Blog
- Spotlight on Homebound Visitation Ministry
By Alice Beverly
“In as much as you did it to the least of these my brethren you have done it to me.” Matthew 25: 40
What is Homebound Visitation?
Under the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Homebound Visitation Ministry is well and active here at Holy Cross. God has raised up caring people who have committed to calling on our homebound approximately once a month. Our homebound consist of those people who, due to age, illness, or lack of transportation, are no longer able to attend church on a regular basis. These calls are in addition to calls from the Board of Lay Ministry who take the Lord’s Supper to them.
How Did We Start?
At an intercessory prayer meeting in July of 2016 concern was raised regarding the elderly and ill members who were a part of our membership but in some cases overlooked. This concern was put before the Lord in prayer. It was at this prayer meeting that the Holy Spirit touched Lorrie Faunce and me. It was like He lifted us out of this meeting and gave us a very, very sensitive heart for the homebound. Lorrie and I talked immediately after the meeting and we knew without a doubt that we were called to this ministry. We were excited but overwhelmed. Our immediate agreement was that we would do this in God’s power, in God’s way, completely under His direction. We visited with Pastor Doug, and he stated that he had been concerned about the homebound and gave us his blessing. Lorrie and I were amazed and excited about what God was doing. He raised up visitors beyond our expectations. We were expecting the ministry to take a while to get going, but that isn’t what God wanted. It happened and it happened quickly. It’s been an exciting journey. At one point in time there were 25 visitors!
Blessings Upon Blessings
At one time I was privileged to visit a lady who had recently become a widow. We bonded very quickly as I was recently widowed also. We could feel for each other and shed a lot of tears together. We became very close and she looked forward to my visits. She read her scripture, so we were able to talk freely about God and pray. We were truly sisters-in-Christ. I was able to minister to her until her death, and I grieved for her. (This is probably the hardest part of the ministry.)
I was also privileged to visit another lady. It took a while for the visits to be comfortable. She did not want to talk about God but would let me pray with her when I left. Our friendship grew and I shared my faith with her. When I was leaving, after several months of visits, she would say, “I love you; come back.” Shortly before she died she wanted me to say the 23rd Psalm with her. I grieved for her also.
There are many more reports of beautiful times and visits. This ministry is very rewarding and I would certainly urge anyone to whom God has given the gift of love, encouraging, serving, mercy or contributing to the needs of others to spend some time in this ministry. You will be blessed.
One Visitor’s Experience
By Renee Williams
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
Sometimes the body of Christ is lonely and feeling disconnected because they are unable to attend church. Our homebound members are that part of the body. Their hearts are connected, yet they desire a warm smile, a listening ear, a reassuring hug, a sweet reminder that God loves them and we love them too!
It is a joy and an honor to be a part of the Visitation Team and visit with our special homebound members. A few years ago I joined this wonderful ministry thinking I could help someone feel the love and connection of our congregation. However,
“I receive more blessings than I imagined.”
When they open their door, I receive the biggest smile and a hug or two. I have the privilege to hear their life stories, to become part of their family and to know we are connected together through the love of our wonderful Father in heaven.
Please remember these sweet members in your prayers. They feel the love of our church body when we take time to visit and connect once again. Perhaps you want to help make a difference and connect with our homebound members too. Lorrie Faunce and Alice Beverly, would love to get you connected.
