STORIES | Care Ministries | Dottie Jones
I’ve been a member of PTCUMC for almost 20 years. My family are a part of this congregation as well – children and grandchildren. In early 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There was no active Cancer Care ministry in the Church at the time. Our Congregational Care person (Mary Fields) walked with me on that journey. She was there for my surgery to pray and there for me after my surgery and recovery. It felt really good to be cared about. My family was a huge support but the additional support from my church gave me the strength to conquer my fears. I was not afraid, and the presence of the Lord was very real to me. I’m here today because of God’s healing grace and the support I received.
Two years later, in 2016, a Cancer Care ministry was developed, and I was invited to serve on the team and have been serving ever since. The training I received equipped me in so many ways, as a care giver and a care receiver. Our team offers hope and encouragement to people within our congregation and beyond our church. Could be a friend in California, or someone even closer geographically or otherwise. As a care giver, I formed lasting relationships with those in my care. It has been such a rewarding experience.
As a care receiver, the love and support given me, and my family was right on time. My 17 yr. old grandson was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2019. It was so unexpected and a shock to all of us. A very challenging time. The Cancer Care team stood by me the entire time through Noah’s illness and beyond. Sadly, God called him home 3 ½ years ago. I cannot express enough how the cancer care ministry was a vital part of our journey. Everyone’s cancer journey is unique – but for everyone’s cancer journey, there is hope. With the training and experience given me, I’m able to offer support to others on their journey.
If you are feeling a tug in your heart to serve this ministry, I can promise you will not regret joining with us in what God is doing to help others and bring the hope of Jesus alongside those on this journey.