Joyce's Story

“You need three things to get you through cancer,” Joyce Hostetler says. "Prayer, a good support system, and a good attitude.”

These words come from a cancer survivor who was diagnosed twenty years ago and, by the grace of God, has been cancer-free since 2003. During her five years of trial, she received prayer, support, and strength through Gilead Ministries. Today, her role has changed from receiver to giver as she reaches out to women who are currently fighting their own battles with breast cancer.

It is incredible what a simple gesture of kindness can do, especially in our most desperate moments. A card or a phone call, given with a heart of love, has the power to strengthen, encourage, and sustain. That is what Bill Sparks and his ministry partner Teresa provided for Joyce those many years ago. They walked with her through the days of darkness, pain, and chemo treatments. And they were there through the days of sunshine. What a joyful moment it was when she was declared cancer-free five years after her diagnosis! That day, Joyce celebrated with her fellow canon crew members at the Living History reenactment of Mississinewa 1812.

Joyce’s suffering has only deepened her faith and compassion. Even during her illness, she extended Christ’s love to other women by starting a breast cancer support group. Since 2000, she has also served as a board member at Gilead Ministries with the roles of vice president, secretary, and president. Whenever she hears about someone going through a familiar struggle with cancer, she gives them a call, tells them who she is and what she has gone through, and asks if there is anything she can do for them. Often, she says, they just need big ears. They need to know that someone cares, that someone wants to help.

Today, Joyce is actively involved in the Quilter’s Hall of Fame. Her love for quilting began at a class she attended after finishing chemo treatment. She fell in love with the hobby and since then, has lost count of the number of quilts she has made.

Joyce is active, compassionate, and strong. She is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to redeem this world’s brokenness and create healing and comfort. Through her trials, Joyce has touched the lives of countless people who need to hear that even in their worst times, they are not alone.

#cancerismorethanphysical #SharingTheJourney #Cancer #NoOneAlone

Joyce with her family: Wilbur (husband), Marna (daughter), Dennis (son-in-law), and Casey (grandson)

(Reported by Annika Peterson from Indiana Wesleyan University)