New Spiritual Ambassadors, from all parts of Adventist Health System Midwest Region (AHSMR), learned about the importance of their wholistic mission during training sessions conducted by regional pastoral care staff and visiting staff from Florida Hospital in Winter Park, Florida.
During the sessions last June, Spiritual Ambassadors learned skills to become more sensitive to the spiritual needs of staff within their home unit or department, while working with pastoral care resources to provide spiritual support and services. In addition to pastoral care staff from the various Chicago-area sites, the originators of the Spiritual Ambassadors Mission at Florida Hospital, Marti Jones, Jay Perez, and Greg Ellis, helped guide attendees through the various training topics.
Among the topics discussed during the sessions were the history and mission of the Spiritual Ambassadors, the spirituality of care, the ministry of friendship, and how spirituality and friendship work within the Adventist Health System mission.
“It was a wonderful day for the advancement and affirmation of mission in Adventist Health System Midwest Region,” said Jonathan Leach, regional director of ministries and mission. “We are truly blessed to have so many staff answer the call to become Spiritual Ambassadors to not only their coworkers, but also to our patients and visitors as well. With God’s help, this mission will continue to grow.”
“Nothing is insignificant if it’s happening in your life, but AHSMR is a team ministry, and we want all our employees to feel empowered to minister to each other as well as our patients,” said Delora Hagen, Glen Oaks Hospital chaplain.
According to a new Spiritual Ambassador, Merle Salazar, a Hinsdale Hospital recovery room nurse, “Spirituality starts with us, and we aim for all employees like a domino effect.”
Jay Perez likened Spiritual Ambassadors to a tube of toothpaste. “What you are filled with will come out under pressure. Will it be Christ’s love when you are squeezed by the world?”
Lynn Larson, Adventist Health System Midwest Region Lake Union Herald correspondent
