When someone has surgery, most of us quickly respond.  We deliver flowers, make hospital visits and send get-well cards.  We all rejoice when the person recovers and returns to normal life.

Did you know 1 in 3 people in the United States has a chronic illness?

Contrary to popular perceptions, the elderly represent less than one-third of those who have chronic conditions that cause disabilities.

With this in mind, Lehigh Valley Grace Brethren Church has started a support group for chronic pain and illness.

We will have time to share with one another our unique challenges, encourage and pray for each other and draw strength and hope from scripture.

As of 1/2008 Heather Sunderland is stepping down from facilitating Hopekeepers to focus her energies on church planting in Forks Township.

Becky MacAdam is planning to move into the role of facilitating the group in Summer 2008 (as she is preparing for back surgery currently).  Becky is available to co-facilitate the group, but we are looking for someone who has a heart for those who are chronically ill (although that person does not need to be ill themselves) to lead the bible study portion of the meetings for the next 6 months.

If this is something that you feel the Lord may be leading you to do please feel free to contact Pastor Larry Humberd at the church office 610-868-0004 or Becky MacAdam at 610-865-3628.

Hopekeepers is a part of Rest Ministries' chronic pain/illness outreach, which has existed since 1997.  Rest Ministries has a wonderful website at www.restminitries.org that offers hope and encouragement to those with chronic pain and illness and their families.