Quick invitation: ALL subscribers are welcome to join the first summer Zoom call this coming Tuesday night, June 16, at 7 p.m. (CST). Our special guest for a time of fellowship, prayer, and connection will be my hubby (a worship pastor and music therapist), Carey. Look for the link in your inbox on Monday.
Have you noticed the new publication name and logo I’ve been using recently? Well, that’s because today I’m sharing something exciting (and a bit scary). After a year of experimenting, getting feedback, asking God to lead in small and big ways, and leaning on the wisdom of family and friends, I’ve officially launched a non-profit. And each of you will be beneficiaries of it!
The name of the organization is Sustained Ministries, based on Psalm 55:22: ”Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (NIV). The official mission statement is: Sustained Ministries cultivates online relationships and resources to help individuals with chronic illness live with restored hope, purpose, and resilience.
As you know, for many of us living with chronic pain and/or illness, the hardest part isn’t always the physical symptoms but the isolation, grief, and loneliness...the feeling that no one understands. After 30 years of living with chronic conditions, I know that struggle well. That’s why I’m so grateful to have online spaces! I’ve loved getting to know many of you over the past year, and feel privileged to hear your stories and pray for your needs—as you’ve prayed for mine.
Through Substack, Sustained Ministries will host our online events (chats, emails, worship nights, Bible study small groups, and music therapy sessions) so that anyone can participate, regardless of their physical capabilities or energy levels.
And because the non-profit is now funding scholarships, paid subscribers will pay only $5/month instead of $10 for even more content and connection opportunities. (Free subscribers will continue to receive devotionals and have access to quarterly worship nights and online chats.) More details are HERE.
Want to get involved?
If you’re walking through chronic illness yourself, I hope you’ll participate over the coming months. This community is a safe space to be honest about the difficulties we face.
If you’ve watched someone you love struggle, please share this post so more people can discover the support they’re looking for.
And if you’d like to help us reach more people, every donation—large or small—helps make this mission possible. Find out more and donate HERE.
Mostly, I’d ask for prayer. God has already answered some fervent requests, and I know He will continue to faithfully guide and provide. (If you’d like to join the Sustained Ministries prayer team and receive monthly specific requests, please reply to this email with the word “Pray,” and I’ll add you to the list.)
I appreciate you and look forward to seeing all that God does in the future!
Warmly,
Dena
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