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June 6, 2013
8th Annual Dallas Benefit Dinner more
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LIFELINE DALLAS
By
Jesse Stroup, Director of Spiritual Care
Lifeline Chaplaincy Dallas
Sixteen volunteers and friends of Lifeline came to
Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ for a Prayer Gathering
on January 28. Two Lifeline volunteers, Geri Lacy
and Pat Hopkins, served the lunch provided by the
host congregation. We focused on meditation and holiness,
along with designated prayer time together.
The sharing time was launched by reading a portion
of Howard Thurmans Mediations of the
Heart,
How good it is to center down,
To sit quietly and see ones self pass by.
The streets of our minds seethe with endless traffic;
Our spirits resound with clashings, with noisy silences,
While something deep within hungers and thirsts
for the still
moment and the resting lull.
Regarding holiness, this passage from Hebrews 12:10
was read, Our fathers disciplined us for a little
while as they thought best, but God disciplines us
for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
These are the categories we chose to pray for: our
children, the sick, supporters and donors, congregational
health and growth, listening hearts, laborers in Gods
harvest fields, and conforming to the likeness of
Jesus.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the gathering, and felt
blessed to be able to provide compassionate support
to the seriously ill in Dallas medical centers.
WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY
By Larry Foster,
Development Officer
Lifeline Dallas
As Jesus comes to Bethsaida a blind man is brought
to him (Mark 8:22-26 ). The blind man pleads with Jesus
to touch him. Jesus responds and the blind mans
eyes are opened. But they are opened to a world of confusion
and distortion. Jesus asks, What do you see?"
and the man responds "I see people and they look
like walking trees." Then Jesus touches him a second
time and the man sees clearly. Over the years, millions
of people have been converted to Christ. Often their
initial encounter with Christ is eye opening but the
confusion and worldly distortions that surround them,
both in the world and in the church, have dimmed their
vision.
According to the Barna Group, which does research on
religion and culture, church membership and attendance
have been on the steady decline for more than a decade.
Great percentages lose their vision and fall away. Some
would like to come back to Jesus but they don't know
how. Many never find their way back. What they need
is a second touch of the Master's hand.
WHERE CAN WE RE-CONNECT WITH THESE HURTING PEOPLE?
Sooner or later most of them will find themselves in
the hospital. Personal illness or the illness of a precious
loved one will bring them to the hospital. Suddenly
they realize that they are vulnerable and in need of
a second touch. How will they get that touch? Most of
them won't! Evangelistic minded churches are often so
focused on mission work that they don't realize the
opportunity they have at the local hospital.
Lifeline Chaplaincy volunteers meet fearful, hurting,
inactive Christians every day. Many of them are people
who have become detached from their faith community,
but are now faced with the frailty of life. The beauty
of being a Lifeline volunteer is that we can be Jesus
in the hospital room, reaching out with a second touch.
What an opportunity for mission work in our own backyard.
Larry Foster has been a part-time Development
Officer with Lifeline Chaplaincys Northeast Region
for 5 years. His heart for hurting people continues
to lead him to share Lifelines ministry of compassion
with others who are willing to partner with Lifeline
Chaplaincy to meet the needs of the seriously ill.
By this
all people will know that you are my disciples, if you
have love for one another.
(John 13:35)
Information - click on links:
Lifeline
Chaplaincy On The Move! VIDEO
Who
Are The Dallas Volunteers?
About
Dallas
Dallas
Maps
Soft Touch Ministry
SERVING GREATER DALLAS AREA
Baylor
University Medical Center
Baylor
Carrollton
Baylor
Regional Medical Plano
Baylor
Garland
Baylor
Irving
Childrens
Medical Center
Heart
Hospital Plano
Methodist
Dallas
Methodist
Charlton Medical Center
Parkland
Hospital
Presbyterian
Allen (THR)
Presbyterian
Dallas (THR)
Presbyterian
Plano
UT
Southwestern (St. Paul & Zale Lipshy)
Veterans
Affairs Hospital Lancaster
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