 |
Empty ArmsThe Empty Arms Ministry of Denman Avenue Baptist Church is specifically designed to offer comfort and assistance to families who are grieving the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. The loss of a child is one of the most devastating events that a family can face. You are not alone. This unique ministry offers hope and healing through Jesus Christ. How it Began... In April of 2004, Jill and Jonathan Gerland were blessed with a baby girl, Gracie Beth. In June of that same year, Gracie died as a result of a fatal chromosome disorder called Trisomy 18. Subsequently, she and her husband have endured four miscarriages on their quest to have a family. It was out of these tragedies that the Lord began to instill in Jill a passion to make a difference in other families who are facing similar difficult circumstances. Thus, the Empty Arms Ministry was formed. Although we don’t understand why these tragedies happen, we cling to God’s promises that are found in His word: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 To read more about the story of Empty Arms Ministry, please open the PDF file below What We Do... Care Baskets / Miscarriage Packets The Empty Arms Ministry Team assembles and delivers baskets containing bereavement support items that we pray will aid in the grieving process. Contact is usually made from area hospitals, funeral homes or simply by word of mouth. Included in the care baskets are items such as a copy of Dr. Jack Hayford’s book, “I’ll Hold You in Heaven” as well as the accompanying journal, a Certificate of Life, a list of resources, in addition to other materials that may help in the difficult days ahead. Newsletter The Empty Arms Ministry distributes a quarterly newsletter with information pertaining to the ministry as well as topics dealing specifically with the loss of a pre-born or newborn child. Past and current issues of this newsletter are available in PDF format on this webpage.
Printed Resources Our Joy East Media Center provides a selection of Christian books available for checkout. Topics range from infertility, adoption, pregnancy loss, the loss of a child and grief. Call the Media Center at (936) 634-6691 for Media Center hours. Prayer Partners Many volunteers in this ministry have personally experienced pregnancy or infant loss as well. These prayer partners are available to lend support as needed and offer a listening ear on those tough days that undoubtedly will come along. They will diligently lift you and your family up in prayer during a complicated pregnancy or during the bereavement period. Advocacy If you or someone you know has been given a poor prenatal diagnosis, our ministry team will help advocate your unique needs to the various entities involved including the medical staff and funeral home. If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a child, we’d like to help. Please contact Jill Gerland, Empty Arms Coordinator at JillGerland@yahoo.com for more information. “God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!” Matthew 5:4 (CEV) Links to Helpful Websites ARTICLESINVOLVED IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP?
  |
|
||||
