Terminal illness - praying for salvation

[janer]

Hi all,

A volunteer where I work, as Deputy Manager, told me this Thursday that their ex partner's Mum, her children's Nan, has quite unexpectedly just been diagnosed with an illness and is, incredibly sadly, expected to live for around just one more week. I have been praying for a miracle around this and for comfort for the women, but also for her salvation. I have no idea whether she believes or not and hope that she does, but as I want her to know Jesus, I wondered what others would do in this situation? She is obviously a stranger to myself, but I wondered if there is anything I could say to the volunteer which could help. Perhaps dropping her a message to let them know that the women has been on my mind and asking them whether they know if she is a Christian, as I feel it could help her in her circumstance, giving her comfort and strength. (The volunteer is an agnostic, I remember her telling me in the past).

Thank you so much!

 

[Mayflower]

Hi all,

A volunteer where I work, as Deputy Manager, told me this Thursday that their ex partner's Mum, her children's Nan, has quite unexpectedly just been diagnosed with an illness and is, incredibly sadly, expected to live for around just one more week. I have been praying for a miracle around this and for comfort for the women, but also for her salvation. I have no idea whether she believes or not and hope that she does, but as I want her to know Jesus, I wondered what others would do in this situation? She is obviously a stranger to myself, but I wondered if there is anything I could say to the volunteer which could help. Perhaps dropping her a message to let them know that the women has been on my mind and asking them whether they know if she is a Christian, as I feel it could help her in her circumstance, giving her comfort and strength. (The volunteer is an agnostic, I remember her telling me in the past).

Thank you so much!

Well hi! I know you. I'll continue to pray for her children's nan for healing and comfort.

 

[janer]

Well hi! I know you. I'll continue to pray for her children's nan for healing and comfort.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it

 

[Whendancer]

As others have done, I have prayed. I have been where you are before with someone that I care about. What helped that person was the devotional - JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young. While others may scoff at it, the devotional is "none intrusive" and does contain Scriptures that are "spoken" words of Jesus Christ. I, also, recommend Henry Blackaby's Experienceing GOD. YES, give a Bible ( recommend NKJV or ESV or AMP). What I've done, in the past, is to put it in a basket full of various treats and "trinkets" . A letter letting them know that you are not trying to "ram" your faith, but share in the BEST WAY YOU KNOW HOW the things that have helped you during the most difficult times of your life. And, if they choose to give them back....so be it. But, at least, they will know that you did your BEST. Amen?

 

[janer]

As others have done, I have prayed. I have been where you are before with someone that I care about. What helped that person was the devotional - JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young. While others may scoff at it, the devotional is "none intrusive" and does contain Scriptures that are "spoken" words of Jesus Christ. I, also, recommend Henry Blackaby's Experienceing GOD. YES, give a Bible ( recommend NKJV or ESV or AMP). What I've done, in the past, is to put it in a basket full of various treats and "trinkets" . A letter letting them know that you are not trying to "ram" your faith, but share in the BEST WAY YOU KNOW HOW the things that have helped you during the most difficult times of your life. And, if they choose to give them back....so be it. But, at least, they will know that you did your BEST. Amen?

Thank you so much and for the recommendations. I was considering saying something to the Volunteer herself or like you suggest, giving the women a letter through them to help in bringing her to Jesus. But as I am in a managerial position to the Volunteer, I am unsure whether this could come across as overstepping boundaries professionally, communicating my beliefs in this way. But then her salvation is more important than this and I should trust that God will protect me and my job.

 

[Whendancer]

I understand how this would make you feel uncomfortable given your position. You may, after hours, just ask them first if THEY are open to receiving items of encouragement in a "goodies" basket. Respect coupled with kindness is, rarely, turned down. When people see that you, genuinely, care about THEIR feelings about comfort levels...that goes a long way. Of course, pray first BEFORE you approach them. King Jesus has softened many hearts and "smoothed" the way for those that are just seeking to make His grace and mercy known. Amen?

 

[janer]

I understand how this would make you feel uncomfortable given your position. You may, after hours, just ask them first if THEY are open to receiving items of encouragement in a "goodies" basket. Respect coupled with kindness is, rarely, turned down. When people see that you, genuinely, care about THEIR feelings about comfort levels...that goes a long way. Of course, pray first BEFORE you approach them. King Jesus has softened many hearts and "smoothed" the way for those that are just seeking to make His grace and mercy known. Amen?

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your advice. But yes it is tricky. I ended up asking the volunteer over text if she would be happy to give her a card and flowers from myself, so I could perhaps offer her even just a small amount of comfort. A goodies basket is a lovely idea but I was conscious I don't have much time to prepare much, especially if she sadly is not expected to have many more days. The Volunteer responded saying she (her ex's Mum) lives very far away. I offered to pop on a stamp if she would be happy to add the address and post it for me, to which she said not to worry as sadly she can't read or identify anyone anymore so really wouldn't be aware. I still feel she may value having a card read to her, but it is difficult knowing what to say back to the Volunteer. I had decided to keep the wording of the card very simple but include a leaflet with encouraging Bible verses inside, so wondered about gently mentioning this to the Volunteer now to highlight my desire for her ex's Mum to receive it, for the comfort the words could bring. Her responses to me have been very brief but kind, but as it still a sensitive issue, (even though she had mentioned to me she did not get on well with her ex's Mum herself), I am unsure ( about whether to say any more to encourage her to send it to her). It is tricky not being in touch with the lady directly so I can see whether they themselves would be open to receiving the envelope. Apologies for the long reply!