It’s packed full of 320-pages of all the answers RM Director Lisa has given group leaders in emails for over 10 years. It also includes a chapters on Suffering, Healing, & How Churches Can Make a Difference.

• Here are some of the other things you will find in this new book!
• What a chronic illness is & does it matter if it’s invisible
• A brief history of illness ministry in the medical community
• Benefits of small group ministry for the individual & the church
• How to lead when you are ill
• Steps to formulate the purpose of your small group, the logistics, guidelines, & your vision
• Preparing your presentation to church leadership
• Planning your first meeting
• Promotion & attendance tips
• Maintaining a positive group when things get difficult
• How to answer tough questions about healing & suffering
• A special chapter on ways a church can make a significant difference in the lives of the chronically ill

• A bonus checklist to follow along while you plan!

How do you enter to win 1 of the 3 copies? It’s easy!

Below in the comments section tell us something that will catch our attention about small groups.

• For example, what is your biggest fear about starting a small group?
• What is the funniest thing that happened at your small group?
• What was the most surprising thing you discovered when you started a small group?
• What was your church’s response about starting a small group that was good or not so good?

We’ll announce 3 winners in a week, on Friday April 23rd. Winners will be chosen from the comments that jump out at us the most & the comments section itself will become a resource in itself!

Can you help us spread the word & post this web page to your twitter or Facebook profile? We’d love to let other people know!

Want to purchase a copy today? They are for sale on the Rest Ministries bookstore web site. And just a little reminder that Lisa donates ALL funds from the book to Rest Ministries!

People who are looking to start a group or who are also leading groups are always interested & encouraged by what other groups are doing. And many of them have not led a small group before, or perhaps it’s been a long time.

Writing up a flyer or calling the newspaper can seem a bit intimidating, so we encourage you to add us to your mailing list or invite us to your groups.

• Send us brochures, inserts, announcements about your group that we can post to share with others.
• Send us articles about your group. What are you doing? How have you grown? What special things do peole do for one another?
• Is HopeKeepers listed on your church website?
  Does your church have a website? Let us know so we can post it! And us your church to link back to us!
• Send us book/Bible study suggestions that have worked well with your group for us to share with other HopeKeepers leaders.

We rely on our volunteer staff to support the entire ministry, so to be best informed we recommend that you sign up for the Sunroom & our weekly newsletter HopeNotes so you don’t miss out on anything important!

• Through our HopeKeepers Leaders Group at the Rest Ministries Sunroom
• Through our weekly Hope Endures Podcasts
• Through our weekly HopeNotes emailed newsletter
• Through articles that our founder writes on a weekly basis, many of which can be shared with those in your group, or with your church leadership.
• We always are searching for resources for your groups & individuals. Be sure to see the newest information in our HopeKeepers Magazine & our
  web site updates that can be emailed to you.
• We provide Bible studies, resource lists, drama skits, books, audio tapes & more.
• We provide HopeKeepers items, such as tote bags, denim shirts, balloons, keychains, coffee mugs, pens & much more to give your group that sense of belonging.Visit our bookstore at www.comfortzonebooks.com & look under HopeKeepers & Fun Stuff
• Most importantly, we pray for our HopeKeepers support group leaders & continue to request input on ways in which we can assist & serve.

• Pass out a devotional or two from Rest Ministries website (you are allowed to photocopy them, just keep the author/copyright information on it too.) Have people read a paragraph out loud & discuss it. Have they ever felt this way? How did they cope with these feelings? Would they have done something differently had they read this first? If they had written this, what verse would they have chosen? What do they think of the way the writer responded to the circumstances or feelings that s/he encountered.

• Go through a Bible study & discuss the various subjects by chapter.

• Pass a “bowl” or hat of questions. Here are a few to get you thinking:
  • If you could write the front page headline of the paper tomorrow, what would it say?
  • What was your favorite toy as a child & why?
  • What is something that you feel your illness has prevented you from participating in that frustrates you?
  • Take suggestions from others on related things that you may be able to participate in now.
  • If you could hire a housekeeper, a cook, or a gardener, which would it be & why?
  • Finish this sentence: If I could go to heaven & have God answer one question & then come back to earth, what would that question be?

