Every church is touched by cancer in some way.

Most churches, whether big or small, have members who are either facing cancer, have faced it or will face it at some point in their lives. According to American Cancer Society, 1 out of every 2 men and 1 out of every 3 women will get cancer at some point in their lifetime.

Besides the physical difficulties of cancer, there are also spiritual and relational challenges. Many people with cancer can feel forgotten by God and also by the people around them. Attending church, many of them can feel ignored or in the way.

Helping people and families facing a cancer diagnosis is not always easy. Not every person with cancer wants the same thing. Even the most encouraging person or pastor may find their words fall short when trying to help someone with cancer (for some helpful ideas, see point number three).

How we can help

We started Hope Has Arrived in 2018 to help people find hope, strength and peace against cancer. We use online content including stories of hope, helpful articles and a digital support group to help encourage people to engage with God in the midst of cancer.

Here are five ways that Hope Has Arrived can equip the local church to help people with cancer:

1. Provide a digital resource to share with people impacted by cancer.

   Hope Has Arrived has helped more than 2 million people impacted by cancer, whether survivors, caregivers and family. Our website can be a great resource to point people to. We offer: stories of hope, helpful articles and a prayer and support group.

2. Give a platform for believers to share their testimony.

   Our Stories of Hope, which are told through the perspective of survivors, caregivers and family members, have been read by 600,000 people and counting. Everyone loves to tell their story and by sharing it they have the opportunity to give God the glory and encourage thousands of other people facing cancer. You can never underestimate how God might use your story to help others.

3. Provide advice for how to talk to someone with cancer.

   Here are three popular articles that have proven especially helpful:

   What to Say to Someone With Cancer

   What Not to Say to Someone Who Has Cancer

   How to Talk to Someone With Cancer

4. Offer volunteer opportunities.

   Do you have a heart to encourage people with cancer? Hope Has Arrived offers volunteer positions with as few as two hours per week answering emails, responding to comments, moderating our support group, writing/editing content, social media posting. Contact us for more info.

5. Offer a prayer and support group on Facebook.

   The mission of our group is to help people find hope, strength and peace against cancer through prayer and supporting each other. We have 1,100 members and counting: survivors, caregivers and family of those with cancer. Our members often share how encouraging they find the group. You can find out more about the group here. 

More resources

If you are looking for more resources, check out Finding Hope, Finding God, and Strength and Peace.

Feel free to reach out to us if you want Chris or one of our staff to share more about how Hope Has Arrived can help equip your church to care for those with cancer among you.

Learn more about Caring for Those With Cancer.

For help with prayer, see Praying for Loved Ones With Cancer.

Visit the rest of Hope Has Arrived

I have a question or comment
How to know God’s hope, strength and peace

Note: We are not doctors and we cannot answer your medical questions. However, we welcome your questions about finding hope and knowing God.