> That is my ministry: the people on the fringes of society, the > forgotten, those with no familes, those with no one else to be there but > me, people with public guardians sunce there is no family who will look > after these old and dying people.It is our 6th death in 10 months - but > that is what this ministry is all about, to be with people in their > penultimate moments on earth when there is no one else for them.
This is such an important ministry, too Vince. But I'm sure it's often a loenly one. I think that sometimes those who do the most important work often feel that what they do isn't that important. There's not much money or recognition involved. It sounds like, as you go through your personal trials, you are finding some solace in your mission. You have strength even beyond what you know. > I am working my way through my emotions now: within days the home will > have a few more residents, and when when I look at the folks in the two > homes that I serve, unlike the usual ministry, I look at them and know > that within a few years each one of them will be dead, and my job is to > be their pastor and friend as they approach death, because they have no > one or damn few others to care about them in this situation. It is so hard to convey how incredibly important that is to the residents you help in this way. The chaplain who is my minister has helped me in so many ways that doctors and even social workers couldn't. He can see my soul, and I'm sure you can do the same with your 'congregation.' That is probably the most important thing one can do. It validates an entire life. It's probably the biggest need one has when facing one's mortality. The work you do is beyond vital! lots of love Anne