• Make up a list of r&om words to pass around. Have people share the first thing that pops into their head when they read it: Prayer, Mystery, Frustration, Joy, Emotions, Tears, Silly, Common sense

• Ask people to share 1 thing that they have learned in the last six months. What is one thing that they would like to learn in the next six months (could be a character trait, a hobby, anything!)

• When needing to motivate one another, go around the room & share… One thing that I have let my illness prevent me from doing/being/saying, etc. is ________________ & from now on I am going to:_________________.

• Share prayer requests. Discuss the “prayer of Jabez” in 1 Chronicles & discuss ways that God can “exp& our territories” when we are ill.

What are your requirements to be called “HopeKeepers”?

We request that during your HopeKeepers meeting you do not discuss treatments, alternative medicines, etc. without letting everyone know in advance that this will be the topic for that particular meeting. As groups grow together people may want to discuss these subjects but oftentimes they become sessions of “you should try…” & people grow uncomfortable.

Proverbs 22:11, The Message

When people first start to attend a HopeKeepers group, it can be a nice touch to have a welcome packet for them. Here are some ideas of things to put inside!

A lot of our group leaders put together a folder so people have a wealth of information which can offer some encouragement & also introduce them to what HopeKeepers is all about a particular church.

• An introductory letter from you.
• If you have set up an online group for your members to share with one another provide a flyer with the URL address, log in information, etc. Many groups have used ning.com or Facebook.
• A list of participants & information they are willing to share such as phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, spouses, ages of kids, birthdays, good times to call, etc.
• A letter of welcome from your pastor (your group may have people visit who have never attended the church before.
• An itinerary of the HopeKeepers group season (such as scheduled meetings & fun activities)
• Information about your church such as a brochure or newsletter
  bulletin
• A Rest Ministries brochure
  
• A few pages printed out from a recent HopeKeepers Magazine (HopeKeepers Magazine is digital & you can access all 64 pages for $5)
• Informational sheet about a lending library of books, tapes, etc.
• Devotionals from Rest Ministries web site or articles of interest
• A recommended reading list
• Inspiring quotes or scriptures
• Postcards about Mosaic Moments devotional book (available from Rest Ministries for free)
• A notepad
• Verse cards or other fun items
• HopeKeepers “business cards” that they can pass out to others
• Rest Ministries Viewpoint on Healing
• A listing of your church ministries, who to call in case of an emergency, etc.
• Small items, such as stickers, a pen, notecards to send people encouragement, a coupon to be redeemed for “a cup of coffee with you,” etc. See more ideas here.
• Feel free to add things that are personal to you, such as the particular poem or devotional, a list of books that have been helpful to you, etc.

This wonderful social network is bringing people together at Rest Ministries from all over the world. You can upload your photos to show people your face or even your newest gr&baby. Share your favorite scripture or song. Or ask questions & encourage one another. You can even find a pen pal.

Best of all, for HopeKeeper leaders you can network with others in the Group of HopeKeeper Leaders or just buzz around & see what people’s concerns are.

• Are you looking for a new bible study to go through & want to know what other leaders are using?
• Have you been trying to start a group in your church but the leadership isn’t acting as enthused as you would like.
• Have you just began your group & wondering how to spread the word most effectively?

All of these & much more are addressed by other HopeKeepers leaders. Plus there is a quick reference to some of our best articles for HopeKeepers leaders.

Here is one email we received from someone who began a HopeKeepers group in her community.

We had our first meeting today for a neighborhood

HopeKeepers group & I’m pleased to tell you that it went well! All the ladies were enthusiastic about taking a spiritual/Biblical approach to dealing with chronic pain & illness–it’s an answer to prayer! Thank you so much for all the hard work you’ve done in organizing Rest Ministries–you are being used by the Lord for a much-needed ministry. Your beautiful & sensitive writing has been an encouragement to me.

