Compassion in Action: "The Art of Helping"
Puts Flesh on Good Intentions
Dear Lauren:
I am in charge of the “Community Care Ministries” of The Salvation Army in the Southern Territory, which comprises 15 Southern States and the District of Columbia. We are responsible for the Nursing Home Visitation, Shut-in Ministries, and assisting our volunteer workers in meeting the needs of single mothers, single fathers and elderly who need assistance (grocery shopping, clothes shopping, medicine pick-up, transportation to Dr.’s appointments, etc).
Your book is given to our new seminary graduates as they leave the college and go to their first pastorate. It will assist them in ways they cannot comprehend until they are out in “the field” and doing the work of an evangelist. It is a wonderful reference book and we are grateful that you have been willing to sign their books for them – it makes it an even nicer gift when they know the author has taken the time to sign and give a Scripture reference – it is very much appreciated!
Thank you for being such a wonderful person – you make it easy to know “what to say and do when someone is hurting.”
Love & Prayers,
Marian Faulkner
Lt. Colonel
Territorial Community Care Ministries Secretary &
Associate Secretary for Personnel
Lauren,
Just 7 weeks ago, one of our favorite families at church lost their 13 year old son in a tragic car accident. We were all stunned and heart-broken, and for some of us, it was our first visit with a death of this magnitude. Connor was one of the most amazing kids that ever walked this earth, and watching his family deal with this has been so painful. In an attempt to find the right things to say/do, I visited a local Christian bookstore and spent several hours in the section for grief, etc. I looked at a LOT of books, but the one I kept coming back to was your book, The Art of Helping. I read most of it in the store, and then bought it and brought it home. It has become a constant companion! You are insightful and wise, and your advice and suggestions are right on target. I love the ideas, the format, everything about it - it is very well written. In fact, when Connor's dad, Tod, spoke to us this past Sunday for the first time since the accident, many things he said and the dos/donts he shared could have been right from you.
Thank you for opening your heart and the hearts of other families to show us what helps and what doesn't, and ways we can let God work in us and through us to bless people who have sufferred losses. Even today, I'm taking one of those ideas to another friend whose 21 year old son died Saturday - I'm making memory boards for the visitation and the service.
Thank you again for what you've shared - you have touched my heart and my life in a very special way! God bless you as you continue to let God use you to bless those around you!
Blessings,
Stephanie, TX
