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Yvonne Ortega
Testimony
I grew up with religion but knew nothing about a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. Prayer and Bible study were
not a part of my life, and I believed that works would help
me earn my place in heaven. After I grew up and married,
my neighbors invited my former husband and me to the
Officers Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational Bible
study for military officers and their wives. We owned a
large family Bible but didn’t know where it was. I borrowed
a Bible from my neighbors to attend our first Bible study
ever. The group discussed the book of Romans which
contradicted everything we believed. After that first
session, we stayed up most of the night in an attempt to
find something that justified our beliefs. Within the month, I
read the entire Bible and found nothing that would support
our man-made traditions. I admitted I was a sinner, asked
God to forgive me of my sins, and asked Jesus Christ to
be my Lord and Savior.
1. What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted a book full of Scripture, prayer, and hope. I also wanted
one that with honesty and boldness would address the emotional
roller coaster that cancer patients, even Christian ones, ride.
2. Whom is this book meant for?
This book is for cancer patients, their families, friends, and care
givers. It is also for anyone with a life-threatening disease, their
families, friends, and care givers.
3. What advice do you have for cancer patients
and those who love them?
First of all, I recommend that cancer patients and those who love
them be honest with God. He knows what we’re thinking any way
and longs to help us. He won’t be disappointed or fall off His
throne if we experience fear, depression, or anger. These are
normal emotions, and God won’t love us any less for being
human. He made us with tear ducts, and it’s OK to cry. God has
promised never to leave us or forsake us. We can put Him to the
test, and He will pass it.
Secondly, I recommend that cancer patients and those who love
them be honest with each other. Please don’t pretend that
everything is all right when it isn’t. Don’t try to be strong for each
other. This is not the time to put on a front. You are human
beings, not robots. Be real and discuss what you feel and think. If
you hold everything in, you risk adding headaches, ulcers, or
other complications to the mix. Grow closer to each other through
communication and transparency. Then draw closer to God as
you pray together for God’s wisdom, His strength, and His
comfort.
4. What resources for cancer patients do you
recommend?
Of course, I recommend my book Hope for the Journey through
Cancer. I also suggest that readers go to my website at
www.yvonneortega.com. It lists several resources The link
Stepping Stones for Survival is my blog and offers further
information and tips for cancer patients, their families, friends,
and care givers.
I grew up with religion but knew nothing about a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. Prayer and Bible study were
not a part of my life, and I believed that works would help
me earn my place in heaven. After I grew up and married,
my neighbors invited my former husband and me to the
Officers Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational Bible
study for military officers and their wives. We owned a
large family Bible but didn’t know where it was. I borrowed
a Bible from my neighbors to attend our first Bible study
ever. The group discussed the book of Romans which
contradicted everything we believed. After that first
session, we stayed up most of the night in an attempt to
find something that justified our beliefs. Within the month, I
read the entire Bible and found nothing that would support
our man-made traditions. I admitted I was a sinner, asked
God to forgive me of my sins, and asked Jesus Christ to
be my Lord and Savior.
1. What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted a book full of Scripture, prayer, and hope. I also wanted
one that with honesty and boldness would address the emotional
roller coaster that cancer patients, even Christian ones, ride.
2. Whom is this book meant for?
This book is for cancer patients, their families, friends, and care
givers. It is also for anyone with a life-threatening disease, their
families, friends, and care givers.
3. What advice do you have for cancer patients
and those who love them?
First of all, I recommend that cancer patients and those who love
them be honest with God. He knows what we’re thinking any way
and longs to help us. He won’t be disappointed or fall off His
throne if we experience fear, depression, or anger. These are
normal emotions, and God won’t love us any less for being
human. He made us with tear ducts, and it’s OK to cry. God has
promised never to leave us or forsake us. We can put Him to the
test, and He will pass it.
Secondly, I recommend that cancer patients and those who love
them be honest with each other. Please don’t pretend that
everything is all right when it isn’t. Don’t try to be strong for each
other. This is not the time to put on a front. You are human
beings, not robots. Be real and discuss what you feel and think. If
you hold everything in, you risk adding headaches, ulcers, or
other complications to the mix. Grow closer to each other through
communication and transparency. Then draw closer to God as
you pray together for God’s wisdom, His strength, and His
comfort.
4. What resources for cancer patients do you
recommend?
Of course, I recommend my book Hope for the Journey through
Cancer. I also suggest that readers go to my website at
www.yvonneortega.com. It lists several resources The link
Stepping Stones for Survival is my blog and offers further
information and tips for cancer patients, their families, friends,
and care givers.
| HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY THROUGH CANCER BY YVONNE ORTEGA |