Connie, originally from Italy, is a member of our cell group in Perth. Herself a cancer survivor, she uses her own testimony to tell others….
By Connie Tiborc
Lived for this life
My nephew Anton was 40 years old. All his life Anton, a car salesman, lived for this life. He was a gambler and a drinker. He was also dyslexic so he did not have much education – his parents did not know enough to have him diagnosed or treated. But to know him was to love him – he was such a joker and first to offer his help if needed.
Pascal’s wager
If Anton had very little academic knowledge, he had less knowledge of religion. When he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I wondered how I could share the good news of salvation with him. I addressed the subject he was interested in. I said, “Anton have you heard of Pascal’s wager? Pascal the philosopher said if he wagers on there is a God, heaven and life after death then find out he was right, he had everything to gain. But if he was wrong, he wouldn’t have lost anything. We all die in the end – both atheists and Christians, but Christians believe in God being the creator and in Jesus Christ His Son who died on the cross for our sins. He was raised from the dead and went to heaven thus proving there is life after death. So, Anton, who do you place your bet on? He answered simply, “I believe in Jesus”.
Anton (rt), Connie (3rd from rt)
Where are you going?
During his stay in the hospital he would often go to the cathedral opposite the hospital and sit in quiet contemplation. During one of these times I told him that he and I share our journey in life. I told him I have had cancer twice which has drawn me to God. “Cancer can ultimately be the friend that takes us to God because it really makes you think seriously about where you are going after you die” I told him.
There was one final assurance of Anton’s salvation I desperately wanted to know. The night before he died, I told him, “Anton, we all love you. God who loves you so much is just waiting for you to surrender to Him so he can take you home”. Anton’s eyes flickered, his face remained at peace and he went home a few hours later. 
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