Greetings from the Chaplain:
As the winter is upon us and I reflect on the many blessings of the Lord this past year I am moved with a heart of gratitude for His grace and mercy towards my family and ministry. I would like to thank you our fellow ministry partners for your faithful support in prayer and giving that keeps this ministry viable. The fall banquet was such a success and I believe a real blessing for those who could attend. The music of the Christian Celtic Band, the message by Dr. Claussen on how God can use palliative care, the food, and fellowship were such a blessing. Your generosity and support of this ministry was truly a gift of the Lord through His people. Thank you. If you were unable to attend we would look forward toward your attendance in the future.
The Memorial Plaque honoring Pastor Paul’s 42 years of ministry is now hanging in the visiting clergy room in Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospitals Spiritual Care Department. Praise the Lord! The Lord continues to pour out His blessings and favor upon this ministry.
Recently, I spent many hours with a family whose aged father was dying and non-verbal. After listening to their memories of dad and mom (who passed away several years ago) it was clear that this was a man of faith in Jesus for his salvation. I prayed with the family for a quick and pain free passing from this life to the next. I then went to the dying man and reviewed out loud close to his ear the plan of salvation through Christ alone for the forgiveness of our sins and the hope of Heaven for those who are trusting Jesus and what He did for each sinner when He took our sins upon himself at the cross. The man squeezed my hand in affirmation and he tried to acknowledge his faith in words but was unable. A smile came to his face as if to say, thank you. What an honor to confirm ones faith at death or to lead that person to personal faith in our loving Savior at the days, hours, minutes, seconds before entering eternity. What an honor and privilege to be God’s ambassador.
Remember, if you become a patient at the hospital you need to declare your home church at admission. You can also ask for Chaplain Randy to visit and I will get an electronic referral right from the hospital. If you have a loved one admitted you can e-mail or call me directly at the ministry number listed below and I will make every effort to see them.
This Christmas season take time to reflect on the reason that Jesus came to earth in the first place. That was to save us from our sins and give us the hope of eternal life. (John14:1-6). May you and your loved ones have a blessed and Merry Christmas!
In HIS Service,
Chaplain Randy & Bev VanDeLoo