Agnes “Aggie” Sarthou: Cancer Became Her Greatest Testimony
Ministry in Motion—Until Cancer Hit the Brakes
Aggie and Ricky Sarthou were among the pioneering couples of Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) in the Philippines. Long before CCF grew into a nationwide church, they were leading small groups, discipling couples, and building lives through God’s Word. Ricky left a high-paying career for full-time ministry, and Aggie, a professional herself, mentored women and served alongside him.
Their marriage began in brokenness, but God turned it into a purpose-driven partnership—altogether another powerful testimony of His grace. They became mentors, soaring for the Lord—until the unthinkable: Stage 4 cancer.
Jehovah Shammah: God’s Presence Throughout the Storm
Aggie was a tireless woman of faith—until cancer forced the greatest pause of her life in June 2003. The diagnosis was ruthless: it had spread to her 7th and 11th ribs. Her oncologist told her, “Aggie, I’m a good doctor. I’ll take care of you—but I’m only a doctor. You are stage four. I am not God. Only God can heal you.”
But instead of collapsing in fear, she leaned into faith. “Lord, how do You want me to respond?” she asked—and heaven answered through Habakkuk 3:17–18: “Though the fig tree does not bud… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” That Scripture became her anchor. Even when her body weakened and the cost of treatment threatened to crush her, she held fast: “I was about to fall, but I felt the hand of God lift me up.” That was her first miracle.
I’m only a doctor—not God. Only God can heal you.”
Suffering with a Purpose
Aggie did not want to waste her cancer. “If I’m still breathing, that means God still wants to use me,” she said. Even while undergoing weekly chemotherapy and battling intense fatigue, Aggie continued to teach, encourage, and lead women to Christ.
She hosted Bible studies online, mentored young wives, and shared Scripture-filled messages—often from her hospital bed. Her suffering became her pulpit. “When you look at yourself, you feel depressed,” she said, “but when God told me, ‘Look at Me,’ that changed everything.”
The journey weighed just as heavily on her husband; they were inseparable—like Priscilla and Aquila, or “Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl.” But that didn’t mean Agnes was spared despair. Surrounded by ICU patients and witnessing others pass, she reached a breaking point. “I knelt and asked, ‘Lord, am I next?’” Yet even in the darkness, she shared in Christ’s suffering, certain He was near.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
WHY GOD WOULDN’T ANSWER MY PRAYERS?
Jehovah Jireh: God who Provides
The cost of treatment drained their savings, but God provided through the generosity of friends, anonymous donors, and the church. She underwent 18 aggressive weekly chemo sessions using three high-cost drugs, equivalent to a month’s executive salary at the time.
Despite the strain, God sustained her. Her blood sugar spiked above 500—far beyond a glucometer’s reading—yet no organs were damaged. No port was installed; everything was administered through IV injections, which not only helped her physically but also lowered her hospital fees.
Jehovah-Nissi: Inexplicable Stamina
While most would have rested, she conducted corporate training sessions—some with up to 100 participants—wearing full protective gear—just days after chemo. “The company would wait for me to revive,” she said. Her stamina was inexplicable—purely by God’s grace.
Even from her training fees, she gave to the church building fund. “I would sleep two days to recover, then pour out my heart to God,” she recalled. Her strength, provision, and preserved health were nothing short of miraculous—a testament to Jehovah Jireh.
Jehovah Rapha: Aggie’s “Greater Miracle”
Aggie was given months to live, but like King Hezekiah (Isaiah 38), she was granted 11 more years—something science couldn’t explain. Yet Aggie’s greatest miracle wasn’t financial provision or even healing, but supernatural peace—the kind that carried her through suffering with unshakable trust in Christ.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
MIRACLE IN REAL TIME: DUANE MILLER TESTIMONY.
Agnes Could Not Be Silenced!
We are Satan’s trophies—that’s why he seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us (John 10:10). But what Satan intended for harm, God meant for good (Genesis 50:20). Aggie weaponized cancer for the Kingdom and used her suffering to exalt Christ for “…we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — (Romans 8:17)
Just as the Apostle Paul looked forward to leaving this world, a day will come when we will all be reunited not only with our loved ones, but also with Jesus, the author of eternal life.
There’s Hope in the “Big C”
Agnes Sarthou passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 64. Her testimony continues to resonate, helping women like Joanna Yap to see God’s love beyond the confines of cancer. Her husband, Ricky, became the Executive Senior Pastor of CCF, who continues to preach the Word of God far and wide—carrying forward the mission they once shared
Even in her death, Christ’s glory is magnified, leaving us with a powerful encouragement: “There’s hope in the Big C,” and that C is not cancer but Christ in you!.”
