New Hope Community Church, Miamisburg, OH

What a blessing it was the day I found the Rest Ministries/hopekeepers web site. I became so excited I could hardly wait to share it with my husband and our pastor-even more excited when our pastor shared with me the long desire he had carried for this type ministry in our church.

After much prayer, we ordered the materials from Rest Ministries and introduced hopekeepers to the congregation; twenty-two people signed up after church! We began Dec. 7th, 2003 and We average 12-18 people in class; our group is a Sunday School class, and what wonderful sharing times we have had each week!

By using God's Word and the Bible study, When Chronic Illness Enters Your Life by Lisa Copen, we have had so many people open their hearts concerning their illness and how God is helping them to have the hope which only He can give. But-I have to be honest and say that some of us have had our "why" questions, too.

We're learning how to minister to each other on a regular basis, and in a way which is helpful, not hurtful. We start each class with "a good belly laugh" and a little something to take home with us as a reminder during the week to "find" something positive for which to praise the Lord-such as a paper clip to help us "hold it all together" when unbearable moments arrive.

We also cry together; it's healing to laugh and cry. We freely share our hurts, anger, frustrations-and yes, our joys and praises too. As well as all the emotions of having an invisible illness and not having anyone understand what is going on in our bodies.
By being in hopekeepers we feel we're in a "safe-haven. . ." where those around us understand when we share our feelings.

As one who lives daily with chronic illness and pain, I am so thankful to be able to serve our Lord and others around me who are also suffering, in a way such as this. hopekeepers has been-and will continue to be- a definite bright spot in my life!

If you live in the Odessa area and would like more information you can reach Alice Ervin at 937- 847-2607 (church number) or aliceervin@msn.com.

When Your Pastor Asks, "Is Illness or Disability Ministry Really Needed in Our Church?"

National survey data show that more than 26% of U.S. adults who seek pastoral care have disabilities. And people with disabilities are more than twice as likely as persons without disabilities to seek pastoral care-gender and age don't alter the results.
1998 National Health Interview Survey

Conferences Offer Insight to Reaching Out to Disabled

Nearly 200 "That All May Worship" conferences have been held since 1993, bringing together people with disabilities and religious leadership to plan improved access-both physical and spiritual-in houses of worship in their community. For locations or to discuss sponsorship for your church contact Ginny Thornburgh, 202-293-5960 or thal@nod.org. Note: Rest Ministries exhibited and Lisa Copen led a workshop at a San Diego "TAMW" in 2002. hopekeepers recommends them!