Starting in January, Simon Cronje and Lucia Anderson have been training leaders for All Saints’ newest ministry supporting parishioners who have been recently diagnosed with cancer. Resources from Our Journey of Hope provided the necessary training for the leaders. This Sunday, July 24, will be the leaders’ commissioning as they serve the people of our congregation.
We asked them both questions about this new ministry, and a few personal questions to get to know them better, and what they have started at All Saints’ Church!
How did you come to All Saints’ Church and what have you previously been involved in?
Simon: I have been an Anglican all my life. When we moved to the western side of I-95 we started attending the closest Episcopal church, All Saints’ Church on Saratoga Lane. I have been involved in several activities from children’s ministries to adult education (Foundations and small group leader). I have ushered on and off for years, I have been involved in the lawn ministry and numerous small projects and programs over the years.
Lucia: Although raised in the Methodist Church, I fell in love with the Episcopalian liturgy in high school, so after I left home to go to college, I made the Episcopal Church my church home. When my husband was transferred to Quantico Marine Corps Base, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Triangle was my parish church, so that’s where I went. Several years down the road St. Martin’s merged with Holy Spirit, Dale City, to form All Saints’. Been here ever since. I think I’ve done a little bit of everything, from Altar Guild to Sunday school teaching, needlework ministry to vestry member. And always, always, choir.
What is Our Journey of Hope?
S: Our Journey of Hope is sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, a Christian care training and support program.
L: Our Journey of Hope is a training program developed to equip leaders to start faith-based cancer care ministries in their churches. The goal is to provide caring and compassionate support for those going through the difficult times of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
How did you come together to bring this ministry to All Saints’ Church?
S: A calling came during the night of August 25th, 2020 in a lonely hospital room at Virginia Beach General. The calling was brought to Father Scott who grabbed onto the idea immediately. After some brainstorming we were led to partner with a lady from the church, and the Lord led us to Lucia Anderson who has really helped move the program forward.
L: Simon was the genesis. He wanted to reach out to others who were going through the same things he had experienced as a cancer patient. He found Our Journey of Hope’s training program and recruited me so that we could minister to both men and women. Scott+ said yes, and we were off.
Where do you see God working in this ministry?
S: Since this is a calling, we rely on the leadership and guidance of the Lord in full faith that He will step forward and He has. We have seen it in the ministers He has provided, and the direction and leadership He has given to this point.
L: I think God is present whenever Christians come together to lend a helping hand to those who need support of one kind or another. Cancer is disturbingly prevalent, most people have very little idea of what they’re getting in for, and this faith-based program puts God front and center all the way through. We haven’t been in business long enough to have witness testimonials, but I know that God will be with us all the way as we go forward.
What is the biggest misconception people have about a cancer diagnosis?
S: Cancer comes with fear and very high anxiety for both the patient and the caregiver. The treatments can be harsh and trying. It can be a lonely time despite people supporting and praying for them, and one can lose sight of hope leading to a more pessimistic viewpoint than is needed.
L: That it’s a death sentence. That might have been true decades ago, but modern treatment methods are much more successful than in the old days. You can find cancer survivors all around you. Why, three out of my seven-member small Bible study group are cancer survivors.
What is the best way for someone to support a friend or a loved one with cancer?
S: Be there for them. Provide the shoulder to cry on and the hug to support them. Be a good listener. Avoid being a medical advisor. Almost all cancer patients have folks to provide that service. Also, I would not comment on the effectiveness of their medical choice or suggest a better choice if they have already started treatments. That just adds anxiety.
L: Depends on the patient. I think listening is at the top of the list. Let them tell you what kind of support they want; be a place for them to vent all their fears and frustrations.
How can someone in our church learn more about the Cancer Care Ministry?
S: All Saints Cancer Care ministry can provide information on several cancer topics. All Saints’ Church does have the backing of Our Journey of Hope who provide a concierge service and ongoing training information to the leaders. The internet can provide some good information, but one must verify the source. Finally, our group of ministers has personal experience in most levels of treatment, and some have additional access to outside support groups.
L: Send us (Simon and Lucia) an email at cancersupport@allsaintswoodbridge.org. We’ll be happy to talk to you.
What is your favorite book of the Bible? Why?
S: This is by far the hardest question to answer. My favorite book of the Bible is that last book I have studied. Or to state it in other words, my favorite book changes all the time as I read different sections. My biggest question is how to get the best out of suffering from a Christian perspective.
L: Tossup between Psalms (it’s a songbook, for crying out loud!) and the Gospel according to St. John. I like John the best of the Gospels because it has a spiritual depth I don’t find in the other three. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
How can the church be praying for you?
S: Please support us in prayer for all members you know in the congregation who have and/or are going through the cancer journey. Please join me in praying for the Lord to guide and support us in His ministry. Without the Lord there will not be a successful ministry.
L: Please pray that I would always be alert to the leading of the Holy Spirit and be obedient. Also, that I would have the wit to actually ask for guidance instead of barging ahead with my own agenda.
What do you like to do for fun?
S: Hiking, camping, and biking but I have been somewhat limited in these activities during the last two years leading me to put kayaking at the top of my current list. Second to that I also love to do woodworking projects.
L: Almost anything outdoors – gardening, hiking, biking, canoeing. Reading and crocheting for indoors. Singing!
What is the most exciting place you’ve visited?
I love the game reserves in Africa. A must do experience.
L: I’d have to say my two visits to the Holy Land probably were the most memorable, although my four years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were the most exotic. Seeing the places Jesus walked, eating fish beside the Sea of Galilee, visiting the garden of Gethsemane…it just made the whole story so real. I’ll never forget it.