This is an unusual book. It has daily thoughts, usually just one page, sometimes with a well-chosen Bible text, giving 50 practical ways to care for a loved one with cancer.
The author, June Hunt, is an American who has herself suffered from cancer and experienced the blessing of family and friends rallying around to give specific, practical help, who herself now joins with others to help care for loved ones with cancer.
June is founder of Hope for the Heart, a worldwide biblical counselling ministry and a half-hour radio broadcast of the same name, and is also the author of numerous books and devotionals.
Each day she shares at least one tip from her own experience as to how to express practical care – on pain relief, physical comfort, stimulating the mind and senses, where to seek medical advice etc. There is a tremendous variety of ideas given, many extremely creative - or just simple, but excellent.
Although June seems to work mainly with women, and the book’s cover would particularly appeal to ladies, many of the ideas would equally apply to caring for men. For example, making up an album with photographs of their family, and of happy occasions, events and holidays from the past. Or coordinating the provision of hot meals, treats, lifts to medical appointments, or arranging an afternoon out.
In addition, many ideas would be great not just for someone with cancer, but also for those with a long-term or debilitating illness, or laid up for several weeks after an operation.
There is, too, a helpful section at the end of the book, encouraging us not to forget to care for the children of loved ones with cancer; giving tips on temporary trials of the loved one (e.g. hair loss, anaemia, mouth dryness and sores etc.); discovering the important ‘don’ts’; and helping those who need spiritual healing.
At my own church, people offer help for an individual to the minister, who coordinates things so that this is spread over a week – not two visits and three hot meals on one day, and no help on other days! This practical help and care is tremendously appreciated by the sufferers.
This book might well spur you on to coordinate, at your church, formally or informally, a group of folk who can be mobilized into practical , loving care for those longing for it. It’s a great ministry!
Richard John
Bookstall Manager, Selhurst Evangelical Church (FIEC), S.E. London