Stephen Ministries: Christ Caring – For People – Through People
I often think about and pray for my family and friends, and I find that there is never a shortage of things to pray for. Most recent I’ve been praying for my best friend (we’ve been besties since we were 10 years old) and her husband JT. JT is a Marine veteran who served in combat years ago. He was wounded and as a result of his injuries he’s battled numerous ailments, including heart surgeries and a knee replacement. Even post-surgery his pain is continuous and at times unbearable. A few months ago, his injured knee swelled to the point that the doctors removed 100 cc’s of fluid, then had to stop. Only a few weeks ago, JT became lethargic and had a dangerously high fever so Jill rushed him to the ER where JT was immediately admitted… he was hospitalized for 40 days battling sepsis from his knee that traveled to his heart, kidney malfunction, etc. It was a whirlwind for Jill who was in North Carolina miles from her family in Virginia.
Although worn and mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted, Jill never once deviated from her faith that the Lord would get JT and her though his illness. She never once questioned God’s plan for them. In addition to Jill’s faith, she had the power of prayer from family and friends. Every evening her family (parents, siblings, children) would schedule a group FaceTime prayer with Jill and JT. So, while they could not be at the hospital in-person, they were there remotely. They prayed for JT’s healing, others needing prayer and each other. The power of prayer and the power of a family – it’s awesome!
Recognizing that not everyone has the same support group as Jill and JT do, today we are blessed to have Stephen Ministers across the globe and at Wright’s Chapel to support those who are dealing with certain situations. Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide confidential, one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Wright’s Chapel has been one of thousands of Stephen Ministry Congregations since 2012. Stephen Ministry offers devoted lay ministers with extensive training to provide care for those experiencing a life crisis; a crisis that can cause us to question our spirituality and relationship with the Lord. In these one-on-one relationships, Stephen Ministers use tools such as prayer, scripture and open and active listening skills to walk beside those in need. Stephen Ministers provide the care as God provides the cure. Our Stephen Ministers here at Wright’s Chapel stand ready to walk with you in a caring relationship or to offer up specific prayers at your request.
So, how are things today? JT is recovering at home with Jill administering his medications (she’s in the medical field) and providing needed care. It’s going to be a slow and long recovery and JT may need additional surgeries, but we strongly believe that our Lord and the power of prayer will get them through it.
If you or a loved one is going through a difficult time and would like to be connected to a Stephen Minister (regardless of location) or if you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministries, feel free to contact me at tonya@wrightschapel.org or (540) 604-0038.
I look forward to supporting our Stephen Ministers and you in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world – together, we can.
Blessings,
Tonya Trice
Director of Connection Ministries