Maui to Orlando
Imagine . . . You and your family fly thousands of miles from home for a long-planned and long-awaited vacation. But instead of checking in at your hotel, you go immediately to the hospital for a family member. You’re far from home and in a new area where you don’t know anyone.
This is exactly what happened to a family who landed in Orlando earlier this month. Their young son, Phillip* became ill during travel.
Once he was stabilized in the Emergency Room, the family contacted the Lowe Syndrome Association. This “happens” to be the same organization Bethany, our Administrative Assistant, and her family are part of, as her youngest son has the same disability as Phillip.
Several months ago, we met with their director on a video chat. We brainstormed several ways our organizations could encourage one another and perhaps partner together. Thankfully, their director remembered Luke 14 Exchange and Bethany. She recommended that this traumatized momma reach out to Bethany, assuring her that the organization she worked for could help them.
The director was right! Shortly after Bethany received the message, she and her husband, Kenny, were on their way to the Orlando hospital. While Lowe Syndrome is rare, this hospital is one where their son, Oliver, has received treatment, meaning there are specialists who understand this disability. They shared the names with the momma, so she could advocate for these doctors.
Once they arrived at the hospital, Bethany said, “We didn’t do much. We got them some food. Momma said she believed in the power of prayer, allowing us to pray with her. We will follow up in a few days.”
Bethany told me she planned to give the family Jerry’s business card, “Because he is so much better at these visits than I am.”
The only reason Jerry seems more equipped is that he’s done it many times over the years. Once she got started, her confidence and skills would grow as she ministered.
Not only is this a story about how God uses connections, even months after initiation, to meet the needs of those he created. We also want it to be a learning experience for you, dear reader. Perhaps you avoid hospital or even home visits with someone with a disability or illness because you don’t know what to say. Start with the ministry of presence. Just be there. You don’t have to know the right thing to say; in fact, often you don’t need to say anything. Simply listen and be present. If you observe or hear of a need (e.g. food), see how you can meet that.
We’re happy to share that several days later Phillip was released from the hospital and is again enjoying his vacation of a lifetime! And now we have new friends, far across the country.
*Psuedonyms are used to protect the family’s privacy,