Our story
About Linda and Joe
How Reflecting Light Ministry began
Linda Benz Kovarik wrote every devotional card, and the book It’s Cancer!, out of her own journey with cancer. Linda passed away in 2014. I am Joe, her husband, and I now carry on Reflecting Light Encouragement Ministry in her memory, so that her words can keep encouraging people facing cancer and illness.
Joe and Linda were married in Carlsbad, NM on May 10, 1983. Throughout their marriage of thirty-one years they grew together in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Both attended Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX and received an Associate Degree in Theology. They went on to Southwestern Assemblies of God College in Waxahachie, TX receiving Bachelor Degrees—Linda in Elementary Education and Joe in Christian Education. Joe received his Master's Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.
Joe and Linda had been actively involved in church ministry for over twenty years, working in group homes for severely emotionally disturbed children and later in administration of foster care. They also had a successful track record as entrepreneurs in the retail and service business.
When Linda was going through her third bout with cancer, she began to reflect on God's word daily. In a dream, she had a vision of other pilgrims struggling in their own storms of cancer. In that dream, God moved her to share her experience with others.
She began journaling daily, which developed into writing devotionals. She took a biblical principle she discovered in her meditations with Scripture, wrapped God's words around it, then shared her personal experiences to illustrate it. This was the beginning of Reflecting Light Ministry.
Linda's cancer was in remission for 16 years. During that time she wrote 73 devotional cards of encouragement. Through these inspired messages, many pilgrims of cancer have been encouraged to deepen their faith and continue their journey. Linda desired to publish 52 of her most cherished devotionals into a book that could encourage pilgrims throughout the year.
The message in these devotionals is that on your personal pilgrimage with cancer, there may be discouragement, but there is also hope; weariness, but also strength; fear, but also comfort; anger, but also love; sadness, but also joy; loneliness, but also friendship; darkness, but also abundant light that is available to you.
On January 15, 2014, before realizing her dream of a published book, Linda passed away due to complications from Histoplasmosis Pneumonia. I, Joe Kovarik, have the privilege and honor to fulfill Linda's dream on her behalf so that her legacy and her spiritual insights will encourage others through their pilgrimage for many years to come.
About
An Experienced Pilgrim of Illness
In Linda’s own words
Linda wrote this before she passed away.
I am an experienced pilgrim of illness. As a child, I endured the path of several surgeries on my left arm due to a bone infection, which resulted in limited use of my hand. As a young adult, I followed the path again when in my late twenties, I was treated twice for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As an adult, I embarked on a dark, looming path when in 1998 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a couple, my husband Joe and I understand the shock of the diagnosis of cancer and the stress of living with chronic illness. We have both been pilgrims on a life-altering journey.
The diagnosis of a serious illness wreaks havoc with our spirits, emotions, and bodies. Day by day, step by step, we travel this new road trying to be brave and strong while searching for understanding, searching for hope, searching for comfort.
My cancer is in remission as I write this, but I continue on the path challenged by new ailments. Yet, the road doesn't seem so dark and frightening now. We are learning each day to trust God who faithfully strengthens us and gives us hope and comfort on each step of the pilgrimage.
My husband and I started Reflecting Light Ministry to share the source of comfort and strength with others who are on their own pilgrimage with a serious illness. This source gave us light through the dark days of my cancer and gives the same light every day to all who seek it.
I hope you will be blessed.
– Excerpt from It's Cancer: The Pilgrimage
Contact
We Would Love to Hear from You!
Share your stories, testimonies, and requests
I am Joe, Linda’s husband, and I now carry on Reflecting Light Encouragement Ministry in her memory. Please share your stories, testimonies, and prayer requests. I read every message and would be honored to pray with you.
I reply as soon as I can, though I cannot promise a reply time. Prayer requests are read only by me.
Ways to reach us:
- Send a request: use the request form below to share your prayer request, story, or testimony.
- Give: see ways to support the ministry on the donate page.
Request form
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Share a prayer request, story, or testimony
Joe reads every message personally. Share a prayer request, a story of how Linda's words touched you, or a testimony, and he will pray for you by name.
Opens our secure request form. Joe reads every message.