Books, Audio, Video

Michael Barry, director of pastoral care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, has listened to the needs of cancer patients countless times. From the understanding he's gained, he's written this book of devotions -- letters of wisdom and hope saying what most doctors can't say. These letters meet the deepest longings of patients to be heard and understood. A Season for Hope reflects the reality of life as a cancer patient as well as the reality of a good and gracious God whose word promises healing and hope for the journey.

In A Reason for Hope, Michael Barry, director of pastoral care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, reveals an insider's understanding of the cancer patient's need for hope. With warmth and wisdom, he offers the reader scientific evidence and scriptural principles to fuel a will to live and build a hope that can contribute to healing. If you have cancer, are a caregiver or are in a supporting role to someone who does have cancer, A Reason for Hope is a must read.

When God & Cancer Meet is a realistic book of powerful stories about cancer patients and their families who have been touched by God in miraculous ways. Sometimes God took the cancer out of them, and sometimes He took them out of the cancer. But always, He touched them with His divine love and met their deepest needs. This book admits that some people get cured of cancer and some don't. It's real because it acknowledges there are no easy answers to the unfairness of life. It's real because it doesn't pretend that your faith in God will keep hard times away. It's real because it shows real people trusting in a real God in real life ... people who found real joy, real peace, real hope, real strength and real encouragement. It's real because it shows what can happen when God and cancer meet. If you don't want to be defeated by cancer -- no matter what it does or has done to your loved one, this is a book for you. For more on Lynn Eib, go to http://www.cancerpatientadvocate.com/.

Cancer's shadow looms large, even for survivors. Fears may linger: Will the cancer come back? Will I always have complications? Will it hit my loved ones? Author and cancer patient advocate Lynn Eib (http://www.cancerpatientadvocate.com/), a colon cancer survivor herself, faces these fears head-on. Drawing on her own experiences, the wisdom of Scripture and the stories of other survivors, she helps survivors and their loved ones deal with their fears, moods, the myths and more. Finding the Light in Cancer's Shadow shows that God wants to use cancer survivors in an incredible way and points them to the hope and healing only God's light can supply. No glib answers -- just the truthful hope that God can penetrate and dispel the real shadows of our lives.

He Cares is a specialized version of Scriptures designed to speak to the spiritual and emotional needs of people experiencing life-threatening diseases and chronic illnesses. Everything about the special contents is written in a sensitive tone to minister to hurting people. Special features include book introductions, inspirational commentary, a topical index, hundreds of margin symbols related to strategic topic verses and articles dealing with the physical, emotional and spiritual struggles of illness written by Lynn Eib, a practicing cancer patient advocate and cancer survivor. These features combined with the unequaled clarity of the New Living Translation Bible text will encourage readers to draw close to God because He Cares.

Dr. Harold Koenig was recently interviewed by Newsweek (November 10, 2003) about his book Spirituality in Patient Care (Templeton Foundation Press) and his research in the area of religion and health. He has become the international voice on the subjects of spirituality, health, and aging. In this book he is joined by two other experts on aging and human development. They present a compelling look at one of the most serious issues in today's society: healthcare in America. How will we provide quality healthcare to older adults who will need it during the next 30-50 years? Who will provide this care? How will it be funded? How can we establish systems of care now to be in place as demographic and health-related economic pressures mount?

Alongside the sobering reality of the challenges our country faces, there are reasons for optimism. Innovative programs created and maintained by volunteers and religious congregations are emerging as pivotal factors in meeting healthcare needs.

Summarizing decades of scientific research and providing numerous inspirational examples and role models, the authors present practical steps that individuals and institutions may emulate for putting faith into action.

The name Harold G. Koenig is well known in the fast-growing field of spirituality and health. Founder and director of the widely respected Duke University Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health, Dr. Koenig is recognized worldwide for his groundbreaking work in medical science and religious faith. In this book-now available in paperback-he shares his remarkable personal story and shows how personal trials became the catalyst for his pioneering research.

In Part One he describes his turbulent youth: growing up on a California vineyard, college days of experimentation during the 1970s, adventures as a student researcher in Africa with Jane Goodall, an emotional breakdown, expulsion from medical school for disruptive behavior, battling mental illness as a street person in San Francisco. He refers to his ongoing battle with a chronic and debilitating physical disease in terms of the insights it gives him for his work, and he recounts the striking realization of God's call, the people and events that helped him refine a vision into a mission, and the subsequent professional opposition that resided alongside his success.

