What Value Has Compassion That Does Not Take Its Object In Its Arms?
-Antonine de Saint-Exupery-
An Very Special Appeal to Pastors and Ministers
Some months ago, I was compelled to write a blog about the millions of Americans who were literally working in the “shadows” as home-care workers for family members, neighbors and friends. (see link below) As a man of Faith, minister and health-care professional, I begin to seek ways in-which I could do something to assist this growing national trend.
Let me introduce you to an organization that I believe can begin to make a huge difference for these individuals here in the state of Georgia. The name of this organization is Hope Hospice of Atlanta, Inc. http://www.hopehospiceofatlanta.com/ Our major goal at present is to connect the care givers and family member; the care receiver to the needed support system and resources that each need while they all manage this time of transitioning.
My Apologetic Appeal
Research data supports the reality that other institutions have greater determination on how individuals are care for during the transitional stage of their lives than the Church. I wish to change this truism. We are living in a time where there is an increased recognition of the need for inter-disciplinary understanding and interaction. As illness is now seen in more complex terms, so the reality now is that no one profession or method or service can independently or exclusively meet all the force of illness.
If ever there is a time for the Church to accept a greater active meaningful involvement in every aspect of hospice-care, now is the appointed time! For pastors, over the past five years, how many church members:
- Required end-of-life support while in the hospital or hospice?
- How many members of your church missed regular attendance due to caring for family members who were either sick or needed transitional support?
- How many fell out of fellowship due to loss of a loved one and not able to cope with the associated stress?
- Experienced trauma from grief or financial difficulty resulting from the death of a family member?
What Are We Offering
We would like to meet with you and your church family by providing education through a workshop or seminar to edify the saints on coping through the transitional stage. We wish to partner with you in raising awareness of the present realities may be handled. We will assist in providing a partnership between Hope Hospice and your ministry, providing resources to support the saints in the following areas of need:
- Chaplaincy Care and Support
- Medical care resource system
- Financial support during and post care period
Contact Us
Learning To Care For Our Loved Ones While They Cope
Any pastor who wish to network with us, please contact me, Alonzo E. Thornton @ alonzoe1@yahoo.com or https://www.facebook.com/First-Fruits-Perspectives-487225171447417/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
If there is any pastor who knows of any church members or individuals who is in need of Hospice Care of Atlanta support and services, please contact the referral department @ 678.903.2159 or 404.454.9862.
Grace and Peace
Alonzo E. Thornton, D.Min.