Prison Ministry, August 15
Written by David Gira
“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:17-18 NIV).
Being diagnosed with cancer places you in the role of a care receiver. You depend on a host of people to serve you. All work hard to support you and help you heal. While you may be limited by your disease and treatment, you also are still able to serve. Every day you can make a positive difference in someone’s life. You may even find that helping them helps you.
The Apostle Paul endured many years of untold trials and difficulties as he advanced the gospel of Jesus Christ. After twenty years of mission work, he was imprisoned in Rome. Chances were high he would be sentenced to death for his relentless proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord. As he awaits his fate, the authorities place him under house arrest and station armed guards outside his door.
Rather than feel sorry for himself or be angry, Paul embraces the situation as another opportunity to serve and tell others all about Jesus. He gets to know everyone he encounters, ministers to them, and tells them about Jesus—starting with the prison guards.
While incarcerated, Paul writes letters to the many churches he started and loves. He continues to teach, encourage, and build up his brothers and sisters in Christ. He pens and sends letters filled with love, hope, faith, and truth to Christians far and wide. He can’t get out, but nothing can stop him from pouring himself out.
Cancer can make you feel like Paul, a prisoner under house arrest. Limited freedom. Restricted diet. Prevented from doing as you like. You may feel sentenced to death. Some days your caregivers—on your medical team or at home—may seem like prison guards! “Did you take all your pills?” “Take off your clothes and put on this gown.” “Don’t move at all until the MRI is complete.”
Despite the new rules and restrictions, you also have opportunities to serve God. Jesus has empowered, equipped, and called you to serve. Even now you can be Jesus’ light shining in the gloom and darkness.
You can start by loving your “prison guards.” Care for your caregivers. Don’t be a good patient; be the best patient. Be appreciative, attentive, and kind. Encourage and affirm. Show them what Jesus is like and tell them about Him. Pray for them. Take their joys and concerns to the Master.
We can also write and send encouraging messages to others in need. Through letters, emails, text messages, videos, and more, you can tell others how God is with you and providing for you, and praise Him. Let them know you are thinking about them and praying for them. Assure them they are loved by God. Jesus is present and will take care of them.
As we pour ourselves out for others, Jesus fills us to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. Like Paul, our hearts will overflow with gladness and joy. The time we spend in cancer’s prison may become the time we feel the most free and alive!
Pray: Lord, when I feel trapped by cancer, remind me I am free in Christ. Free indeed! I am thankful for all those who take care of me. Help me care for them. You came to serve others. Empower me to be like You. Amen.
Your Turn: The hymn “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky,” written by Dan Schutte, expresses God’s call to serve and our joyful acceptance. It continues to deeply resonate with and move me. Listen and open your heart to God’s invitation to serve.
Michael David Gira, Jr.
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