Part Two draws on the real-life examples of former patients and summarizes Koenig's most important findings concerning the impact of Christian faith on mental and physical health, encapsulated by the statement: Religious faith and practice are connected to mental and physical health.

In Part Three he challenges individuals and the American church to consider the implications of the research and to develop constructive ways of implementing the healing connection that can be found in faith.

An infirm, lifetime alcoholic suddenly becomes sober and strong. A patient undergoing open-heart surgery amazes the doctors with a speedy convalescence. A cancer patient given only a few months to live defies the predictions. What accounts for such remarkable recoveries? Is it miracle or medicine? In this extraordinary book, Dr. Harold G. Koenig presents groundbreaking scientific evidence that provides ansers to these puzzling medical mysteries. You'll read about the pioneering study that found nonreligious patients with heart disease to be three times more likely to die following surgery than their religious counterparts. You'll learn why saying prayers regularly can be as effective as taking medicine, and why prayer and medicine together are such a potent combination.

This is Vickie Girard's completely indispensable survival guide for cancer patients and their families. Regardless of the type of cancer, here is an immediate, practical and inspiring guide that will empower any patient to better fight and survive this disease. Through her involvement with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and The American Cancer Society, Vickie Girard has taken her message of "empowered patient care" to the floor of the U.S. Senate and to thousands of cancer patients and survivors throughout the world. The message is simple, hopeful, powerful and long overdue: "We must stop speaking of cancer in whispers. We may have cancer, but cancer doesn't have us. Cancer is a beatable, treatable, survivable disease."

F. F. Bosworth's earnest prayer was that many thousands would learn to make the promises of God's Word work in their lives through his book, Christ the Healer. Bosworth offers a comprehensive discussion of healing, based on the premise that it is God's will for all Christians to be physically healed. First released in 1924, this classic on spiritual and physical healing has sold more than 350,000 copies and continues to enrich and inspire new readers every day. This updated edition includes a foreword by the author's son and a concluding chapter detailing the incredible epilogue to Christ the Healer: Bosworth's phenomenal ministry in South Africa, on which he embarked at the age of 75.

Doubting one's faith and one's self is a natural part of the Christian life. Based on material from the million-selling book, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Dobson offers insight into the trials of life and how to cope when life turns upside-down.

Sure to become an enduring classic, 365 Days of Hope will provide a daily dose of hope for those living with loss, pain or disappointment. This hardcover book features 365 devotionals by Dave and Jan Dravecky and Joni Eareckson Tada. Each devotional also features inspiring quotes, questions for reflection and action points in response to the devotional. For more on Dave Dravecky, visit http://www.outreachofhope.org/.

With honesty and humility, Dave Dravecky and four friends take you on their journeys through the valley of suffering, journeys that led each of them to the heart of hope. If you or a loved one find yourself in that same valley, Journey of Hope can help you discover the hope you need to overcome fear, pain, loneliness, doubt and despair. This award-winning video comes with a 40-page Discovery Guide for individual or group use. Journey of Hope is also a great tool for support group or church curriculum, church and medical lending libraries, closed circuit television (hospitals), patient education and healthcare training.

This classic collection of 28 devotions offers a legacy of wisdom and encouragement for those who struggle amidst the adversities of life. Devotions convey the message that yes, life is hard, pain and suffering are real, but there is more -- there is an eternal reality on which we can focus and not lose heart! 

Many suffering people want to love God, but cannot see past their tears, says Philip Yancey. They feel hurt and betrayed. Sadly, the church often responds with more confusion than comfort. This book, possibly Yancey's best-known book, should speak to anyone for whom life sometimes just doesn't make sense. And it should help equip anyone who wants to reach out to someone in pain but just doesn't know what to say.

This year, more than 500,000 new families will face a cancer diagnosis. But beyond that grave statistic are the stories these families have to share. Stronger Than Cancer (Compendium, October 2002) is a book by Connie Paytonwife of the late NFL legend Walter Payton who suffered from a rare liver cancerthat is a compilation of advice, wisdom, favorite quotations and inspiring accounts from families who've battled the disease. Stronger Than Cancer is a resource for those struggling with cancer. A portion of book proceeds will support Walter Payton Cancer Fund research.

