Frieda Bertello has an eagle eye. The executive assistant to Tim Cook, CEO of Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, can spot a troubled employee a mile away.

As a "spiritual ambassador," Bertello offers a healing hug, a note, or a pat on the back which translates to comfort, encouragement, and closeness to God. She's not alone; there are nearly 200 spiritual ambassadors throughout the hospitals of Adventist Midwest Health—Adventist Hinsdale, Adventist La Grange Memorial, Adventist GlenOaks, Adventist Chippewa Valley, and soon, Adventist Bolingbrook.

"God gives us gifts to benefit the community," Bertello said, "and I have found that when you help someone else, you benefit as well."

Bertello has provided many helpful prayers and songs for such events as the Blessings of Hands ceremony for nurses, Cancer Survivor's Day, and the chapel dedication at her hospital. She is a big believer in the healing power of a simple note or a gentle touch.

"If I know someone is hurting, I will pray for guidance on how to help," she said.

Begun in June 2004, this interdenominational program is open to any employee who is a good listener and is available to hear feelings non-judgmentally and empathize with a staff member's experiences.

"Spiritual ambassadors value community, encouragement, and the integration of spirituality in their daily work," said John Rapp, regional vice president, Ministries and Mission. "Each ambassador represents God and facilitates growth in the staff's capacity to identify, connect with, and call upon the Source of meaning, purpose, and hope in an employee's life."

"From sending birthday cards to fellow employees, leading daily devotionals, or offering prayers, the various deeds the ambassadors offer provide the same benefit—a spiritually nurturing environment," said Tricia Treft, manager, Pastoral Care, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital.

"In our hospitals, a person can bring their faith to work, which we all feel enhances our whole-person care," said Treft, who leads the program for the region. "The resulting impact on the employee goes on, spiritually, to impact patients and enhance healing."

For the past two years, Mercedes Bentley, a nurse in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, has been the spiritual ambassador for her unit. Because she deals with life and death on a daily basis, Bentley believes her ambassador role extends not only to fellow employees, but to patients and families, too.

"I'm in a position to help in a crisis," she said. "Sometimes, there's a need for prayer and sometimes there's nothing to say, and the best thing to do is just listen."

Spiritual ambassador Donna Kanak, clinical educator and quality management specialist at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, has the opportunity to introduce new employees to the spiritual culture of her hospital.

"My role is a little different," Kanak said. "Others are on their units and work with the same people over an extended time, but I teach nursing orientation, which is short-term. As a result, I like to begin each class with a devotional from Daily Guideposts which I feel sets the tone for new people."

Kanak is blessed with a beautiful singing voice and occasionally sings at chapel services and special events, and from time to time she leads chapel services and records the prayer-for-the-day.

Julie L. Busch, public relations specialist, Adventist Midwest Health