Sis. Becca Johnson is one half of a dynamic duo with her husband Bro. Matthew Johnson, who is Promotions Director for the General Youth Division. They recently moved to St. Louis to work with the youth of the United Pentecostal Church International! She is a loving mom who has devoted her life to God and has an incredible testimony of a struggle with cancer. Our AG Editor, Shenae Huba had the honor of interviewing this special lady. Enjoy her inspiring interview!

SH: Tell us a little about yourself!

BJ: I am a mom to Abriah, 10, and Jace, 4. They both bring me much joy and lots of smiles. Abriah is a very pleasant young lady, honor student, and loves God very much. Jace loves trains and is a very active little guy.  They are both a blessing to Matt and I!

SH: What are a few of your hobbies?

BJ: I love to sing, cook, and travel with my family .  My favorite thing to do is to worship God.  There is no greater pleasure than loving my Creator and giving Him praise for all He has done for me and my family.

SH: Before moving to St. Louis, you and your husband were no strangers to youth ministry. What past work have you done working with young people, and how many years have you all been involved?

BJ: We had the honor to be in youth ministry in Hannibal, Missouri for 15 years.  It was an amazing journey with a great group of young people.  There are lots of memories of Bible studies on Friday nights or youth trips during the summer. I’ve learned that what students need more than anything else is time.  Nothing special—just time together. We enjoyed that chapter in our ministry and enjoying watching those young people grow up to be great leaders.  

Outside of the local church, we enjoyed helping out at District events wherever we were needed.  For several summers I worked at camp as camp photographer and Matthew put together the video.  A great tag team!  Shortly after, Matthew was asked by Bro. Chuck Carr to serve as Missouri District Youth Promotions Director, then later he was elected as Missouri Secretary and from there we became the Missouri District Youth President. 

We are now excited about the new chapter at the General Youth Division!

SH: You once shared with me that God brought you through a very rough time of being diagnosed with cancer. When did you first hear that you had cancer, and what was your first few thoughts when you realized what you were facing?

 BJ: I first found out I had cancer December 19th, 2009 and we were devastated.  After I found out, I layed down on my bed with my bible across my chest and cried my self to sleep.  I was in a shock and couldn't believe it was happening to me.  Shortly before this, we had just lost Matthew's 32 year old brother, Nathan, and then Pastor, R.L. Grohman.  Just a few months prior, Matthew had been through a major surgery.  It was 2 years of testing. My first thoughts was my children.  I wanted to see them grow up and I was worried for Matthew.  Before this moment I had faith in God but this trial taught me to have complete trust in God. Although I was weak, He was strong. I had my first surgery Christmas eve of that year and I got home just in time for Christmas.  Soon, the holiday spirit was lost when the doctors found out that they had not gotten all the cancer. It was then I was sent to a regional medical center for another intense surgery.  Over the next year I would have six more surgeries—each one physically exhausting.  I can't even explain how close God walked me through this.  During they valley, He made us strong.

SH: In your time of sickness, what did you find really helped to give you peace?  

Sometimes the hardest battle is the one in your mind- fighting fear and panic. There are so many scriptures I leaned on.  

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

I could go on and on...so many scriptures I read to for strength.  I was thankful for my best friends being there during my surgeries and helping me do the simple things, like fixing and washing my hair. My husband and children walked with me through this journey and encouraged me daily as well.  You know true love when you walk through the valley of death.  I still have battles of fear that tries to grip me.  I have learned to not let it even enter my mind.  I have learned to control those thoughts.  I know I couldn't do any of it without the peace of God and His strength. I am blessed to say I am cancer free now!  Thank you Jesus!

 SH: When did you finally find out that you had been healed, and what were your thoughts?

Late January 2010 the results came in and I found that I was cancer free. My first thoughts was I get a chance to see my kids grow up. I want to grow old with Matthew.  He is my true love and best friend.  We went and celebrated some family time together.  We give God all the praise and forever we are indebted to Him.  This gives us all the more reason to give all of our life to the Kingdom of God!

SH: Lastly, what is a word of encouragement you can give to girls that might be dealing specifically with such a trial in their life?

It is important for every Apostolic Girl to read their Bible and pray consistently—that is your very source of strength! I found talking to people and trying to seek encouragement was good but, my real strength came in my alone time with God.  I would drive to the park and sit.  Just Jesus and I.  I would just talk to Him and when I was done I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off of me.  God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness—and we all have weaknesses.  He will never put more on us than we can bear.  I encourage each young lady to memorize scripture so when you are in that valley you have the word in your heart!  Put those scriptures in your heart before the trial comes!  

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