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Called to the Poor and Needy - Part 2

"Most of the people I visit are very grateful, and a number of them are Christians," says Jeanne. "It does them good to be able to talk to someone. One man said to me, "Do you know you're the first person I ever told all these things to?" Just listening to someone has great therapeutic value.

Listening is the Key
When visiting someone, Jeanne just says enough to establish a rapport and then draws the patient out by asking questions. "Chaplaincy is not quite the same as counseling," she says. "When people come to you, they want your advice. But I go to them. After they tell me their story, I ask if they would like me to pray with them and almost all say they would. Afterward they thank me and I am encouraged to continue."

They also thank Jeanne for the comforting tract she gives them and they often ask for more. Some of the leaflets include God's plan of salvation along with encouragement. Jeanne always carries her New Testament with her and sometimes reads it to those with whom she visits.

As a volunteer, Jeanne serves at the hospital for five hours once a week. "Many of the patients come from a strata of society that I have never encountered before - people I would never have been able to reach or minister to if I had not gone into this work," she says. "I have learned too how important it is to demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways."

Jeanne often makes one special statement to patients to let them know why she is serving as a chaplain to them. "My Lord Jesus is in heaven right now preparing a place for those who love Him," she says, "so I have come for Him." 

Yet in her heart, Jeanne also feels that it is to her Lord himself she is ministering.

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Dr. Muriel Larson, author of 17 books and thousands of published writings and songs, is a Doctor of Religious Education, a certified professional counselor, long-time professional writer, counselor and speaker and has taught at writers' conferences across the United States. She also serves as an advice columnist for  Christian Women Today.