He has reminded me often that as He brings broken people my way, He wants me to empathize with them, inviting them to receive His healing touch and place their hope in Him. I am witnessing this happening in the following areas of my role in Hope Ministries.
Pastoral Care
In contrast to the year before, it has been refreshing to meet people face to face. Dave and I have become more aware that many are struggling with anxiety, depression and fear. They feel like the future has become unclear and frightening. Psalm 23:1 and Matthew 11:28 have become a foundation of what the Holy Spirit is highlighting in people’s hearts as the way forward. I marvel every time I witness someone trusting our Lord for exactly what He promises in these two passages and seeing Him show up keeping His word. Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Funerals and Weddings
Up to the end of 2022, there was an average of a funeral a week; that has slowed now in 2023. We have witnessed the ‘homegoing’ of some dear saints and miss them while at the same time longingly anticipating meeting them again in the grand reunion with our Lord in heaven.
After a slow wedding year in 2022, I am seeing a slight increase this year, and I find myself working with several married couples in coaching them to experience revitalization in their relationships with the Lord and each other.
Hospital and Hospice
I have resumed my role as a volunteer chaplain, and a goal of mine in each interaction is that the patient has gained a deeper sense of the peace of Christ and the hope He provides when I leave a room in contrast to entering it. I continue to facilitate chapel service at various times each week in several senior facilities: Points West Living, the Hamlet’s, Victoria Park, and Parkvale Lodge. I find great joy in this ministry as I witness these dear seniors grabbing hold of Christ and His promises and experiencing Him holding them secure and steady among their peers who haven’t yet embraced Jesus as Saviour and Lord. It is a great mission field! Pray for them to bear much fruit of new life in Christ in these facilities.
GEMS (Genuinely Enthusiastic Missionary Seniors)
Since last September of 2022, GEMS have been able to meet again in the church building on a monthly basis and enjoy a delicious meal and program that encourages a supportive Christ-centered community and outreach to those who are their neighbours. This year has been a rebuilding year in bringing together a new planning team which is slowly being formed, so we anticipate that by the fall of 2023, there will be a strong, active GEMS ministry.
Freedom Session
Over the year, I have taken a group of young men through the study of Freedom Session. We have trained in becoming free and healed through discipleship with Christ. I am waiting on the Holy Spirit as to the future of this ministry.
My ministry verses from 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 continue to influence me in all that I find myself doing. I pray that “my communication will be plain and simple, not using clever and persuasive speech, but rather rely only on the power of the Holy Spirit so that others will not trust in my wisdom but in the power of God.”
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
