Marie-Louise shares about how God has helped her through her battle with cancer

Originally shared on July 24, 2016, you can read Marie-Louise’s story below:

The following testimony was shared by Marie-Louise along with her husband Pierre Mallette, on July 24, 2016 at Onward.

“We were baptized at Onward in 2005, at which point we became members of the church. In 2008 we got married and began our life together as husband and wife. In 2013 Pierre lost his job and to this day has yet to find employment. This precipitated a series of financial hardships that haven’t yet ended. In July, 2015, we ended up having to leave our house in Beaconsfield and find a small rental apartment in Lachine. This was a very difficult time for us, but it was about to get even more difficult.

In October, 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was heavy news. I had to stop working at a job that I loved at Teen Haven, in order to go through chemo and radiation therapy. This battle with cancer was a huge trial, but we were comforted through it all by God’s Word and God’s people.

God’s Word says in James 1:1-2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” We also relied on this promise from Isaiah 30:18: “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”

Although we were armed with faith, courage, and convictions from God’s Word, it was during this period that we discovered the amazing strength and support from our Christian family here at Onward.

But, the challenges kept coming. From financial hardships to health hardships, we then needed to combat our own anxieties. Yet, this too was something we were able to face with God’s help. We relied and learned to put into practice what it says in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Last Monday I was declared 100% cancer-free! There is no additional need for chemo or radiation. I stand here today with my husband because above all we are learning to be thankful to God in all circumstances, for this is God’s will in Christ Jesus. And, we want to thank our church family for their continued prayers and support.”