September 2025 stories...

Real stories to stir up your faith, inspire hope and encourage you to walk in love...

Please Note: Some names have been changed to protect privacy

By the grace of God and with the support of ministry partners, Christine was able to officiate 2 funeral services this month and assist two grieiving families with the preparations. Ministry partnerships make it possible for Christine to do this at no cost to the family, as well as offering blessings to the family whether through paying for food, purchasing materials needed for the service, and providing ongoing grief support and counseling. Funeral services are tender and holy spaces where people are desperately in need of comfort and the hope of Jesus Christ. This is a space where, led by the Holy Spirit, Christine navigates through sharing the Gospel and the love of Jesus while offering hope and comfort to those who are grieving.

Sometimes we forget that there are people in their 70s, 80s, even 90s living around us, and they may not know the hope and love found in Jesus! Jeff came to senior church late and listened intently as the message was shared about being a new creation in Christ Jesus and an ambassador of God’s love. The key passage was 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, with an emphasis on the way that God forgives, empowers and equips believers to proclaim his grace and goodness and the message of reconciliation to the world. After the service, Jeff asked for prayer. As everyone began clearing out, Jeff came back in and went to the ministers and said, “I had never heard that before, what you shared about Jesus. I want to know God’s love for me. Pray for me.” Through this time, Christine and Cameron were able to share the gospel and pray again for Jeff and give him a Bible. Our encounter with Jeff was a reminder that there are people who are in the final stages of life who are hungry for hope, truth and love and who need the Gospel message to be shared with them!

At times of crisis or trauma, one may find themselves struggling with their beliefs, trying to make sense of the experience, and looking for ways to cope. The traumatic event can even lead to what is known as a “crisis of faith.” We are not meant to go through these times alone. Carmen, a 98 year old woman who lives alone in a senior community, was grieving the recent death of her daughter. Carmen was struggling with questions she had for God, but she had no one she could talk to. She even had questions she was afraid to ask the priest. After hearing the Word of God at a non-denominational church service, she asked to talk with the minister. A few days later, Christine listened to Carmen share her heart and her questions. Christine was able to offer Carmen the assurance she needed from the Scriptures and give her direction through the Word of God, which Carmen respects, believes and trusts. After their time together, Carmen expressed that she felt a burden was lifted and that she had so much more peace hearing those words of Scripture and knowing the truth of God’s love, forgiveness, and what Jesus accomplished on the cross. The ministry of presence involves being available to sit, listen and hold space with someone at a time of need, helping them to find the light and hope that they are desperately searching for.

Images from church at the park, where Christine was able to offer a message of hope through the Word during July, August and September gatherings.

Church happens when we gather together. Church is not defined by the place or space; it is about the people and the intention. Relationships are fostered as we build one another up in love (1 Thess. 5:11). One place where the church gathers is at a local park where many unhoused spend their time. A friend who lives on the street has been growing in his hunger for the Lord, coming to all of the gatherings, sitting near the front, and participating. Christine took note of this, and encouraged him in his walk with the Lord. When you show people that they matter, they feel loved and they draw close. This friend from the park was celebrating a birthday and he wanted all his church friends to come celebrate with him at a new local buffet. Christine got a few people together to put together a blessing for him and provide him with a birthday gift and treat him to the restaurant he was looking forward to dining at. He was so blessed that his friends thought of him and made him feel special for his birthday. Growth and healing happen in community through relationships, and this is often a long and slow process!

Through ministry connections, Christine was able to offer funeral services for a family who lost their 79 year old mother due to an illness that came upon her quickly. Christine knew the family from years of gathering at the park for church. She entered into the situation through hospital visits while this friend was sick. When she unexpectedly passed, Christine let the family know she wanted to offer support after as well, which included offering to plan a memorial service. In collaboration with another ministry, Christine worked with others to coordinate a funeral service and celebration of life. The families expenses were all covered, from food, location, funeral materials and posterboard pictures honoring their mother. Ahava Pathways gathers and connects with the body of Christ to collaboratively meet the needs of the hurting and broken-hearted. Christine was honored to be able to write the eulogy for the family, give a message about hope and Jesus, and provide comfort and care to the family and friends.

Becca is a single mom raising two children and struggling to make ends meet. Her testimony about how Jesus saved her and delivered her from addiction and darkness is amazing! In moving forward in a transformed, new life living for Jesus and the kingdom, she has run into a few health issues that she has needed to address. She knows that she needs to take care of her body, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and she can no longer ignore the pain, as it impacts the plans God has for her. She has put this off due to fear, lack of concern in the past, and financial need. Christine was able to work with ministry partners to get Becca's dental care paid for, and came alongside Becca to offer spiritual and emotional support by going with her to the appointments. She continues to offer counsel, encouragement, prayer and spiritual strength to Becca and is walking alongside her in her journey of spiritual formation and growth, encouraging her to look to Jesus daily and be strengthened in the Word. It is a privilege and a call of all Christians to “go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19) and Christine is thankful for the opportunity to do this with Becca.

Friends, wherever you are today, be present there. And may the Lord minister to you and through you. God bless you.

There are many more stories to be shared about the impact that the gospel and compassionate presence has had on the lives of the seniors, the sick, and the hurting in our community. Stay tuned for more ministry UPDATES and STORIES!

Church gathering at a local senior home. The residents so kindly surprised Christine with a birthday celebration of flowers, a song, and sweets!