Team members benefit from God’s Word ministry-wide
One of the most intangible benefits of working for a care community at The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA) is hearing the message of Jesus’s life, sacrifice, and resurrection and what that means for each individual person. From weekly staff meetings to resident worship services, team members can interact personally with the community’s chaplain.
Pastor Patrick Feldhus, chaplain at Hope Residence, shares several opportunities he has throughout the week to share devotions with his fellow team members.
“It is important to hear God’s word to have a mental, spiritual, and physical break from the stress that comes in the health care field,” Pastor Feldhus explained. “God’s Word has the power to comfort people in any and every situation. The power of Christ’s love, his forgiveness, and the eternal life he won for all of us lifts us up in the best of times and in our darkest times.”
At The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, in addition to hearing Pastor Ed Fredrich’s devotions, team members often visit with him one on one.
“The Word of God has always been a priority for our staff,” explained Pastor Fredrich. “But with all of the changes that have occurred due to COVID-19, it seems that more are paying attention. The Word of God continues to give purpose to our lives. The victory that Jesus won for us is very real and comforting.”
You can’t put a price on being able to share God’s comforting love. This is one benefit that can’t be listed on a page with a check by it. This benefit is felt when you walk through the doors of any of our communities—whether you are a team member, a resident, or just visiting.
- It’s the helping hand by the caregiver you pass in the hall.
- It’s the physical nourishment received from our dietary staff.
- It’s in the smiles of other residents as they attend an activity.
- It’s the soothing voice of the chaplain as he reads scripture.
- It’s all of these things and more.
“I often hear stories of how when family members enter one of our communities, they are in awe. They say, ‘It’s just different here,’” said Mark Hayes, president of the ministry. “The only way to explain it is to welcome you to visit a care community. Only then will you know what they are talking about. And our chaplains and team members are a part of it!”
Want to be inspired by the words of a TLHA chaplain? Sign up to receive our weekly devotions at tlha.org.