In the 11th chapter of Hebrews, the writer begins by giving a good definition of what “faith” is. He says it is “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.”
He then continues by listing, in the succeeding verses, several Bible characters whose faith in God has seen them through some difficult times in their lives and how their faith serves as examples for people today.
Two modern-day warriors of faith attend First Baptist Church, Jasper, and both have had to cope with the ordeal of breast cancer. Each has relied on her faith in the Lord to see her through the dark times.
Phyllis Dotson is a single adult. She is director of the nursery and coordinator of special ministries for children and is actively involved in the sanctuary choir as both a member and a soloist. She plays handbells, works in the family life center as a recreation clerk, directs a children’s choir and teaches in the daily preschool program.
Discovering the cancer
Betty Powell is the wife of Charlie Powell, who has served as associate pastor and minister to senior adults for the past 29 years. Mrs. Powell’s cancer was first discovered in 1990, when a single mastectomy was necessary.
Dotson’s cancer was discovered in July 1998 following a mammogram. During the past year, she has undergone a lumpectomy and a partial mastectomy. She has also had two rounds of chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments.
But she was not in this alone. Along with her parents, James and Nell Dotson, who are retired Walker County director of missions and fifth-grade school teacher, respectively, she had her church family.
She was prayed for on a regular basis. Some gave anonymous monetary gifts to help with medical bills, others provided meals and several women drove Dotson the 45 miles to and from Birmingham for doctor’s visits.
Dotson said when she initially found out about the cancer she was “upset but not devastated.” And since that time she has had only a few really bad days when she has not felt well. Although the chemotherapy made her feel tired, she basically was able to keep up with her church activities. As with all chemotherapy patients, Dotson lost her hair twice and comments jokingly about her once-bald head.
Even though Dotson must constantly watch for anything that might indicate a recurrence of the cancer, her oncological doctors have put her on a schedule of seeing her every six months. To keep the cancer at bay, she must take “Tamoxifen” every day for five years.
Although breast cancer is generally detected in women in their 50s and 60s, Dotson said her discovery in her early 40s makes it quite certain she will have to be examined regularly. In spite of this reality, she said humor has always helped her and her family to deal with all of their various situations in life.
“Take the good with the bad, and don’t take yourself too seriously,” she said.
Dotson credits the Lord with being at the forefront of this entire problem. “He has to be there at the start to see you through the whole ordeal,” she said.
Powell’s fight with cancer has been an ongoing one.
After her first occurrence of breast cancer, chemotherapy and radiation helped her to be free of the illness for two years. Then, in 1999, the cancer returned. Both occurrences came in February, so she is always anxious when that month rolls around.
Her latest involvement in a new government program known as “Protocol” caused no visible change in her health condition, so she had to return to chemotherapy. Following three treatments, Powell’s white blood count became extremely low and caused her to get a viral infection.
Spending two-and-a-half weeks in the hospital, Powell said she could feel the prayers of local church members and of friends as far away as Colorado and Montana. Also, a deluge of 400 cards encouraged and sustained her and Charlie during her hospitalization.
Now at home, Powell is undergoing another round of chemotherapy but contends, “I’m doing quite well.” She credits a lot of her well-doing to Nadine Bullard, whose “servant’s heart,” spirit and attitude help her.
Friends say they are encouraged and inspired by Powell’s courage and positive attitude.
As with all the things Powell has experienced in her life, she said the Lord has taught her never to be afraid. She said she feels Him with her at all times.
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