How Cancer Gave Me Courage
Bringing the Light of Christ to Dark Places
BSF Staff
From the Editorial Team
Maggie Delaporte lay on a hospital bed, surrounded by doctors and nurses. Another surgery. Another fight. Four years ago, she had faced this battle and won. After grueling treatments and surgeries, her cancer had gone into remission. But now, the unthinkable had happened. The disease was back, more aggressive than before.
As she waited for yet another surgery, Maggie could have let fear consume her. She could have questioned why this was happening again. But instead, she focused on one thing: sharing God’s goodness with everyone around her.
Not knowing what tomorrow may bring has given her an urgency to share the gospel today.
“I have to say, people listen a lot more about Jesus when you’re suffering in a hospital bed,” Maggie says with a smile. “It’s an honest, unexpected place.”
For Maggie, this second battle with cancer could have driven her into despair. Instead, it renewed her passion for Christ. Not knowing what tomorrow may bring has given her an urgency to share the gospel today.
When we struggle to share our faith, Maggie reminds us of these truths:
1. God Will Open Opportunities to Share
As Christians, we often wait for the “perfect moment” to share our faith. But what if God can use every moment—even the difficult ones? For Maggie, enduring chemotherapy revealed a powerful truth: God can use suffering as a platform for His glory.
“Jesus can use you because of your suffering, because of your weakness,” she explains. “I immediately knew God gave me a platform in that hospital room. Those incredible doctors, even with all of their knowledge of science, couldn’t explain how I was still alive with my diagnosis. To me, the answer was obvious. This is God’s platform; I just have to open my mouth and speak.”
God can use suffering as a platform for His glory.
Through our Revelation study, BSF lesson notes remind us that “God strategically positions His people in the world to reveal Jesus and spread the gospel.”
For Maggie, being “strategically positioned” doesn’t mean standing on a stage with a microphone. It means speaking truth from a hospital bed.
“I wish I could talk about Jesus from a beautiful stage, dressed nicely. But God has given me this mission right here. And He’s shown me that, despite my suffering, His power flows through me. Nothing can stop it.”
Each time Maggie steps into a medical facility, she prays a simple prayer: “Lord, open my mouth and use me to testify to you.” And He answers—again and again.
2. God Will Give Us the Words We Need
Many of us hesitate to share our faith, worried we won’t have the right words. But Maggie has learned that God works through willing, imperfect people.
“Before I was sick, I worried so much about saying everything perfectly. I felt like it all depended on me,” Maggie admits. “Now I see it differently. When you’re desperate, you don’t have time to overthink. You just cry out to God and say, ‘Lord, open my mouth. Use me.’ And you know what? He does. Every time.”
She’s discovered that authenticity speaks louder than perfection. People aren’t looking for polished sermons—they’re starving for real hope.
“It’s funny,” Maggie says. “When you’re honest, when you’re real, people just lean in. They want to hear about Jesus. I’ve learned that if I just show up, He will give me the words.”
People aren’t looking for polished sermons—they’re starving for real hope.
For Maggie, time spent in God’s Word strengthens her faith and equips her to share with confidence.
“Every time I open my Bible, I’m reminded of His promises—how He works in impossible situations. When you fill yourself with His truth, you have something solid to cling to, even in the storm. And when you experience His goodness firsthand, you can’t help but share it.”
Maggie doesn’t claim to be perfect. She isn’t a trained evangelist. But she clings to Christ—and He is enough.
So, how does Maggie share Jesus? She simply tells her story. She talks about what she’s learning in her BSF study. And she prays for opportunities, trusting God to provide both the moment and the words.
Our Revelation study compels us to share God’s truth. Maggie’s journey reminds us: we don’t have to be perfect to speak—we just have to be willing.
About Us
At Bible Study Fellowship, we believe people discover their true purpose and identity by knowing God through His Word. That is why BSF offers in-depth Bible studies in community for people of all ages around the world at no cost. To learn more about Bible Study Fellowship, visit bsfinternational.org.
Ready to study God’s Word in community? Find a group that works for you at joinbsf.com.
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Thank you for Maggie’s story. It opened my eyes more about sharing The Gospel, The Good News of Jesus Christ. I’m going through something right now and I’m going to be like Maggie! Sharing the Good News that we desperately need today.
Thank you for sharing Maggie story it truly gave me more insight trusting God
Prayers for each of us to be opened to trust God to give us the words to say, when the Holy Spirit leads us. Loved Maggie’s story! So encouraging!
Thank you Maggie for sharing your story. I enjoyed what you had to say. May the Lord continue to use you for His glory.
Hi Maggie! Thank you for sharing your story and, more importantly, for sharing the gospel.
I have written a book about my cancer journey and would love to gift you a copy if I could get your mailing address.
