http://www.stephenministries.org/

Carry each other’s burdens, and in

this way you will fulfill the law of

Christ.

Galatians 6:2

I received this from one of our Care Receivers.  It is in their own words what Stephen Ministry means to them.  As you know Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry and no Stephen Ministry member would break that trust.  We do not solicit comments from our Caregivers and would only communicate anything with the permission and blessing from the Care Receiver themselves.  With that in mind please read the following:

What a blessing my Stephen Minister has been to me.  Because of my pride, I almost missed the blessing God had for me.When I first came to OSLC, I was the one doing the Care Giving.  I was visiting hospitals, nursing homes and ministering to the hurting.  I never wanted to admit that the roles had now been reversed.  It was time for me to be ministered to.

 My life has changed in more ways than one, now that I have a Stephen Minister.  Due to illness, I am forced to spend a lot of time confined to my home.  I was feeling alone and isolated from the outside world.  My Stephen Minister has not only brought me companionship--I look forward to the visits--but my Stephen Minister has connected me to the life outside my home. 

 Because of the deep respect for confidentiality, I feel free to express myself and “unload” anything that has been troubling me.  My Stephen Minister shows me nothing but compassion and love.  I especially appreciate how non-judgmental my Stephen Minister is. 

My Stephen Minister has also enriched my spirituality.  We study God’s word together and apply it to our own lives.  We pray together, lifting my concerns as well as my Stephen Minister’s.  The bond we have together will last a lifetime. 

I am so glad that I reached out for help from our Church’s Stephen Ministry.  We are truly blessed to have them available to us.  I want to encourage others to avail themselves of this wonderful ministry.  Don’t allow pride to rob you of God’s Blessings.

This is a wonderful testament to the care and blessings that one of our Stephen Ministers has provided.  We offer this for two reasons.  You or someone you know may need the help a Stephen Minister can provide.  If so let us know.  You or someone you know may be a good candidate to be a Stephen Minister.  If so, we will have a training class in the early fall.  Talk to Wayne Carsten , Izzy Weakland or Pastor Scott.

God Bless

Izzy Weakland