Nurses Have Special Place in God's Plan
The Story of Deborah provides us with an indication of the importance of the presence of the nurse within a group of God's people. Deborah is the first nurse mentioned in the bible. In fact, nurse is one of the first occupations mentioned by name in the bible, and certainly the first of the caring and healing professions. While it can be assumed that other persons were farmers or shepherds or soldiers, we are told that Deborah was a nurse. In the 24th Chapter of Genesis we hear of Deborah for the first time, although we are not told her name at that time.
"And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men" (Genesis 24:59).
Why is it important to know that Rebekah is traveling with her nurse. The reason may be that by the next time we hear of Deborah the impact she had on the family of Isaac and Rebeka is revealed.
"But Deborah, Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allon-bachuth" (Genesis 35:8).
The name of the tree is interpreted as the "Oak of Weeping". We should realize that trees on the plains of Palestine were rare, especially large ones, and that they were frequently designated as landmarks. I do not believe that it is a coincidence that great sorrow is associated with Deborah's death. And I do not believe that it is coincidence that her memory is associated with a landmark. And I do not believe that her relationship with one of the principle families described in Genesis is merely coincidence.
To honor the relationships that nurses have within families and to recognize that death often causes great sorrow, The Gate Called Beautiful has created a tribute known as
"The Rose of Deborah"
For more information on The Rose of Deborah please go to Bereavement Ministry on the links found on the road above.
THE PARISH NURSE MINISTRIES
"The Divine Difference"
The Parish Nurse Ministry is rooted in the beginning of Christianity. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke outline the work of the Disciples as preaching, teaching, and healing. In recent years, the care of the sick has become institutionalized and largely separated from the healing ministry of the Church.
Parish Nursing reclaims the healing portion of the Christian mandate, where faith is central to the entire process. Registered nurses working with the clergy and parishioners provide that essential link between the two. The Parish Nurse Ministries were created to bridge the gap between spiritual faith and individual health.
Family Faith Center recognized the Parish Nurse Ministries and created The Gate Called Beautiful in 2003. The event was marked when Parish Nurse Les White was presented to the congregation as a Licensed Minister of the Gospel. Family Faith Center promotes the church as the natural location for both spiritual vitality and abundant health.
THE PARISH NURSE DESCRIBED
Nurses come in a variety of sizes and shapes; that's the way God made us. We also have a variety of educational and training experiences; that makes us even more unique. Each nurse is a welcomed asset to The Gate Called Beautiful. Licensed nurses within the ministry are considered Congregational Nurses. Registered Nurses are considered Parish Nurses and may seek national certification as a testament to their level of knowledge and experience. Only nurses who are members of Family Faith Center can be active in The Gate Called Beautiful.
Nurses who are active in The Gate Called Beautiful serve as on-site resources to the Family Faith Center congregation. This is extremely beneficial because it allows parishioners the opportunity to learn about health care from people they know and trust - people in their own congregation. The parish nurse works with the Health Cabinet Ministries to help identify the congregation's health needs and to develop activities or programs to address those.
By bringing health care resources and information traditionally found inside the hospital out into the community through The Gate Called Beautiful, parish nurses can provide a personal approach to preventive health. This ensures that access to quality health services are made more readily available to the congregation and will help Family Faith Center fulfill its motto as "Your Healthy Place to Be".
Parish Nurse roles are identified in the section of this website called Nurse Spotlight.
On that page you will be able to learn more about the nurses who are the spiritual muscles behind The Gate Called Beautiful. Please visit the Nurse Spotlight.
