Shawl Ministry
Pastor Jeff asked me to receive a prayer shawl during services at Spirit of Joy, this was eight months ago and two days before my Kidney transplant. Being a macho male and not wanting to be embarrassed in front of the church, it would be easy for me to say ‘NO’. Instead, I said ‘YES’ because I thought it would be nice to have all the help I could get for my surgery. Today, I put the human faculty and the graces of openness, humility, and trust behind my belief in the ‘Power of Prayer’. Each Sunday as I look around all the church members in attendance, I see macho men and women but I also see openness, humility and trust. Your prayers for me then and now for other’s continue to the backbone of my trust in God.
For your information, prayer shawls date back before the birth of Christ in the Jewish faith. Today they are of practice in every Christian faith though out the world - Michael L. Schroeder 2/13/2011
When I had made the decision to donate my kidney to Mike, I didn't realize what a monumental moment that would be in my life. I had watched my husband donate his kidney to his sister and saw how it affected her everyday life. I knew without a doubt I was doing the right thing for Mike to make his life better, too. I just didn't comprehend how it would affect our entire church. The day Pastor Jeff visited with me about being a part of his sermon was just like any other day to me, no big deal. However, the Sunday of our blessings turned into the most rewarding day of my life. Kevin and I "visited" with Pastor Jeff during his sermon and I remember just really talking from my heart. When he asked Mike and I to sit in our respective chairs and then laid the prayer shawls on our shoulders, I felt transformed. I felt warmth, love, and complete peace. As hands were laid on me during the blessing, I cried for the first time in this whole process. I was overwhelmed with emotion-that of joy and absolute love from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I couldn't believe the support from the congregation, my family and friends who were there. It is a day I will never forget and forever cherish - Deb Nelson 2/23/2011