HELPING HURTING HEARTS
MISSION: “To honor God by providing biblically-based, Christ-centered encouragement services to anyone who is experiencing the pain of loss, grief or discouragement. Our goal is to help restore the shattered pieces of the lives we encounter – for that person or family to experience a “new normal” through God’s comfort and peace. We also seek to promote the advancement of encouragement ministries and services in local churches by providing equipping and training services and sharing our vision through speaking opportunities.”
PURPOSE: “We help those with a grieving or discouraged heart to learn to live in God’s comfort and peace by applying the principles and wisdom found in the Scriptures that we share.”
KEY VERSES: II Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
For a personal look at why this ministry exists, read My Story.
KEY CONCEPTS:
Heavenly Hug—a card, an email, a text, a phone call, a sermon, a devotional…anything that reminds you that God sees your situation, He knows the pain you are going through and He cares about you as an individual and longs to show you His grace and mercy.
Scripture is an absolute necessity—There is nothing that we can say or do for someone who is deeply hurting that will help heal their pain. Only God can heal their pain and help them through their trial with His grace, mercy, love and peace. His Word does not return to Him void but it does accomplish His purpose so the most important thing that we can share with hurting people is the Word of God.
Friend for the Journey—This ministry is all about being a friend to people in the middle of their life journey. It is time-consuming but eternally rewarding. It is being the hands, feet and hugs of God at a time when they are drowning in their circumstances. It is showing God’s unconditional love…accepting people where they are and sharing God’s Word in love while giving them our time and support when they need it.
HELPING HURTING HEARTS BOARD
ALLAN GREER – Pastor to Senior Adults at First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL. Allan has a heart for encouraging others and has a special burden for those who are bereaved because he lost his father at an early age.
DARRELL CHEATHAM – Trainer & Consultant with Complete Computing. Darrell is also in charge of Discipleship Classes at Parkway Place Baptist Church. He has a burden to encourage memorization of and meditation on Scripture and apply it to our daily lives.
STEPHANIE HABENICHT – Minister to Children at Parkway Place Baptist Church. Stephanie has a heart for helping and encouraging others, especially those who are grieving.
DIANE JOLLEY – Technical Analyst with the State of Arkansas. Diane has a heart for encouraging others through the tough times in their lives. She lost a brother many years ago and is personally acquainted with the grief of losing a close loved one. She understands the importance of having friends for the journey.
SHERRY CHESSER– CPA and Partner with Landmark CPAs in Little Rock, AR. Sherry specializes in auditing and works with many non-profit organizations. She understands ministry because her husband Joe is a full-time minister with Levy Church of Christ in North Little Rock, AR. Sherry and her husband also understand loss because their daughter Sarah died just a few hours after she was born prematurely.
