TARRANT COUNTY:

Fri-Sat, May 18-19
Creating A Healing Community Workshop - Tarrant County
Host: Southside Church of Christ more info
REGISTER

A decade or so ago, I became a recipient of “Lifeline News”, a regular publication of Lifeline Chaplaincy. I became interested in their ministry at the Texas Medical Center when a dear friend, Marilyn Blaker, told me about their work. At the time, Marilyn was an active board member for Lifeline.

When I learned that Lifeline Chaplaincy was expanding their work into Dallas and Tarrant counties and other Texas areas, I was excited. I shared that news with shepherds that I served with at the Woodland West Church of Christ in Arlington, explaining that I would like to become involved in that work. So in April 2011, I was privileged to attend an intensive orientation and training weekend conducted by the capable and dedicated Lifeline chaplains.

Following that classroom and role-playing instruction weekend, I soon began my on-the-job training at Fort Worth’s Harris Methodist Hospital. On my first day and for a few weeks following, I was “shadowing” my mentor David Martin, as he took the lead while we visited the room of each patient. That experience gave me insights as to what to expect, not only from the patient, but from other family members, friends and hospital staff. After a few weeks I took the initiative as David “shadowed” me. This training reminded me again of the scripture in Proverbs 7:17 that says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”. I still have a lot to learn in pastoral support and continually need sharpening. I am finding that each visit enhances that process, and I would like to share some personal observations.

I was scared when I knocked on the door of my first patient’s room at Harris. I was welcomed by people that I was meeting for the first time. They welcomed me as a fellow soldier coming along beside them to listen and encourage.

Most patients want an empathetic ear that hears their pain and allows them to express what they are feeling. They are the ones experiencing a life–threatening illness or injury, yet much of their concern is about their family, friends, or church. They miss them and want to express that to someone.

One older patient was recovering from surgery, yet his concern was not for self, but for his wife. She also had just undergone surgery. After praying with this patient, I went to see his wife. This family was going through a health crisis! I was comforted to see they had a loving church attending to both of them, providing emotional and spiritual strength. I was glad to witness God at work, and to be a part in His care, His mercy, and His grace.

I remember one terminally ill patient. As she told her story, it was evident she was ready for this life to end, but as she prepared to meet Jesus face to face, she asked for prayers for others.

Another patient was sick with cancer and had no family or friends. As he shared his story, he became very emotional. I listened as tears began to flow. He had struggled with alcohol, repeated trips to prison, and his separation from church and family. We prayed.

His lingering handshake and warm hug stayed with me long after I left the room.

Tarrant County Quarterly Newsletter

Office address: 2701 West Berry Street, Suite 102-103, Fort Worth, Texas 76109
Phone: 713-817-9234
E-Mail address: DMartin@LifelineChaplaincy.org

Our volunteers

Patients are being visited in these Ft. Worth area hospitals:

Arlington Memorial CLICK
Baylor Grapevine CLICK
Baylor All-Saints Medical Center CLICK
Cook's Children CLICK
Harris HEB CLICK
Harris Methodist Hospital CLICK
Harris SW Fort Worth CLICK
John Peter-Smith (JPS Health Network) CLICK
Kindred Fort Worth CLICK
Lifecare Fort Worth CLICK
Mansfield Methodist CLICK
Medical Center of Arlington CLICK
Plaza Medical Center CLICK