It has taken me a year of praying (& procrastinating) to get going with this group. I have not felt well at all. But I’ve finally realized that I simply need to trust the Lord to take care of my pain level on the days we meet. (I’m leading the group in my home).

Since this group has several denominations represented, I had no idea how they would respond.Well, God took care of that & I’m pretty excited about it! I’ve been in Bible Study Fellowship for 11 years & was a discussion leader for 7 years, so I’m fairly comfortable with leading a small group. It is so good to have the resources from Rest Ministries–I thank the Lord for you, Lisa!

Your sister in Christ, Barb

Presenting to the Church of _____ committee concerning:

Rest Ministries and HopeKeepers Chronic Illness/Pain Support Group

Background of Rest Ministries

Rest Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit Christian organization that serves people who live with chronic illness or pain by providing spiritual, emotional and practical support. They are based in San Diego, CA, founded in 1997, by Lisa Copen, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Lisa has been active in illness outreach since she began this ministry at the age of 27 in a variety of ways including serving on the Board of Directors of the Christian Council on Persons with Disabilities. Rest Ministries is an affiliate of Joni and Friends, the international disability outreach of Joni Eareckson Tada.

One of Rest Ministries’ programs is HopeKeepers–a small group Bible study environment within the church body and communities. Over 250 groups are currently active in the U.S. as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Africa. HopeKeepers is what I want to address with you.

The following is Rest Ministries/HopeKeepers purpose and statement of faith:

Rest Ministries Purpose Statement

Rest Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit Christian organization that exists to serve people who live with chronic illness or pain, by providing spiritual, emotional, relational and practical support. Rest Ministries equips churches in the United States to minister to and with the chronically ill.

Rest Ministries Statement of Faith

• God is the creator and the ruler of the universe. There is only one, true holy God. He eternally exists in three personalities: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

• Jesus Christ is the Son of God. His is co-equal with the Father (God). Jesus livedon earth by a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

• The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need of Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

• The sole basis for our belief is the Bible. The Bible is God’s word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. They are the final authority on all matters of faith and practice.

Bcause of the sin of Adam, all have sinned and are separated from God. The result is eternal death and separation from God. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, however, we have the gift from God to all people, Salvation. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can people be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.

Rest Ministries Viewpoint on Healing

• We believe that God can and does heal in our current day. We also believe, however, that God offers strength in our weakness and, at times, allows us to grow spiritually, although not always comfortably, by allowing the “thorns” into our lives, (2 Cor. 12:9).

• We believe that God can heal despite our lack of faith, if it is his will, therefore, we are not able to meet a formula of “praying harder,” and be guaranteed an outcome of healing (Mark 6:5,6). Illness is not necessary a sign that we have done something wrong (John 9:3) nor that we have “hidden sin” in our lives, (John5:14).

• We caution against worshiping “the idea of healing” rather than God, (Exodus 20:3). Although we encourage people to pray for God’s healing, we also comfort them in their pain; as we believe that we are called to comfort others in their pain, as God has comforted us in our own (2 Cor. 1:3-5), even when we are still living with pain in our own.

To my knowledge pastor __(name)___there are no support groups like this in ___(city)___ that deal with this topic of ministry (chronic illness) with a Christian perspective, despite the fact that there is an abundance of other Christian 12-step programs or support programs for everything from drug and alcohol abuse, to weight loss and divorce recovery.

___(person in the church)____ has been very helpful to me with suggestions and brain storming about the HopeKeepers support group idea.

PROPOSAL:

Program Administration

I would like to see the_______Church sponsor and keep me accountable to this HopeKeepers support
group for the community of __________________.

I would like to see the HopeKeepers support group go for a year, then hopefully the HopeKeepers group will be able to stand on its own without the church’s financial support. However I would ask that the church still pray on a regular basis for HopeKeepers.

