Frequently Asked Questions

How To Use Our FAQ Page

These are the questions people ask us most. If yours is not here, write to us at neveralonefoc@gmail.com and we will answer it - and probably add it to this page.

If You Are New Here

Questions if you are visiting our site for the first time.

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Podcast and Stories

Questions about what our Podcast and Blog provide to you.

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Our Online Group

Questions about our Online Group and what we do in our meetings.

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Sharing Your Story

Questions about what is involved if you want to share your story.

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Prayer Requests

Questions about what happens when you ask for prayers.

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About Us and Our Site

Questions about us, how we can help you, and our website.

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If you are new here

I was just diagnosed. Where do I start?

Start by listening to one story from somebody who has been where you are right now. If you do not know which, start with My Story, or maybe Doug's. Doug talks about the first days after a diagnosis more honestly than almost anyone we have had on. Open up several stories that seem like they would be helpful for where you are right now. Read the episode notes and see if you would like to hear more from someone who has gone through where you are.

There is no order you are supposed to do this in. But the stories are compelling, real, honest, and show you exactly how Jesus shows up for everyone because we are NEVER ALONE. The best answer...just start.

Do I have to be a Christian to be here?

No. Everyone is welcome...just as you are.

But we also want to be very honest with you from the start...this site is built on having a personal relationship with Jesus, and that shows up in everything here. That may not be where you are right now, and that's OK with us. We just want to share how the power of having a relationship with Jesus has helped so many people have more hope, encouragement, and peace in their journey with cancer. L,sten, Read, and use what helps you the most. And if you ever want to know more about what a relationship might look like, visit our page Accepting Jesus.

I am not sure what I believe right now. Is this still for me?

ABSOLUTELY...and you are in good company. Several of the people you will hear on our podcast were not sure either at the point where their story starts. Doubt is not the opposite of faith - it is usually a part of it.

If you are angry, or numb, or praying and feeling nothing at all, there is nothing wrong with you. As Jesus said, "Come as you are." Where you are in your beliefs is between you and God. Only he can guide you on your journey. We're just here to help you have more hope, encouragement, and peace along the way.

My husband, wife, or friend has cancer, not me. Is this for me?

Absolutely. Caregivers carry a weight that is different from the patient's and often lonelier, because everyone is asking how the patient is doing and nobody is asking how you are doing. And while the majority of our podcasts and posts are focused on the individual who is on a cancer journey, there is a lot caregivers can gain from listening to their journeys. We hope it helps give caregivers more of an internal perspective on what someone is going through so they can be as helpful and supportive as possible. Everything here is for you too - the stories, the prayer, and the group.

The podcast and the stories

What will I hear on the podcast?

There are two types of podcasts we create and share. The majority of our podcats are real people telling the truth about their own cancer journey, and where Jesus was in it. Not polished testimonies with the hard parts taken out. These are stories about the scans, the waiting, the fear at 2am, and the faith that got tested and held. They are authentic and heart felt from the people on the same kind of journey you are on.

The second type of podcasts are where I take a topic I think everyone is facing and talk about it. These are designed to talk about the hard things in our journey but in a way that brings more hope, encouragement, and peace to those listening. This is were I get to talk about prayer, fear, miracles, the little things that get us through our journeys, and, of course how Jesus is always with us and there to help.

How often do new episodes come out?

Twice a week. Our new podcasts launch on Mondays and our blog post stories post on Thursdays.

Do I need a podcast app to listen?

No. Every episode plays right here on the website - just press play. However, if you prefer or are more comfortable using an app, we are on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can simply go to them and search on Never Alone Faith Over Cancer and it will take you directly to our page. You can follow us there so new episodes arrive on their own.

Our online group

Who is the group for?

Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether you are just starting or in an active cancer journey, are in remission or healed, or are a caregiver for someone you love. It is for anyone who needs more support or can support others because they have a story to share. You don't need an invitation or to know anybody. Please visit the page, Our Group, to learn more about what we do and how it works.

When does it meet and where?

We meet every other Monday evening at 6:30 pm Pacific Time on Zoom for about an hour — sometimes longer when nobody wants to leave. The group is part of Timberlake Church in Redmond, Washington. While most of our group attends this church, it is open to anyone, anywhere. We also have members who are not part of our church and live outside our area. You are always welcome to attend our group. It is an amazing group of people!

Do I have to talk or be on camera?

I guess the answer is both yes and no. The group is designed to provide support to each other as we go through our cancer journeys. While it isn't required to talk or be on camera, that is where the real value is for members. It is designed to let everyone share where they are, where they are struggling, what they need prayer for, and to interact with other members and offer support. So while it isn't required, I don't think it would help much if you didn't share and offer support to others.

Is there a cost?

