![]() ![]() Because of heart issues, he relies on portable oxygen to help him breathe. Army, sits a few chairs to Valentine’s left.īrien has an inflammatory condition called ankylosing spondylitis and other autoimmune diseases. Michael Brien, a 58-year-old pastor who served six years in the U.S. “And that is why I really appreciate this ministry.” ![]() “I fight with accepting this, and I feel like turning it over to God is really the key to accepting it,” Valentine shares with the group. “And so, even though there’s a lot of pain to me right now, surgery’s just not worth it.”ĭuring a prayer, Austin holds hands with Ronna Valentine, a 60-year-old school secretary who describes herself as a “control freak.”īeing diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her 50s certainly wasn’t something Valentine - Walker’s sister - planned. “He won’t understand why I won’t be able to hold him or pick him up,” Austin explains. In the circle, there’s Jennifer Austin, a 35-year-old kindergarten teacher.Īustin has degenerative disc disease, but she’s delaying back surgery until her 1-year-old son, Jeremiah, is a bit older. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. “Lord, hear our prayers,” the group responds in unison before turning to the next person.Īccess to MinistryWatch content is free. “My sister is on new meds,” Rhea Walker, a member of the Woodward church, tells the group. So does the strict time frame: The meetings last an hour or less, filled with health updates, Bible reading and prayer requests. Those things matter to people with chronic pain. Some are easier to stand up from than others. įriends, family members and caregivers are invited to join the gathering, hosted by the Woodward Church of Christ, about 140 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.Īs the group convenes, about 15 adults choose seats in a circle of chairs in the fellowship hall. But at a monthly meeting in this Oklahoma town, the afflicted find support - some in person, others via Zoom - through a ministry called Broken & Mended. ![]()
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