While living with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and interstitial cystitis, Elaine learns she has breast cancer. This book is the story of her journey of faith and her search to know a personal and loving God. It describes her experience living with the challenges of both chronic and life-threatening illnesses and how God developed a servant's heart within her as a result. Most of all, this book testifies to the sustaining power of faith and to the peace, comfort and assurance it gives during illness. The second section of the book consists of a four-part selection of more than 400 Scriptures and 40 poetic prayers ... http://www.graceforthejourney.com/

Evangelist Mike Wilson writes about his wife's experience with breast cancer and how their family discovered that a biblical perspective is a positive weapon in fighting through a cancer-related crisis. As a Chrsitian, her personal faith and unique network affected her mental outlook, her mind-body relationship and her ability to place adversity in its proper perspective. Each chapter of this heartwarming story closes with spiritual reflections. You'll discover how Christians benefit from a God-given support system, biblical coping mechanisms and life-changing comments on Scripture ... http://www.christiansandcancer.com/

In Boundaries, Drs. Cloud and Townsend set out the premise that having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. They define the word boundary as a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible and which define who we are and who we are not. They discuss four areas of boundaries  physical, mental, emotional and spiritual  and offer biblically-based answers to tough questions, showing us how to get healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, co-workers and even ourselves.

Ken Curtis was diagnosed with advanced cancer with little prospect for survival. He pursued a combination of traditional and alternative medicine, undergirded by a strong spiritual dimension and prayer support team.

Psalm 23 was a vital part of his spiritual component, and for this video, Curtis went to Israel, home of King David who wrote the psalm, to be with the shepherds, travel "through the valley of the shadow of death," and explore and enjoy the healing powers of the green pastures and still waters. The resulting meditations provide a combination of candid personal experience on what it means to battle cancer and some of the spiritual resources available through this time-honored psalm.

At times of great fear and uncertainty, and cancer is one of the greatest, the simple yet powerful words of Psalm 23 sustain us like few others can. God's grace is greater than any possible obstacle or concern -- https://www.visionvideo.com/detail.taf?_function=detail&a_product_id=32662

Revised and updated with over 25% new material, this book empowers cancer patients and their loved ones to move beyond their disease. Cancer survivor Greg Anderson designed this book for the recently diagnosed, those with recurring symptoms, and those who are well but have a lingering fear that the disease may strike again.

Informative and inspiring, Cancer: 50 Essential Things to Do goes hand-in-hand with the patient's medical treatment and is an invaluable roadmap to recovery. Filled with practical, healing "action steps" used by thousands of cancer survivors, the book also contains recently approved medical treatment options, updated cancer research, and Internet resources, geared toward making sense of the fast-changing world of cancer treatment and recovery.

This is the second edition of this comprehensive guide to cancer. It helps patients and caregivers learn about causes and prevention of cancer; offset the side effects of conventional medicine; evaluate effective alternative treatments; utilize natural therapies involving diet, lifestyle, and nutritional supplements; and achieve deep healing through a mind-body-spirit approach. Featuring in-depth discussions of 20 specific cancers, including detailed descriptions of integrative treatments, this accessibly written guide is an invaluable tool for understanding and implementing integrative and complementary cancer care.

He's heard the diagnosis. He's experienced the nauseating treatments. He's walked the uncertain path to recovery. He's wondering if he would become a statistic. But he was not destroyed by cancer. He fought back, and you can too. Coping with Cancer proposes 12 creative and practical choices for meeting cancer -- or any serious illness -- head on, with God. A pastor for more than four decades, Dr. Packo is founder and president of New Hope Ministries, http://members.aol.com:/jpacko.

Dear God, It's Cancer combines the hands-on experience of a medical doctor with the wisdom and compassion of a theologian to answer questions most cancer patients and their caregivers have when on a cancer journey. The authors examine the medical, emotional, and financial needs of patients, as well as their deeper spiritual concerns.

