‘People diagnosed me’: Cancer survivor Pastor Ethlyn Rhymer tells it all in new book
The book, titled ‘Even There’, is rooted in Psalm 139:10: “Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”
During the launching ceremony on Monday, December 29, 2025, she addressed the community of the Virgin Islands, encouraging everyone to be compassionate towards one another.
“You never know where you are going to be on your journey. You don't know when your journey will begin and what it will entail. So don’t be casual about anyone’s journey,” she said.
Pastor Rhymer, who is married to Danley J. Rhymer and is a mother of three and grandmother of one, views this book as a powerful and candid exploration of life, growth, and perseverance. She is also the author of ‘Life in Paradise: A Baby Boomer's Reflection of Life in the Bay,’ published in 2019.
'Shut your mouth & pray’
Speaking about her new book, Minister Rhymer addressed the speculation, gossip, and careless comments surrounding her personal struggle that were highlighted by members of the Virgin Islands community during her illness.
“Don’t say things about anyone’s journey that you don’t know about, Shut your mouth and pray. How can you talk about my journey if I didn't tell you about? You know more about what the doctors tell me, that’s what’s happening in the BVI” she remarked.
She added, “People diagnosed me. They add and take away. I know I only had three doctors. They didn’t come to the BVI to talk to anyone about me, so I don’t know who they were talking to.”
'Be more considerate' of others'
Pastor Rhymer urged Virgin Islanders to be more considerate when others are going through difficult times, saying, “People forget that they are humans and that we tread this path. Tomorrow, it could be your journey. Don’t throw rocks in anyone's path. Instead, pray, call and say, ‘I’m thinking about you,’ or send a note. But don’t spread news that you aren’t sure about.”
The book, ‘Even There,’ captures moments of vulnerability, humour, frustration, prayer, courage, and praise, reminding readers that faith does not remove difficulties but ensures that no one walks alone.
Rhymer emphasised that her mission is to inspire and encourage those navigating life's challenges, reminding them that no matter how fierce the storm may be, victory is possible when God is the captain of the ship
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6 Responses to “‘People diagnosed me’: Cancer survivor Pastor Ethlyn Rhymer tells it all in new book”
A lot of you will be sued for slander and maleficence around here... just wait!
Thank you for sharing your story Ms. Rhymer. I wish you and all others on this journey: steadfast faith in the most high, good health, and continued strength! Blessings!
Exodus 21:7
Humans is made from their parents, and not no god who is making children outside of marriage.
Snake, donkey cannot talk. Never did.
No man cannot survive in a whale belly. It never happened.
No man cannot walk on water. Its nonsense.
No man can walk in fire without getting burn. Its bullshyte.
If kane find a wife, that mean his wife had parents.
I for one not putting the BVI people in my business. Privacy and secrecy is two different things. I will keep my life private. Cancer or not, for me, is nobody business except who need to know. Give unto each his own.
You have a lovely and supportive family to stand by your side. I do wish you the very best in healing, improved health and may you be drawn closer to your God.
Everybody have a right to reveal what they want to who they want. You feel like sharing and that is your choice and your decision and it is ok. Others want to keep their life low key and deal with their own battles, heal in their own way and share their journey in different ways and that is okay too.
You know the people in these Virgin Islands. I have come to live among them and it did not take me long to observe that they do make other people business top of their agenda they cannot take off of you what your God has put in you
May your life be blessed