Looking for Fellowship

When I was a new nurse working in a hospital, I was shocked at the negativity that some of the nurses had towards their patients and their profession.

I was excited to be a nurse and knew that the Lord had brought me through many personal trials to be able to graduate and become an RN. There were very few Christians around, so I also lacked fellow believers to guide and support me.

So, I prayed. I prayed against acquiring a bitter, complaining attitude (Ephesians 4:31), and I prayed to keep the passion for nursing and the heart for patients that God had given me (John 15:12).

Then one day I was reading a nursing periodical and I saw an advertisement to connect with Nurses Christian Fellowship locally in my area. I knew this was an answer to prayer. I immediately called the number and connected with other Christian nurses. This was over 22 years ago. Through my need and my prayers, as well as the group’s prayer, Jesus connected me to NCF-USA. I am now part of NCF-International and I am connected to nurses around the world who love Jesus and love nursing!

I tell this story to remind all of us that there are nurses everywhere who need fellowship and support in maintaining their faith and passion for Christian nursing. They may feel discouraged and challenged to live out their love of Christ in their workplace. Jesus taught us to leave the 100 to find the 1 (Matt. 18:12). Thus we need to pray and actively find ways to seek out those who need encouragement.

Whether it is personally, locally, or nationally—seek out a sister or brother who needs you!

Carrie Dameron, MSN, RNBC, who is a regular contributor for Nurses Christian Fellowship International and Journal of Christian Nursing. She provides resources for Christian nursing on her blog http://blog.carriedameron.com/.