Thank you,
Camy Crank
Camry Crank,
I want to buy your book about your cancer journey. My daughter is a cancer survivor, and I think it will help her as she ministers to others. Please send me your address and the cost, which I truly want to pay.
God Bless You, Sandra Wallace. s.wallace@sbcglobal.net
Camy:
I am about to embark on my 3rd round of chemo treatments as I pray about God’s direction for me this fall. I would love to get a copy of your book. Please email the details to order. Thank you.
Hello
My daughter in law of 28 years is battling Cancer in her stomach we have prayed since we heard 6 months ago but it seems to be eating at her alive she is so fraile she has lost so much weight and cannot keep anything she trys to eat…down she vomits everything she eats
Please if i can have aa copy of your book to read to my daughter in law i believe it will renew her faith n love for God
Her name us Marlene Thompson she was a dilligent servanr of God who worked with the Youth for 10 years my son n Marlene have 2 beautiful children Isaiah n Eden they are married now with 2 beautiful children each? My great grandchildren consist of 3 boys n one girl Kyrie she is the oldest of them all 10 yrs old
Ma as we call her is a beautiful soul humble na loving Mum n grandmother
We love her so much
As we have learnt in our BSF Study of Revelation: The Hope, God limits our sufferings, pain and evil in this world. He can use us wherever we are planted for His plans and purposes. God’s plans and purposes are good, agreeable and perfect.
May God continue to grant Maggie strength, energy, patience, compassion and a willingness to share His love during this season of her life.
May God grant healing according to His perfect will for Maggie.
Thank you Maggie for using your story of suffering to give hope to a desperate world. This is an encouragement to me personally that I don’t have to be perfect. God is waiting to use willing and available vessels to do his will because people are looking for hope and not polished sermons. Despite your suffering, and what seems imperfect, you have looked for opportunities and used the word of God courageously to shine light where there is darkness. I pray that God will restore your health fully and make you whole
Thank you for the sharing!
This is my second time studying Revelation. Each time the study causes me urgency to share the Gospel with others. It’s so true that when we are willing for the Lord to use and pray about it. He will give opportunities, power and words to share with others! It is such amazing experience especially when you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and guidance!! He surely will do the rest! May all glory to the Lord!!
What a beautiful article on how God uses the willing, imperfect to bring about his plan. Wow! I must say reading this hit home in so many ways. I am in BSF with Maggie, she is truly a light to others, shinning on the path to Jesus. Also, as a cancer survivor myself, life will never be looked at the same- to God be the glory on bringing beauty out of dark times.
I am encouraged by MAGGIE’S story and the opportunity to share the gospel with urgency, with the understanding that ”authenticity speaks louder than perfection”
I find Maggie’s words encouraging since I often have concerns about how to share with others and repeatedly I seem to have scripture or friends say to just trust God to provide the words for the situation.
Thank you BSF for the dedication you’ve put forth in getting GODS’ word out to the world. I love it and the people I’ve come to love and appreciate as my sisters and brothers IN CHRIST.
Maggies story is very taurching and i have been reminded that whatever opportunitybi have can be used to glorify God no matter’
I pray that i may have i willing heart to serve God. Himself will perfect me according to ahs purpose.
God open my mouth to speak for you.
“God is so good all the time!” He know exactly when to show up and show out. He answers prayers because he answer one prayer that I am going to share with you. I have Parkinson, I was diagnosed in 2017. I am having trouble walking. I have been saying that, I am going to be able to walk again because I’ve been praying to My Father who resides in Heaven and the process has begun. I was in the hospital on 1-25-28-2025 where I just stop talking, nonresponsive and the ambulance is called this is the fourth time that has happen, they can’t find out why this is happening to me. But the next week, I had a professional from Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, they have been very thorough in their evaluation of what was needed to improve my walking skills. I had to say all of that to let you know that My Father does answer prayers. He is answering my prayer by sending the professional that’s teaching the skills in walking (daily exercises, no falling techniques and keeping my mind on what I am doing at all times. “It is a process, but I know that My Father has me!”
Maggie Delaporte’s article has been inspiring for sure. I was diagnosed with stage one uterine and stage 3C ovarian cancer October 2024. I went from on ground BSF classes to online and continue to study Revelation. I too find a new courage to speak up and speak loud to others about God!
I wholeheartedly agree with Maggie’s perspective on sharing God’s goodness through difficult times. However, I sometimes face dismissive or envious reactions when sharing my experiences. What I seek is resonance and mutual support.
As Revelation 3:20 reminds me, connection comes from open hearts. I hope to find more understanding and supportive voices as I share my stories.
