Here are some comments from BFC's Stephen Ministry

• When I first with my Care Receiver she had been rejected by her husband.  She has expressed recently her gratefulness for the compassionate listening and time we spent in prayer.  Life is steadily improving for her.

• My first contact with the Care Receiver was by phone and at the conclusion of our conversation she asked me to pray for God’s help in her life.  We have met five times since our phone conversation.  She is still grieving the loss of a relationship but at each visit I notice more energy in her step and sparkle in her eyes.  We are able to laugh together and she has expressed her thanks to God for sending an encouraging person in her life.  We talk about the importance of establishing or renewing important habits such as daily exercise, friendships, daily devotions and prayer.

• I have witnessed the working of God in a wonderful way in the life of my Care Receiver.  He was confused, depressed and angry at God, not even knowing if he wanted to go on with life.  Over the course of our visits I witnessed grief turn to coping, confusion turn into understanding, depression turn into stability and anger at God into a trusting faith in God’s strength.

• In my current Care Receiver’s life, I have seen God’s faithfulness.  He has been with my Care Receiver, even when she was ready to give up or lose her faith.  God has been in the center of every meeting, His presence has been felt as we have prayed over very difficult situations.  God has provided words of encouragement at just the right time.  Even though the situation is not resolved I see my Care receiver hanging on to her faith and trusting God more and more.

• When I look back at what God has done in the lives of those I have cared for a s a Stephen Minister, the following comes to mind: 1.  Restoration of fellowship and relationship between Care Receiver and God.  2.  Protection from damaging events by talking my Care Receiver out of an unhealthy relationship before future happenings could have led to financial ruin.  3.  Setting up boundaries to keep a relationship pure and God-honoring between my Care Receiver and her special friend.

• My Care Receiver was struggling with gambling and alcohol addiction and was beaten down with low self esteem.  Over the 50 weeks of meeting with my Care Receiver I witnessed great changes.  His self esteem improved and control over his addictions became apparent as I help him accountable each week.  He has restored relationship with his young son and has become a responsible employee.  We prayed together, cried together and I spent long hours listening.  I thank God for my Care Receiver each day.