We have many Stephen Ministers who can help you in your time of need. Please read the story about how a Stephen Minister provided love, understanding and encouragement.
Testimony from an Individual Receiving Care from a Stephen Minister
I consider myself a resilient, resourceful person. Whenever I am going through a "life challenge", I have learned to turn to God for courage, strength and direction. I pray, read and recite verses from the Bible, and I often read inspiring books by Christian writers. I have also learned to reach out for help from others. As FEAR raised its debilitating head because of health and financial challenges, I once again asked God for courage, strength and direction.
The next Sunday at CPC the most recent class of Stephen Ministers were presented to the congregation. "A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages." God-answered my prayer again! I am meeting for an hour with a lovely lady who received 50 hours of training to become a Stephen Minister. She has had her own "life challenges" and is a testament to how God is there when you ask for His help.
Our journey has just begun. We have met three times. It is such a blessing to know I can share my fears and concerns with my Stephen Minister who prays with me and for me. Thank you Lord. Receiving this Christian emotional and spiritual love gives me strength and hope! |
| Testimony from Robert Stonebridge, a Stephen Minister |
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| My name is Robert Stonebridge and I got involved in Stephen Ministry through CPC because of what God has done for me in my life. Several years ago my marriage was in a shambles. My life was falling apart and I had nowhere to turn because I had lost my faith and I did not seek out help or comfort and companionship during this troubled time. I was lucky. When I hit rock bottom I cried out for my Savior to come and help me. After working for years at resurrecting my faith and admitting my faults I received the salvation that today defines me as a Christian. I would have given anything to do it all again, to have the opportunity to reach out for help and support during the lowest points of my struggle. This is why I chose to become a Stephen Minister. This gift that I have received through the Love of Jesus Christ is available to all who seek it. We do not need to suffer alone and in silence. There are people who care, people who have been called to care, trained to care. They are Stephen Ministers and they are here to listen with empathy, pray with a faithful heart and come along side those who are hurting. They are here to help carry the load and call upon the most High to bring His love and healing into any painful or devastating situation. So if you find yourself in need of a faithful friend, I encourage you to look into the support and faith that a Stephen Minister can provide. |
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Testimony from Leigh Ann Engle, a Stephen Minister
A year and a half ago my husband, our three sons and I moved to Danville from Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was a huge move for us. We lived in Hershey most of our lives and we were deeply rooted there. When we moved here I felt very lost and alone and depressed. |
Several months after our move we started attending CPC. At that same time I was praying that God would lead me to a place to serve. I wanted to leave my sadness behind and find joy in serving God. Then one Sunday, I heard about Stephen Ministry, a ministry for people walking through difficult times that need someone to walk with them, be there for them, love and encourage them. This ministry was something I wanted to be a part of.
Throughout the next several months I applied for the training program and went through the 50 hours of training necessary to become a Stephen Minister. I now have a care receiver and God, in his love and tender mercy, has worked in our relationship and I see his healing hand in the life of my care receiver. I trust that God will use me as an instrument of his peace, love and care. I know that He will provide and equip me to be his servant. I may be a care giver but God is The Cure Giver. In serving Him, I have found joy and my loving Father has blessed me with friendships and a family that I was longing to have. I have found a home in this church and through Stephen Ministry. I have had the privilege of learning and growing beside some of the most loving and compassionate people that I have ever met who will now be life long friends. I’ve experienced God’s love and faithfulness and have seen how he cares for every detail of our lives. In His great love God is richly blessing me through this ministry… much more than I could ever ask or imagine and I am so very thankful. |
How does it work?
When the Stephen Ministry Team is put on notice that there is a person in need of long-range care, there will be an immediate attempt to match that person with one of CPC's Stephen Ministers. Both the needs of the individual and the gifts of the Stephen Minister will be prayerfully considered. Once a match is made, the relationship will be carefully monitored through a peer-review process, all the while maintaining strict confidentiality.
If you are in need of confidential, one-to-one Christian care, or if you know someone who might benefit, leave a message at 855-1367 x558 and either Ki Welch, Women's Referral Coordinator, or Mark Welch, Men's Referral Coordinator, will return your call promptly.
If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry, please contact Cathy Burkholder.
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