Ensuring our friends with special needs know their Savior
Pastor Patrick Feldhus has the privilege of sharing God’s love with individuals with special needs daily. As a Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) consultant, he works with program leaders and volunteers to ensure programs are running smoothly.
At Hope Residence, a disability care community in Belle Plaine, Minn., Pastor Feldhus works as a chaplain offering residents spiritual care through worship services designed for individuals with special needs, Bible studies, devotions, and personal visits.
“God’s Word has the power to comfort people. The power of Christ’s love, his forgiveness, and the eternal life he won for all of us lifts us up,” said Pastor Feldhus.
Today, we are going to share two experiences Pastor Feldhus has had with Hope residents near the end of their lives. Pastor Feldhus handles the spiritual care for residents while our team of caregivers looks after their physical needs. One of these caregivers is Debbie Feldhus, a nurse and Pastor Patrick’s wife.
Ron had called Hope home for nearly two years. He was nonverbal and enjoyed listening to music. He always attended devotions and Worship at the Cross (a JCM service designed for individuals with special needs) worship services led by Pastor Feldhus. Near the start of 2023, Ron’s health deteriorated, and he transitioned to hospice care. One day in January, Pastor Feldhus received a call from Debbie asking him to come to visit Ron.
“When I arrived at Hope, I went to visit Ron. I shared with him a verse from Romans 14:8, ‘If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord,’” said Pastor Feldhus. “I focused on the comfort and confidence we have in the face of death because we belong to the Lord.”
Pastor Feldhus explained to Ron that this means we don’t have to be afraid. Jesus bought us with his life so that we now belong to him. As he looked at Ron, Pastor Feldhus saw the fear melt away and a smile took over his face. Before leaving, he said a prayer for Ron. A few minutes later, Debbie shared that Ron had gone to heaven.
Before moving to Hope, Jen had participated in a JCM program in Marshall, Minn. She easily understood that the Lord is our Savior. In late February, Pastor Feldhus visited with Jenny when she was upset and scared. For a long time, Jenny had battled breathing issues and feared dying.
Pastor Feldhus shared a devotion with Jen based on John 14:27, where Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
He reminded Jen that she had nothing to be afraid of because Jesus made sure she was at peace with God through his death and resurrection. The peace Jesus earned for her is not like the peace in this world that is easily taken away. Jesus’ peace remains forever that is why he encourages us too not be troubled or afraid.
“Jen’s breathing issues cannot take away Jesus’ peace and neither can death,” he said, “She will live forever with the Lord.”
Their visit ended with a saying a prayer together. Debbie later shared that after their conversation, Jen had been able to calm down and rest. The Lord called Jen to heaven later that month.
When individuals like Ron or Jen, and everyone with special needs are exposed to God’s Word, through a care community like Hope or from a JCM program, we can rest assured they know their future will be in heaven with Jesus.
To learn more about TLHA’s disability care communities including Hope Residence, visit our website. To learn more about Jesus Cares Ministries, visit myjcm.com.