Chaplain Retreat #3

Last month we had the privilege of again planning and being a part of a special time with our Chaplains.  This year things have been busier then usual with lots of people coming and going and for myself, as I am planning a trip as chaperon to the US with our Teen Bible Quizzers.  For these reasons, I opted for a 1 day event for our chaplains.
Our focus this year was on death and dying.  We focused not so much on dying itself but how the customs and traditional beliefs of PNG society affect how they think about death and how we can be sensitive to the needs of our patients and their families during these difficult days.  Our special guests were Dr. Jim Radcliffe and Mrs. Julie Lutz.  After a time of singing and prayer, Jim shared some devotional thoughts.  Subsequently, Julie, who experienced the difficulties of dealing with the impending and eventual death of her husband Steve was able to bring a special awareness to all of us.  Through her sharing we were able to see how the amazing God we serve is able to intervene and bring comfort and strength in times of loss and how we can support and encourage  others who are facing death themselves or who have a family member who is facing death.
Thank you for your prayers for our chaplains!  Each day they are busy ministering to our many patients.  Pray that they will be exactly who God wants for them to be to each one they have opportunity to counsel and pray with.  Pray also that I will be sensitive to ways in which I can encourage them, our chaplains!

Dr. Susan