The Reverend Rodger Hunter, Chaplain
Boarding Homes Ministry
“Maybe life is all about celebrating
God and people…”
(Resident)
Boarding Homes Ministry builds Christian community by linking teams of church visitors with the residents of boarding homes. Relationships grow as people share their lives in Christ. In the homes we socialize, pray, worship, laugh, lament the great hurts of the human condition and break down the barriers of isolation.
“It means so much when you visit.”
(Resident)
“The residents have shown me an overwhelming
generosity of spirit. Their care for me has influenced
how I deal with other people through the week.”
(Volunteer)
Across the country, in our towns and cities, there are countless boarding and lodging homes. None of these homes is owned by BHM, the homes we link with are privately operated and we visit only at the invitation of residents and owners.
The residents are gifted people and a source of blessing. Their wit, courage and spiritual insight are a source of renewal. The people of these homes are essential. They are indispensable to the church, and as we gather to be taught by them they enrich our lives. Most of the people in these homes bear the weight of severe mental or physical illness. The homes are often cramped, and there can be seven or eight to a bedroom. There is poverty. Many have been rejected families, employers and their church. The houses are places of overcrowding and loneliness. In grace, our God dwells in these homes.
The volunteers also are gifted; they listen well and love. As they help build community the volunteers develop their pastoral skills and learn to express their faith. They grow in confidence, and in their communion with God and neighbour.
Founded in November of 1996 BHM is an ecumenical ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. If your congregation is interested in developing a team to link with a boarding home in your area please contact us. And please visit our site on the Presbyterian Church’s web page for information on our written resources.
The
need for ministry is urgent. People in boarding homes are waiting to be truly
met.
For more information, please contact:
Station Q, Box 713, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 2N5 416-992-4987
bhmin@sympatico.ca www.presbyterian.ca/bhm