I’m in the BSF CLASS IN RIO RANCHO, NM, and have a question. Years ago, maybe up to 20 years, my husband and I had some very dear friends, Terry and Pam DeLaPorte. They had two daughters and a son, Jason. Terry went home to be with the LORD a number of years ago, and I have lost contact with his wife, Pam. I
am curious if Maggie might be a part of this family! If so I would really appreciate the opportunity to connect with her to get an update and contact information about the family. I am 81 years old now, so please know that this is an honest outreach to try to reconnect with the Deloporte family. Please feel free to share my message with Maggie.
Thank you for sharing Maggie! You are beautiful inside and out, with a smile on your face every time I see you. I’m praying for God’s healing for you, which the Holy Spirit will in turn help you share even more of God’s love with others.
We thank God for Maggie’s testimony. She has not let the dreadful fear of cancer stop her from sharing what is the most important message, the message of hope. This courage and determination in the face of adversity is what we all need. We need to acknowledge that we cannot be in control of the physical body but we can decide how we want to spend eternity. May Jesus Christ give Maggie victory over this episode once and for all to the glory of His Name and the furtherance of His Word and Kingdom. Thank you Maggie, may you be healed.
Thank you, Maggie, for encouraging us with your story of how God can be glorified in our suffering. This is straight from the pages of Revelations.
Attending BSF class has increased my hunger for God. I’m in a place where i see things differently than what they were before and am grateful to God for opening my eyes.
I used to wonder what Mathew 24:37-39 when Jesus said these words: As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man …….. before the flood people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage..? Now i see! And this has given the hunger and thirst for righteous living and the urgency to share with others, the gospel of the good news — Grateful to God🙌🙌
Thank you BSF for publishing and to Maggie for writing this beautiful important post.
I have experienced lady month a similar ‘freeing’ of speaking about Jesus due to hospital stay. This opportunity has become my testimony / this was the time I knew my relationship with Jesus was as one 😍.
I have been studying BSF for 6 years…I have been (and continue) to be sanctified.
My hospital stay was the place God set me free. 😊.
Thank you team for your amazing work. Please can you pass my best wishes and thanks to
Maggie x
Last night, I had a dream which made me feel the urgency of opening my mouth to speak as the Spirit leads. In the dream I tried to open the Bible but all the Bible in the church had the modern day lingo which is prevalent in the language of today. It remain that if I do not.speak as the Spirit leads more and more people will be heading to destruction by the worldly way of living ignoring the Truth of the Gospel.
Involved in Study of Revelations for the second time .it is better than ever . Thanks for sharing the Word Of God with all who will grasp this opportunity to draw close to God and share the truths of God with others
Thank you for sharing this awesome testimony, i am moved by your courage and it reminded me not to aim for perfect. As we all are inperfect, and whatever we do is fully relying on God’s Himself, not me.
May God heal you, May He strengthen you and be the greatest light in the hospital and people you touch.
BSF has blessed my life. After studying Revelation it’s places an urgency on sharing God’s word knowing what lies ahead by not accepting Him. I don’t want anyone to face His judgment.
It has been my experience that God answers prayers that others may think are not worth asking a mighty God. But through studies of the Bible in BSF I learned God is a personal God to each and every one of us. He takes to heart our every request! He clams my fears, changes my attitude, helps me to forgive and forget, shows me a better way. He is my “go to person”. I am so blessed!
Thank you for your booster, Maggie! I pray that you continue your inspiring existence with even more fervor (if possible), and of course, I pray that any pain & suffering go away as you journey towards full health.
I love how Maggie reminds us:
-that God can use suffering as a platform for His glory.
-that authenticity speaks louder than perfection.
-people aren’t looking for polished sermons—they’re starving for real hope.
Thank you Maggie for sharing your courage and hope during this difficult time. I’m adding you in my prayers.
Thank you for your booster, Maggie! I pray that you continue your inspiring existence with even more fervor (if possible), and of course, I pray that any pain & suffering go away as you journey towards full health.
What a beautiful testimony regarding sharing the gospel.
God Bless,
If possible share with Maggie that her testimony hit home me with me. I am in my 50s with stage 4 Prostate cancer and seeing my numbers going in the wrong direction. I feel great and am in great health (thank you God), but my future is very uncertain. I am finding my situation to be liberating and like Maggie, I am reassured in what Jesus has done for me and want others to have the same. It’s a blessing to be in a place where urgency removes fear and allows us to share our faith. My prayers are with you Maggie and know your message was what I needed to hear.
I am sorry for what you are going through, Maggie, but you are a powerful role model for those of us reading your story. As a hospice nurse for many years, I have heard similar stories, and it does make a difference to those who hear your story. You ARE making an impact on the hearts of those who hear what you have to say.
I am experiencing health problems that pale in comparison to what you are going through, but you give me courage to tell others of how God is sustaining me and giving me hope. Thank you for sharing your story.