Author Greg Anderson, a cancer survivor and founder of Cancer Recovery Foundation, asserts that The Lord's Prayer is a blueprint for the development of the soul, leading to physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

The wife of Green Bay Packers quarterback, Brett Favre, Deanna became a reluctant celebrity overnight when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Now cancer-free, Deanna is one of breast cancer's leading activists, speaking and raising financial support for women who are "medically underserved." Deanna's story shares the role her faith has played in her life -- from her years as a single mom and her high profile marriage to Brett, to her battle with breast cancer and the work she's currently doing through the HOPE Foundation.

When your family's lost a loved one, the reminders are everwhere. You long to return to "normal," but you wonder how your family can live without the loved one you cherish. The journey may not be short or smooth, but David and Nancy Guthrie have traveled it -- more than once. With empathy and honesty, they'll guide you through the challenges of keeping your family together and strong. You'll discover practical, compassionate answers to questions such as, "How can I help my children cope with losing a parent?" and "How can we honor our loved one's memory -- and still move on?" At a time when nobody seems to understand, David and Nancy do. Let them, along with others who've walked this road, take your household from hurt to healing.

We all have questions about what Heaven will be like. Now, Touchpoints--Heaven puts God's answers to your most probing questions about Heaven and the New Earth right at your fingertips. Inspired by Randy Alcorn's best-selling book Heaven, this little book contains biblically based answers to many questions about what life will be like on the New Earth.

Nancy Guthrie knows what it is to be plunged into life's abyss. Framing her own story of staggering loss and soaring hope with the biblical story of Job, she takes her fellow sufferers by the hand and guides them on a pathway through pain -- straight to the heart of God. Holding on to Hope includes an eight-week Bible study on the book of Job for individual or small-group study.

Counselor John C. Thomas and renowned philosopher Gary Habermas, no strangers to personal tragedy themselves, thoughtfully explore the impact of pain on our lives and offer scriptural and practical advice to help you walk with God through even the hardest of times. If you are hurting -- or know someone who is -- What's Good About Feeling Bad? is the road map you need to make it through your pain and emerge a stronger, wiser and more complete person than ever before.

This series of meditations on The Lord's Prayer with Ken Curtis builds upon his previous series, Reflections on Psalm 23 for People with Cancer. Ken was diagnosed with advanced cancer with little prospect for survival. He pursued a combination of traditional and alternative medicine, undergirded by a strong spiritual dimension and prayer support team.

While made particularly for people facing the crisis of cancer, the reflections are relevant for any health crisis. Join Ken on this journey into the world of The Lord's Prayer from original locations important in the life of Jesus. The Lord's Prayer is not just a way of praying. It's a way of "seeing." When the prayer is grasped and uttered from the heart, it can -- and will --change us. We realize how we are not alone, no matter how difficult or seemingly hopeless our situation. Even in our pain, there can come a joy and a feeling of rightness about our world.

A co-production of Vision Video with EO-TV Holland, UCB-TV England and Nazareth Village -- http://www.visionvideo.com 

by Harold G. Koenig, MD

In this book, Dr. Koenig, one of the world's leading researchers on the link between religion and health, provides an overview of the relationship between health and religion that manages to be comprehensive yet consice, factual yet inspirational, and technical yet easily accessible to nonspecialists and general readers.

Written to encourage the caregiver, The Art of Caregiving will be a candle of joyful hope to the one whose life has taken on unique new challenges when a loved one faces cancer. Cancer treatment is often a nighttime journey through a wilderness, during which patients and their caregivers are confronted with worry and fear ... a journey where the slightest flicker of hope means more than words can express. Dr. Barry shows how, with God's help, you can be the light of hope for those who bear the burden of illness.

From Olympic Gold Medalist to testicular cancer and brain tumor survivor, Scott Hamilton has experienced the heights of accomplishment to the depths of disease. But through his successes, struggles and setbacks, he has never lost his trademark humor and honesty. More importantly, he hasn't lost his faith and optimism. In The Great Eight, Scott shares eight secrets he's identified that keep him smiling.

When your world falls apart without warning, where is God? Less than a heartbeat away, according to Dr. David Jeremiah. In this perceptive and deeply personal book, Dr. David Jeremiah, renowned pastor and teacher, draws from the poetry and truths of the Psalms -- passages that gave him comfort and strength on his journey into the unknown with cancer. Interwoven with his own reflections and insights are the inspiring real-life stories of other men and women who have faced unexpected adversity ... and found God's grace truly sufficient for every need.

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