly is more than I could have ask or thought. Each day we can partake of Gods wonderful promises to us! Psalm 139 :17 says, "How precious and weighty also are your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them. If I could count them, they would be more in number that the sand."
I felt that 2008 was a new beginning in many ways, and in January I met a very precious man and we plan to marry August 16th. I will only say....never give up on the goodness of our Father. Place yourself where you faith will be watered and your physical being supported with sound medicine. "FRIENDS" combines the best of both.
I pray that my testimony will encourage each person! Our destiny is not defined by our diagnosis. God has the final word, and I feel it is SO necessary to spend as much time as possible in the atmosphere of faith, surrounded by professionals like Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt, Dr. Morris Dees and Dr. Craig Collie that believe Gods word and ,therefore, join the medical and spiritual aspects of our lives in a group such as "FRIENDS." I had to get a vision beyond cancer statistics because God alone holds the number of our days in His Hand.
In Hebrews 10:38 encourages us to live the life of faith with a childlike abandon..."the just shall live by faith and holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with, and IF he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in him." This is NOT to chide us for having the normal fear that comes with a diagnosis, but to strive toward throwing that fear over our shoulder and abandoning our care to the CARETAKER of our soul. He desires us to have the joy of another realm overshadowing all that we experience here. "FRIENDS"SUPPORT GROUP offers an atmosphere that helps us walk with our enemy under our feet rather than at the helm of our life.
After three bouts with cancer, in August of 2006, I moved to Jacksonville, Fl.
When I received my fourth diagnosis of Cancer I though of the scripture Mathew 12:20, "A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering (dimly burning) wick He will not quench, till He brings justice and a just cause to victory!" Amplified Bible. Naturally, I questioned WHEN God was going to bring an end to seemly endless afflictions. I can only tell you, that I did not feel in my heart and spirit that I was finished. I needed support that would surround me in my hope so that I would not be the one who is alone when they fall.
I do not believe that God every intended man to cope without HIM and without His body to unify and support each other. I, personally, saw the Pamphlet for "FRIENDS" CANCER SUPPORT GROUP in the Office where I received Chemotherapy. I attended a meeting and brought little more than an empty shell that needed reviving if I were to hang on to life.
I will say that I have never attended a "FRIENDS" meeting that I did not leave feeling changed and filled with hope. The vision for this Meeting sets it apart from groups that are only social events offering much "woe is me" conversation, but little substance to live through the crisis of cancer. Diagnosis alone without the filter of Gods word to put cancer and any tragedy of this life in divine perspective offers no lasting peace. Each person that attends this meeting is valued for the precious person they are in Christ Jesus. Through "FRIENDS" people receive hope shared, burdens lifted, and knowledge that is accurate both medically and Biblically. We are given tools to fight the good fight of faith and hope while being allowed to share our fears and struggles in an atmosphere of confidence and trust.
Today I find that God is always there as the God of our hope and our future. Jeremiah 29:11 has a very personal word from God to us! It says,, "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for YOU, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." "FRIENDS" has supported my belief that my final outcome with GOD can only be good whether I continue in this earth or go home to live eternally with Him. While here, I have found that God reserves many treasures that we only find while searching in darkness. "FRIENDS"has been a true treasure to lift my faith, and dispel that darkness that isolation brings when we try to handle things alone.
Today, I am cancer-free and looking forward to marriage with someone God has brought into my life. This is one of those events that truly is more than I could have ask or thought. Each day we can partake of Gods wonderful promises to us! Psalm 139 :17 says, "How precious and weighty also are your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them. If I could count them, they would be more in number that the sand."
I felt that 2008 was a new beginning in many ways, and in January I met a very precious man and we plan to marry August 16th. I will only say....never give up on the goodness of our Father. Place yourself where you faith will be watered and your physical being supported with sound medicine. "FRIENDS" combines the best of both.
I pray that my testimony will encourage each person! Our destiny is not defined by our diagnosis. God has the final word, and I feel it is SO necessary to spend as much time as possible in the atmosphere of faith, surrounded by professionals like Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt, Dr. Morris Dees and Dr. Craig Collie that believe Gods word and ,therefore, join the medical and spiritual aspects of our lives in a group such as "FRIENDS."
SISTER JOAN HUSH JUNE 2008 SPOTLIGHT TESTIMONY
I have no doubts in my mind that "FRIENDS" is fulfilling a divinely merciful and divinely guided purpose! It is true – you can find many examples of support groups in town. I have friends who attend AA meetings. In addition, and more to the point, they tell me that it is the SPIRITUAL component of these groups that is most helpful. |
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| "FRIENDS" meets that pressing need for people of Faith who face the challenges of sickness and death. I am certain that cancer survivors know just how precarious life really is. And they need not only the reassurances of Faith, but also thecompanionship and sharing with others who are also battling this grave illness.