Absolutely no cost. Nothing on this site costs anything. We do all of this to support you on your cancer journey and to see how Jesus is with us and helps us along the way. While some may choose to support our infrastructure, there is no requirement or expectation of a financial contribution.

How do I share my story?

It's incredibly simple. Just tell us you are interested in telling your story, and we will take it from there. Just let us know you would like to share it with others. You can do it from the comfort of your own home. We'll send you a link to join our online studio, and then we'll talk. We let you share your story the way you want, where you feel it will help others. I ask a few questions along the way, but most of the time is spent listening to your story.

One thing has been consistent with everyone who has shared their story...they feel amazing afterward. I would encourage you to listen to our episode, Why Tell Your Story - It Will Heal You First, as it talks specifically about the tremendous feeling everyone has once they have shared it with others.

Do I have to be on video?

No. Our interviews are designed to share only the audio portion with our listeners. However, when we record the audio, you and I will see each other, like on Zoom, but it won't be recorded. It's simply so we can look at each other during the session and make the environment feel more personal. The video isn't recorded, only the audio.

I am not a good speaker. Can I still do it?

Absolutely! This is a conversation, not a performance. You will not be handed a list of questions to get right. This is simply a conversation where you tell your story, and I ask questions along the way to add depth or clarity. That's it. And so our guests feel completely comfortable with the process; nothing is published on our site until you approve it. If something comes out differently than what you intended, we take it out.

The stories that help people most are rarely the polished ones. Our guests are transparent and authentic...exactly what you and I, in our cancer journeys, want to hear.

Prayer requests

What happens to my prayer request?

Your prayer request goes straight to Blaine and our prayer team. We pray for you and every prayer request regularly, not just once. We don't publish your request or post it anywhere on our site... it stays private with us. However, if you want more people praying for you, we can submit it to our church prayer team, at your request, to add to their weekly prayers. Just let us know if you want others praying for you. While I highly recommend more prayers, it is always your choice.

Can I submit a request for somebody else?

Absolutely, and many people do. If you are asking on behalf of someone else, please make sure you have their permission and that they are comfortable with it first — and tell them they are being prayed for. Refer to the FAQ above for more details, and let us know how they want their prayer request handled. Prayer is such an important part of everyone's journey with cancer; the more people we can get praying for you (or your loved ones), the better!

Do you share it with others?

We only share your prayer request with others on our team or with our prayer team at Timberlake Church (if you give us approval to do so). Otherwise, we don't share your request.

About us and our Site

Why did you create this site?

As I mentioned in my story, I am a cancer survivor and a believer. I could have really used a site like this when I was going through my battle with cancer. I couldn't find any sites that did what I am trying to do here...provide more hope, encouragement, and peace for those battling cancer...with Jesus at the center of their journey. Since I couldn't find another site doing this or providing this level of resources, God suggested I create it. So I did. It's a constant work in progress...but God is guiding me.

Are you affiliated with a larger organization or nonprofit group?

No. While I lead a cancer support group at our local church, Timberlake Church in Redmond, WA, I created this site to provide a service that I didn't see available to those on a cancer journey. We are not part of any nonprofit or larger group... just a grassroots effort to help those who want to have faith in their journey with cancer.

Do you accept donations?

While we're happy to accept your contributions, we are not set up as a 501(c)(3) or (7) at this time. Your contributions aren't tax-deductible because we aren't a charitable nonprofit. Any funds donated support the growth of our site so we can reach more people on their cancer and faith journey. Please note that while we are not soliciting contributions, people still want to support our work. If you'd like to contribute, please contact us, and we can provide more information.

How can I help?

While there are many ways you can help us support those on their cancer journey, a few specific actions make a real difference. First, get the word out. Tell your friends, church leaders, cancer organizations, or anyone else you think we can reach who needs more faith on their cancer journey. That is absolutely the best way you can help us...get the word out to everyone...locally, nationally, and even internationally.

Second, if you know someone with a story that could help others, we would love to share it. It might be your story or that of a friend or loved one. We don't need professional, polished stories...we just want the authentic, transparent story from those who are going through cancer or have been through cancer. The more content we can get and share, the more people we will reach!

Third, encourage everyone you know or come across to visit our site for support. We want to help everyone going through cancer realize they are NEVER ALONE and that God is with them all the time. Send them to the site and let them experience the stories that show how God ALWAYS SHOWS UP...not always in the ways we want, but is always with us.

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

Whatever brought you to this page - whether you are facing cancer yourself, walking beside someone who is, or just working out whether this site is for you - we are glad you are here.

If you still have a question, write to us at neveralonefoc@gmail.com. We read everything and we will always answer.

Because with Jesus by your side, even in cancer, you are NEVER ALONE.