I will call him Mr P. He contacted me yesterday from his hospital room, requesting a visit and prayer with a pastor. As his story unfolded, I learned that he had been a firefighter in Manhattan on 9/11, that he had lost 227 friends that day (including his father, who was a firefighter also), and that he had contracted cancer as a result of exposure to the fumes and asbestos in the rubble. After multiple surgeries over the years and the loss of everything except his car, Mr P was now facing discharge from the hospital with no place to go. He expressed bitterness and anger, immediately apologizing for his attitude. He had good reason to feel uncared for.
He told me that he had spent most of the day before calling churches and ministers to ask someone to visit and have prayer with him. They made their excuses -- some saying they only visit their own church members, others that their schedule did not permit them taking a few minutes away. I mention this because it seemed to be especially hurtful to him. He is a Christian, though by his own admission not a very good one. But he lost some faith in other Christians that day. He reminded me that 'It's in the Bible that we're supposed to visit the sick, right?'
Yes, he needed some assistance, a pittance really. And no, I do not tell this story to in any way congratulate myself. To the contrary, I felt ashamed that I was unable to really offer lasting help in this situation. But he appreciated the fact that I did come to visit, and I did offer prayer, and I did try to help a little.
So many of the problems we encounter with others are literally beyond our capacity to do anything about. But the caring disciple makes an effort and calls on the loving providence of God to do what we cannot do. Is this a form of evangelism? Perhaps not in this case, since Mr P is a believer. But I do hope and pray that in the time he has left on this earth (which will not be long), he may find disciples who will provide a helping hand and a caring heart.
1 comment:
We see the same thing quite often. It was wonderful that you took the time to talk to him. Here, if somebody asks us for a visit, they always get one from one of our attending ministers. (Most of our ministers are volunteers sharing the love of the Lord freely)
If you ever come across someone with cancer in those kinds of circumstance (broke and alone) again, go through your phone book and call listings related to cancer, such as the American cancer society. There is money and there are resources available to help them. There are volunteers who will come alongside them and mentor them. There are caring support systems. He was depressed, although it doesn't matter for this one. Anybody down on their luck can call. The local NAMI (national alliance for the mentally ill) in every area keeps comprehensive lists of resources to help people find the assistance they need locally when there is little or no income and they are wonderfully helpful and compassionate. We have many resources in our town. Surely your town does too.
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