June 15, 2025
June 15, 2025
A Visit Unlike Any Other
As CBN Community Chaplains, Sue and I have the privilege of visiting and supporting individuals in nursing homes, offering prayer, encouragement, and companionship. Typically, when we arrived at Ann’s residence, her door was open, welcoming us in. But today was different. Her door was closed, and no light escaped from underneath it. A feeling of concern settled over us as we gently knocked. Had something happened since our last visit? Was Ann alright?
Knocking, we slowly turned the handle and stepped inside. The curtains were drawn, shrouding the room in darkness. There, lying in bed, Ann stared blankly into space, her eyes wide open but devoid of their usual warmth. It was a stark contrast to the cheerful and pleasant woman we had come to know.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7-8
Ann had always greeted us with kindness and trust. She lived in a beautiful nursing home, surrounded by other residents and caring staff. Despite this, something was deeply wrong that day. We knelt beside her and gently asked if she was alright. No response.
Reaching out, I took her hand and asked if we could pray with her. That simple offer unlocked a flood of emotion. Tears streamed down Ann’s face as she poured out her heart, revealing the depths of her loneliness and abandonment. Though she was surrounded by people, she felt profoundly alone.
It was a side of Ann we had never seen before.
We listened, offering no hurried solutions—just presence. Then, we reminded Ann of something important: God saw her. He had sent us to her that day, not by chance, but because He knew her pain and wanted her to know she was not alone. She was not forgotten. She was never forsaken.
Ann’s tears continued to flow, but this time, they were mixed with hope. Eventually, she sat up, took a deep breath, and then stood to her feet. She thanked us – not for saying the perfect words, but for simply being there when no one else could visit. In that sacred moment, God’s presence filled the room.
That visit with Ann was one of the most precious moments of my week. It was a reminder of the profound impact of simply showing up, holding a hand, and being present in someone’s darkest moment.
Thanks to CBN UK Founders and Partners, we were able to be there for Ann when she needed it most. Their generous support makes it possible for our Community Chaplains to bring words of life and encouragement to those who feel forgotten.
Ann’s story is just one example of how God is using this ministry to reach the lonely and isolated. Through your support, we can continue to bring hope, love, and spiritual care to those who need it most.
If this story has touched your heart and you want to be part of this life-changing mission, we invite you to become a member of the UK Founders Club. Your support helps us reach more people like Ann, offering them the comfort and reassurance that they are never alone.
Thank you for making moments like this possible!
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