THE DOG HOUSE - February 2020 Newsletter

Lizzie Ministry - Sharing Christ’s Love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

On a recent visit with Lizzie, we began our visit. Lizzie patiently stood or sat to be hugged and petted as we chatted and answered questions. We thought we had finished when a caregiver brought someone new into the room. She looked at us and said, “I don’t know why I’m here.” The answer was delivered with a hug, “You’re here so you can be loved and taken care of.” Tears flowed but they were tears of love. We followed her back into the main room and found a few more had come into the room. Sharing Christ’s love is not a one-way experience. As His love flows through us to others, the response flows back to us.

Our visits to care facilities are meant to encourage and bring love to the residents but often we find ourselves building relationships with the caregivers too. Family members, receptionists, activity directors, hospice workers, therapists, and cleaning staff look forward to Lizzie visits, too. Lizzie finds them in the room and helps relieve the emotional strain that comes from trying to ensure safety, maintain the best health possible and reassurance that someone cares. We are present in the midst of them to share Christ’s love, to encourage them, to lift them in prayer, and to serve as partners in ministering to others.