Central’s Deacons are truly the hands, feet, and heart of Christ, reaching out in love and service to our community.
When my husband returned from his final military deployment in 2007 (OEF), he was very sick, suffering from severe PTSD, and with symptoms of a serious head injury. There was no discharge information from the military. There were no records as to what happened to him. He had serious memory problems and flashbacks. I had never even heard of PTSD. I had no idea what a flashback was and we had no idea what was happening. We could neither anticipate nor understand the terrible and profound impact this would have on our lives. Our four kids were very young at the time, and diagnosed with serious learning and developmental delays. I was also diagnosed with MS and trying to figure out how to live with that life-altering diagnosis in the midst of all the chaos.
Our family was hit hard in just about every major life category: medical, finances, relationships, education. Our entire life was literally falling apart. And the hits kept on coming. We were struggling, but continued to move forward in faith.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5-6
I had no previous experience with advocacy or finding resources to help meet our family’s needs, but I was desperate to try to find some way to hold everything together. In the past, we had always taken care of ourselves and helped others when we had the opportunity. It was – to say the least – uncomfortable to even ask for help.
I reached out to Central’s Deacons. We had been attending Central since we moved into the area. I don’t even remember how I got connected with the Deacons. That whole time frame was a blur.
Our whole family was truly and immediately surrounded with Christ’s love and care through the Deacon Ministry. They prayed with me and for our family, encouraged me, helped me find resources, and helped us adjust to our family’s new, difficult “normal.” They helped me with childcare so I could make calls and try to find someone who could help support us on the military/VA side of things. They put us on a meal list and brought meals. They helped with some housing challenges. They helped us get through that difficult time in so many ways.
Their constant care and encouragement meant more than I can ever put into words without getting emotional. I don’t have adequate words to express my deep gratitude. This was not a small problem or something that could be solved in a short time, and they stuck with us through all of it.
Today, about 20 years later (which seems impossible), things are often tough, but mostly manageable. We’ve needed help here and there along the way. I learned how to advocate for my husband through the VA and non-profits. My husband had many difficult hospitalizations. I found support for our kids through the Operation Eagle program at Kennedy Krieger, and Big Brothers / Big Sisters. I learned how to get Food Assistance and Medicaid. I learned how to advocate for our kids’ needs through our local schools. The Central kids’ ministries are amazing. Women on Wednesdays helped me and provided childcare. The men’s breakfast group was consistently there for Marc even when he couldn’t be there. We slowly got up on our feet. We slowly found our new normal.
Despite our own ongoing challenges, we still help others when we have the opportunity. How could we receive help and then do nothing? I’ve become a fierce advocate along the way and have used those skills to help others. I volunteered with veteran non-profit organizations, and had the opportunity to represent veteran caregivers at a joint conference in Washington, DC.
I truly believe that we would not have gotten through those difficulties and to the point where we are now without Central’s Deacon Ministry. I truly believe God put the right people in that role to help shepherd our family through the storms to a better place.
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We need to pray for the Deacons, for their wisdom and discernment, because they are out there walking through difficult things alongside hurting people. It is not easy. They do everything they can to help people get on their feet, with the hope that they will grow and be able to help others one day.
So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.
Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Acts 6:2-4
The Deacons provide an array of supports, including spiritual guidance, prayer, encouragement, mentoring, planning, problem solving, networking, financial planning, and more.
Practical assistance can include connecting people with local resources, home communion, rides to appointments, food, clothing, medical devices (canes, etc), emergency help, meals, hospital visits, and home visits.
Those serving as Deacons find that they are as blessed by the people they help, as much as those in need are blessed by them.
I would encourage anyone facing difficult circumstances to meet and pray with the deacons. I’ve personally brought people in my life to them for guidance and support. They carefully listen to determine needs. They truly are Christ’s love expressed through service. You can be assured that your request will remain 100% confidential and you will be treated with respect and care.
To connect with the Deacons:
If you are interested in serving as a Deacon, scroll down to find out more here:
https://www.centralpc.org/leadership/
