Caring Ministries
You are in the recovery room in the hospital, just coming to. Even in your somewhat groggy state, you understand the surgeon’s words. “Everything went very well. It was just as we expected. Now get some rest. You’re on the mend.” Comforting words to be sure. In the couple of days you are at the hospital, someone from LJCC stops by to pray with you. When you get home, you discover someone from LJCC has brought you some food…several days worth! You open your mail to discover someone from LJCC has sent you a card. Your phone rings and someone from your Life Group says, “We’ve been praying for you. Can we go to the pharmacy to pick up your medication for you?” You open your emails to discover that someone has put you on the email prayer list and dozens of people have been praying for you. That may explain why things have gone better than you expected.
Every one of those acts of caring is a part of the current Caring Ministry (CM) at LJCC. We are continuing to develop as many practical ways to help people as we can manage. The key to giving effective care is knowing who needs it and/or wants it. If there is a situation of which you are aware, please communicate the need to Pastor Sharp at the church either by calling 858-558-9020 x205 or emailing him at dan@ljcommunitychurch.org. We are building a larger team of responders who can help in any number of ways. All of us have something we like, enjoy or are good at.
Maybe you like to cook. That would be something you could do to help the CM. Maybe you are a good listener. Some people receive care just by having someone listen to them. Maybe you find praying over the phone easier than praying in person with someone, again, another opportunity to be a part of the CM. Ask yourself, “What skill or interest do I have?” “What do I enjoy doing?” If you are not sure if your skill or interest can be used, talk with Pastor Sharp. Take the initiative and step out in faith. Contact Pastor Sharp. In Jesus’ own words, “if you have done it unto one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you have done it unto me.” So let’s all dive in and “do it!”
In His service,
Dan
To reach Pastor Dan Sharp, call (858) 558-9020 ext. 205 or email dan@ljcommunitychurch.org.