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New Jersey District
Lutheran Women's Missionary League

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New Jersey District Human Care
Fall & Winter 2009
Opportunties




EMOTIONAL PAIN AND SUFFERING

...my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid
(John 14:27 NIV).


Those who are suffering from the pain of loneliness, stress, fear, failure, depression and rejection are in our families, our neighborhoods and our congregations. Their cries for help may be silent or expressed in shouts of rage. Their need is to find peace and comfort through God's love.

  • Pray that those who are suffering look to God for comfort and peace.


  • Have LWML's Jean Gems (LWML Catalog #4900) available for youth.


  • Become acquainted with the youth services offered by your local mental health agency; open a line of communication about these services either by telephone, bulletin or newsletter.


  • Invite a local social worker to speak to your group and answer questions.


  • Be a friend, a listener, an encourager; show you care.


  • Provide Christian booklets and/or tapes of comfort and encouragement; take time to experience them together.


  • Provide transportation for church services and activities.


  • Offer child care services to give the person some free time; take a book of Bible stories to share and leave it for them to read together


  • "Do lunch" together at a park or someplace where you can have privacy.
CANCER

...God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

Most everyone knows someone--in our own family, in our church family, a neighbor or co-worker--who has heard the diagnosis of cancer. As they struggle to cope with this possible life-threatening disease, we can stand by them to show our love and support as Jesus would have done.

  • Pray that you might be able to meet some of the physical and spiritual needs of the patient and the patient's family.


  • Send cards frequently (a reminder of your concern and prayers).


  • Give a soft stuffed animal (easy to take care of and something to hold when things get lonely).


  • Give lots of hugs.


  • Offer transportation to the doctor's office or treatment center.


  • Offer help with meals, shopping or other household errands.


  • Treat the patient and family to supper and a movie.


  • Contact local hospital or medical center to learn about volunteer opportunities.


  • Offer a few hours or half-day respite to a caregiver.


  • Deliver altar flowers to the patient, if available.


  • Contact a Parish Nurse, if available, to offer help where needed.


  • E-mail uplifting stories and jokes.


RESOURCES

American Cancer Society
Community Cancer Library
LWML Office
Wheat Ridge Ministries


END OF LIFE/HOSPICE CARE/GRIEF SUPPORT

...I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies
(John 11:25 NIV).

Both the young and the elderly are suffering with the pain of life-threatening diseases. Their loved ones are suffering with the pain and fears of watching those lives slowly fade. God has entrusted us to bear one another's burdens and reach out with love, hope and faith.

  • Pray for the patient and heir caregiver(s).


  • Cordinate a visitation program; take something to share such as a devotion, poem, or even a few cookies.


  • Offer transportation to the doctor's office or hospital.


  • Carry in meals; include a Christian message.


  • Become familiar with local hospice services; have a representative speak to your LWML.


  • Become a hospice volunteer.


  • Give the caregiver time to get away by providing respite care services, including time for worship opportunities.


  • Provide tapes, devotions or booklets for times of bereavement.
Hospice Care/Grief Support

Hospice Care is a program for the terminally ill and their families. It emphasizes alleviation of pain rather than medical cures. The goal of hospice is to keep the individual as comfortable and pain-free as possible. The dying individual and the family receive physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care from a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, and volunteers. While services may be provided in special facilities, most hospice care is provided in the individual's own home. These services are also covered under many insurance plans and Medicare benefits. Many hospices offer some free services.

Caregivers have special needs to avoid burnout and maintain their own health as well. The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides several services that are strictly for the caregiver, including grief support. Contact your local Hospice Care office.

National Hospice Hotline 800-658-8898.