“I had no idea, Pastor!”
I have to confess that the words came as somewhat of a surprise to me. I figured that everyone in the congregation knew about our medical lending closet. But hey, I guess I was wrong.
My apologies to those “in the know”, but my recent conversation leads me to suspect that many aren’t aware of or know very little about this important outreach ministry of our congregation.
The little shed to the west of the parish hall is definitely not your typical storage shed. It isn’t the place where lawn mowers, rakes, shovels and rolled up hoses are stored. Instead it’s a place for durable medical equipment-walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, canes, bedside commodes, shower benches and even the infamous “red boot” that I donned in the days following my sprained ankle back in February.
Our own Don Bergstrom is instrumental in collecting and distributing the items. Church secretary Debbie Walters plays an equally important role in fielding inquiries from people who are looking for these items and those who have items to donate. Let’s not forget Max Kretschmar either who has lent his repairman expertise on more than one occasion.
During 2002 we loaned out a total of 63 items to individuals in the community and received a total of 19 items. As of the end of April this year, we have distributed 15 items and received 5.
We don’t make it our business to inquire, but I suspect most, if not all who come to us are low income folks with little or no resources to pay for these kinds of items that insurance often does not cover. Did you know that a set of crutches can cost several hundred dollars or more? Items are loaned out for a period of three months with the option of renewal at the end of that time if a need still exists. Wheelchairs and shower benches seem to be especially needed.
As you may recall, last year, we even managed to make Jane Grieg’s column in the Austin American Statesman. Thanks to that exposure a number of items were donated and distributed. Another side benefit was that people in the community found out something of who we are. As anyone knows, we are the only church in Austin providing this kind of assistance. I’ve had a number of health care workers from hospitals, AIDS services of Austin and various home health care agencies express their sincere gratitude to us for this very important assistance program.
Most importantly though, there are the lives that we are able to touch. I recall a woman who came in to pick up a walker for her son about a year and a half ago. He had been injured in a serious car accident. We shared in conversation at which time she told me of his struggle to regain his strength and get back to work. As she prepared to leave, she asked me to pray for her son which we did right then and there. She tearfully thanked me and you for caring about her and her son.
Do you or someone you know have some medical equipment you’d like to donate? If so, please contact the church office or just stop on by. Pickups are even possible, but need to be set up a few days in advance. Any contribution to the “medical lending closet” is welcome and I personally guarantee that whatever you share will be used to help our neighbors, to proclaim the love of Jesus as we support our neighbors in need.
Peace,
Pastor Brian Peterson
OUR SPECIAL MINISTRIES