Jesus Grieves with the Grieving
The most rewarding aspect of 2024 has been offering free counseling to underserved clients, especially children grieving the loss of a parent. I (Rachel) have received several comments along the lines of “oh, I could never” – but caring for these small saints has been the greatest honor. Walking with them through mourning, anger, and denial has given me a peek into how Christ must walk with us through our crises – while we feel lost and shattered into pieces, he is never far, offering the rest and the hope for the future that we so desperately crave.
Whether they are our students or clients, Connor and I see that our culture is asking where to find hope for the future in the midst of deep division. Believers are wrestling with how to live as Christ in our current times; they are asking if Jesus really can bind up the broken hearted.
The answer is not only that He can, but He wants to and will. These child clients of mine, while so small, have talked about feeling comforted by God, and the still, small voice of someone who cares for them giving them a ray of hope in the midst of grief. They could teach all of us about his grace and tenderness far more than any lecture or sermon could, and I understand more now what it means to have the faith of a child.
This upcoming year, as I finish my Masters of Christian Counseling degree and continue offering free counseling, we want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, inviting others to experience his gentle binding up of the broken hearted. The support of faithful believers enables ministry workers like me to point others towards Christ’s hope. Would you consider my ministry for your year end giving? I am eager to reach believers who want to experience Jesus’ gentle hope and restoration in 2025. Thank you for your continued support and friendship!
– Connor and Rachel Sleeper