Caretaker Helpers Ministry (What do you think?)
On August 13, 2019, my husband (Rev. Harold Clemans – 60 yr. ordained minister) suffered a terrible fall that shattered his left femur bone because of a loose hip replacement from 2007. It was 10 weeks of hospital/surgery/rehab/hospital/rehab plus 7 weeks of current home caretaking (home rehab 4 ½ wks). This unexpected event brought our life to a screeching halt. I had to postpone my nationwide weekly ministry of counseling/teaching. I was in the hospital and rehabs with my hubby 8 – 10 hours a day. Hubby has a major hearing loss. I’m his legal advocate.
Through this personal experience, I have discovered a new ministry for the church to consider – Caretaker Helpers. I’m the sole caretaker of my hubby. My daughter’s family that lives close have jobs, children, their church involvement, do help when I call.
Caretaker Helpers could provide prayer support, visitation support – just to sit and have a conversation for a few minutes, offer to run errands, take a vehicle for an oil change, mow a lawn, pick up snacks, house-sit with the patient while caretaker runs errands, etc. The helpers could be retired and willing to give a few hours a week to help the caretaker. God’s Word says the world will know us by our love one for another. Love is an action word.
Please email me (above) your thoughts on this new ministry idea. I would love to hear from other caretakers. I do not know how long I will be a caretaker. My hubby needs much greater strength to care for himself than he has now. I cannot leave the house for more than about 20 minutes to run to the UPS store for our mail.
The point of this article is not for sympathy. It is to present a need that probably exists in every church at some time. I’m asking/thanking God daily for His strength to flow into my hubby’s body. Our life and times are in His hands. None of us know when an unexpected event will happen in our lives that changes everything. As the body of Christ, we much reach out to each other in the time of trouble. Thank you for your prayers!
Please give me feedback on this need for Caretaker Helpers Ministry within the body of Christ.
www.carolclemans.org – Book: GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE. Join: www.patreon.com/carolclemans – Nationwide counseling now scheduling – (636) 448-0121. Mins. Ref: Pastor Daniel Batchelor, Dupo, IL