Living Hope’s ministry programs are purposefully designed to be a part of a (w)holistic approach to our vision of seeking to reach people for Christ, bringing hope and breaking the despair of poverty and disease. Many times the first connection a person has to us might be the opening God is using to allow them access to the greater and broader healing our family of programs offer.
One such starting place for many is through our Health Care Centre. A 22-bed facility on our main campus it is foundational to our work and was the early catalyst for much of what Living Hope is today. For one man battling HIV and other illness our Health Care Centre was the starting point as he sought physical treatment and care. Henry’s story, like many we serve, is one of addiction, despair and very real loss. A drug addict for a number of years he has seen his marriage struggle and his health deteriorate to a desperately alarming level. As he was cared for and loved on by our Centre staff the Lord began to lead and guide him in the need to understand more about Jesus. As our staff supported that process for Henry he began to clearly realize his need for God’s grace in his life and committed his life to the Lord. Jess Ollis, social worker in the Health Care Centre shares about the change that took place following this commitment; “It truly was a rebirth as we saw a lot of negativity die away and a new positive and more hopeful future be born. His attitude with staff improved drastically as did his overall demeanor and outlook”.
While we celebrate the eternal healing that has taken place, our staff continues to work to a day that Henry will be able to leave our Centre. We know for the continued support he needs, both with his health and addiction, Living Hope’s (w)holistic approach is designed to help answer the call. Whether it be through follow up care in our substance abuse recovery program or through our chronic disease support groups our focus is to utilize the strength of our family of programs to return hope where hope was once lost.