Monday, February 26, 2007 - We see up to 25 people in 2 hours on Wednesday evening--about 150 patients per month.
Recently, one of our doctors saw someone who had been coming to the church for a year. She had seen her own physician but could not afford the medicine. We had it for her. She was blessed. John saw her fiance and he was thankful. She has 7 siblings---6 with manic depression, one sister having committed suicide. On the medicine and with her newfound walk with the Lord, she will make it!
We have been trying to help the young 21 year old, who had been a recluse in his house. The right medicine is bringing him out of his shell and we are trying to convince him that the Alpha program (a ten week course, that includes dinner, where people with no religious background can learn the basics of what the Bible teaches) will not be a scary thing. He comes every week for his medicine-- and for me to keep tabs on him. We have a long term commitment to him, and it is our goal to help him meet the Lord and to get him to the point where he can work.
One of our patients came to us after first arriving at Zarephath via the Child Access Center (a place where non-custodial parents can spend time with their children in a neutral, safe environment). She has been very lost, messing up every relationship she has attempted. Her parents do not want to speak with her. She came to the church at Christmastime, and now says she received a letter inviting her to the fellowship time after church on a Sunday. She was pleased to be invited. Several people now know her and will welcome her-- and we pray that she finds peace with God. We are thankful for a church that does careful follow-up.
We are seeing the people that God is bringing to us. It would be a big help to have others come in and help us do the spiritual follow-up-- making packets to hand out to the new patients and writing follow-up letters to give them an opportunity to get connected with a good local church. The Zarephath Health Center recognizes that "health" is physical, emotional and spiritual well being.