Reliance upon Scripture and prayer provides the structure and “God-connection” giving "FRIENDS" 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 Friends 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. Moreover, when, perhaps, Faith grows dim for a while because of illness and so many other problems facing cancer patients, the lights shining in the faces, and the commitment sounding in the voices of others, can make a profound difference. It is Church, the Communion of Saints on earth.
I thank God that Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt, Dr. Dees and Dr. Collie had the courage and insight to begin such a venture. I pray that "FRIENDS" will travel all over the country, and brings its message of hope, peace, comfort, and faith to EVERYONE WHO YEARNS TO HEAR AND SHARE IT!
SPOTLIGHT TESTIMONY FOR MAY 2008
Debra Sanders, Dental Hygienist Neptune Beach, Florida
I do not have cancer, but I went with a friend to a meeting of “FRIENDS” CHRISTIAN CANCER CARE GROUP. I was so glad I went because illness can make you feel so alone and isolated. However, when I went to FRIENDS", I discovered a place where cancer patients, caregivers and the medical profession do not have to feel or be alone while overcoming and dealing with cancer. I have made a choice now to be involved in this ministry by helping and serving in the "FRIENDS" CHRISTIAN CANCER CARE GROUP Meetings, and I love it!
Almost everyone at some time in his or her life is or has been through a very difficult sickness. At “FRIENDS”, you can express your fears and worries. Everyone knows and understands what you are talking about in these meetings. I can see the comfort in peoples > eyes. They help and support each other at “FRIENDS”, and there is a real sense of hope and overcoming the disease of cancer.
People desire comfort, love, and truth. Because of that people are coming to hear and wanting to know Gods promises spoken by Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt. People want to hear more about our Lord Jesus, and how having a personal relationship with Him applies to our every day life. Each meeting Rev. Barnhardt gives an exhortation out of God’s Word of hope, the Holy Bible. We feel assured after every meeting that God’s promises are true and God will never leave or forsake us.
We all want the peace of knowing we are in this journey of life sheltered under the shadow of God Almighty. The “FRIENDS” meeting gives us all a place to come and share hope and courage to get through the next month. I am very excited that now there is the “FRIENDS” Internet Web site to help give support and the use of e-mail contact to interact and ask questions. We are very grateful and expectant at all God is doing through “FRIENDS” CHRISTIAN CANCER CARE GROUP. COME JOIN US!
ANITA OSBORN
"FRIENDS" under the leadership of Rev. Barnhardt has given me the opportunity to witness of Gods glorious healing power, love and comfort. I am experiencing first hand watching others challenged by cancer receive continued hope at every meeting.
In January of 2002, I felt sharp pains in my lower abdomen. They were so severe I hurt to even move. After numerous visits to my doctor with no relief, I was referred to a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me with mantel lymphoma, bone marrow stage 4 and a mass by the pancreas.
I know my Jesus died on the cross so that through prayer, scripture, and faith in God, our Father in Heaven will forgive all our sins and heal all our diseases. 1Peter 2:24 tells us "by His wounds, you have been healed...only believe."
My son and daughter were in shock and prayed. The oncologist gave me 3 months to live and maybe, a few months with chemo. During this time I lost 35 pounds and continued to feel pain with no appetite or energy.
I surrendered to God. With a diagnosis of a few months to live, I prayed and God said "No chemo." I felt joy and accepted the fact that God would take me home. I began to eat and feel stronger. One morning God told me, "I am not ready for you. Witness for my Glory."
My second oncologist, Dr. Morris Dees prescribed shots foranemia. The blood tests improved gradually. It is 2008. I continue to witness for God and work with Dr. Dees. In Hebrews 13:8, the Bible says "Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever." That will forever be my testimony to witness of Gods Glory in my life!
GROUP TESTIMONY SPOTLIGHT-FEBRUARY 2008-JOHN CESARIO
Hi, my name is John Cesario. I am on my 72nd birthday,and this past May I was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. What a birthday present! After getting over the initial shock, I underwent surgery to remove my left kidney. I am now undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
I am so grateful to Anita Osborn who introduced me to the wonderful cancer support group "FRIENDS!" Gladys, my fiance, and I have had a wonderful experience attending the monthly meetings. In "FRIENDS," we have the opportunity to share our faith and feelings with others affected by cancer whether they are patients, family members,caregivers or the medical profession. I have faith the Lord Jesus has healed me and I believe He will keep my body cancer free.
Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt is such a wonderful group Leader, and we are impressed and somewhat surprised that Dr. Dees and Dr. Collie and other medical professionals participate actively in the group meetings. It indicates, to me, that even doctors believe that the Lord God and His divine power can assist them in treating and curing this dreaded disease.
My advice to fellow cancer patients is to get involved with "FRIENDS" and turn over your disease to Jesus. Have faith that Jesus will cure you and join us at "FRIENDS" for the care and support you need. May God bless you all!
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