As we come to the end of another year it’s hard to believe that Living Well Ministries will be celebrating 10 years serving the community in just a few weeks. From when we first opened our doors in January 2012 at our space on Allison Avenue up to our current building on N Monroe Dr. in Xenia, we have been able to make an IMPACT on thousands of lives and we give all the glory to God for making it possible.
Since the day we opened the team observed a need to enrich the lives of our clients and their families with more than quality healthcare. Their needs were and are far greater than the services we offer. As we prayed about those observed opportunities, we always felt that, due to our limited capacity, we could not do more than continue to offer compassionate and quality primary health services.
This year as we planned for the future, we took a look at lessons learned. The biggest one being COVID and its impact on our community and world. If COVID has taught us anything it is that people need some one to care, listen and offer hope. I may be biased but I don’t think there is any better story of HOPE AND HEALING than the one that we must share. Through this and other reflection the Lord has challenged us to not only continue the good work we have been doing but to step out and expand the ministry in ways we have not before.
We have several areas of expansion we are looking into as we continue to evaluate community needs. With the onset of the pandemic the world of remote medicine and access to it greatly advanced. We received a grant to install an Electronic Medical Records system and with this we will have potential to expand our reach with mobile healthcare and telemedicine. We are currently communicating with other faith-based ministries in the community to provide much needed services to their clients and guests. Those in recovery and in shelters often do not have the means or ability to apply for Medicaid or other governmental helps, so getting them started with simple health check-ups, maintenance meds and other services will be a great way to start to build relationships and share the love of Jesus in their moment of need.
These are just a couple examples of expanded services we are looking at but, much must happen for these and even more to be accomplished. It will take additional equipment, volunteers, and funding to be successful. That is where YOU CAN HELP more lives be impacted and the Gospel spread farther. Our financial need for these projects to happen is $20,000.00. Please prayerfully consider what you can give, who you can talk to on our behalf, or how you can diligently pray for this programming. Please take a moment and go to www.livingwellclinic.org to give, volunteer, or get updates on all the happenings at LWC.
Volunteer Testimony
As a volunteer, a big part of my heart is at the Living Well Clinic. While being a part of this ministry for the past eight years, God has opened many opportunities towards personal growth and the love of serving others.
First, He opened my comfort zone as an office receptionist at the clinic. I am a more introverted personality, but over time, I got to know our regular patients and their life stories; I enjoyed helping the new patients feel at ease. Working at the clinic also opened my eyes to see how many in our community have multiple healthcare needs and how difficult it can be to navigate through them with little resources. It is amazing how just one appointment at LWC, with a physicians consult and treatment plan, can give so much hope!
It also opened my heart not only to care more deeply for those at the clinic but to share my struggles with them. God has used my experiences with mental health difficulties to bring comfort to many patients coming to LWC who face similar battles.
Lastly, God has also opened my scope of thinking by erasing stigmas about those who need our services, knowing they are individuals loved by God who need body, mind, and soul-care.
Jesus did exactly that during His time on earth, healing physical and mental needs first, then ultimately healing souls. It’s so important to be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting the needs of your community physically, helping their minds and bodies heal, all while sharing with them their biggest need, the love of Christ that heals their hearts! “Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.” Mark 2:17