I have given some thought on maybe the members of this group donating $ 1.00 – 2.00 for drinks such as tea or coffee and cookies maybe. These members would also contribute $ 6.50 when given a study book, this would refund the _________ and possibly, I hope, go into a HopeKeepers account.

I would also like to see a board of 3 or 4 people residing over the HopeKeepers group in the valley somethinglike: mysefl; co-leader; pastor; and ______

I suggest this board would meet once a month or as needed.

Program Overview

I would like to see HopeKeepers attract people from the community that have disabilities and also
people without disabilities that have chronic illness and/or pain by flyers and word of mouth. Also I would like to put an ad in our local paper, ________, in the __________ section, which has no charge.These are some places that we could post flyers:

Senior center
Hospital and community center
Markets
Domestic violence shelter
Others the church can think of (for example, local fitness centers, physical therapist’s offices, chiropractics offices, doctors offices, dentists, etc.)

Though some of the above places are of risky populations I would like to see HopeKeepers a positive
group focusing on Christ for their help, thus hopefully avoiding PITY PARTY gatherings.

Meeting logistics

HopeKeepers would meet 1 or 2 times per month, for 2 hours at a time.

Meetings containing something like:

Prayer
Sharing in Christ
Bible study from our HopeKeepers curriculum
Speakers now and then

HopeKeepers I am thinking would meet on Saturdays, unless the church covering board as a better idea. I have thought about my transportation issues with myself being confined to this wheelchair (for a short time) and how I would get to and from meetings in the winter. This would and is my biggest obstacle in starting HopeKeepers.

I would like some feedback on this issue. I’m proposing the church provide ransportation to pick people up and drop them off after the meeting, if they are unable to make the meeting on their own.I’m currently looking for a volunteer that could help me with preparing coffee, etc. and possibly this could be the same person that helps with transportation.

Although holding the meeting somewhere is still up in the air, I am confidant that God will open a meeting place.

Prepare coffee, tea and cookies

Can members smoke if held at the youth building or life church?

What about accessible bathrooms: Is the church’s bathroom big enough or can a grab-bar be installed?

Program Start up Costs

HopeKeepers Start Up Kit will cost $____ plus $_____ shipping and handling fee.

This includes but is not limited to:

Training materials which include a HopeKeepers binder filled with materials such as how to plan a meeting, ice breakers, articles, drama sketches, illness descriptions, newsletter articles for reprint, etc.
Audio presentation of pastoral training, CD-Rom or resources, etc.
5 bible study books costing $6.50 each which the members will reimburse the church
Books on how to reach out to others who are hurting, how to lead small groups, a devotional book, and a Bible study Why Can’t I Make People Understand.
A checklist of various types of outreach, HopeKeepers poster, laminated resource sheet

I would also like to see the HopeKeepers board give out a starter folder with:

A pen
A notebook to take notes
A bible study (HopeKeepers book)
A meeting rules sheet

This first year the church will hopefully cover the start up costs for stuff like coffee, tea, sugar, paper cups and plates also napkins for the cookies.This would probably be around $40/month. I am proposing a total yearly budget of $800 for this first year based on a meeting size of 8-12 people. (This does not include possible transportation costs of gas).

Meeting structure will go near to this if the board doesn’t object

Open with prayer asking God to open the minds and hearts of the people who are there
Go over the meeting rules each time we meet
Share feeling and struggles with each other
Go over bible study and share what you have learned Pass the offering basket for costs of the refreshments going back to the church hopefully in a HopeKeepers account
Close the class by prayer
Clean up

I would also like for our group to take on various small “projects” to help us reach out to others who are hurting. This could come as a “care package” from the group, a card signed by all of us, providing holiday encouragement and cheer, etc.

END PROPOSAL

We work hard to try to get you the answers to the questions you have, but we aren’t always able to answer emailed questions as quickly as we’d prefer. By reading the newsletters, you will stay much better informed.

[1] HopeNotes – This is our weekly ezine. You can read the most current issue of HopeNotes here. Subscribe by filling in your first name & email address below. You can always unsubscribe at any time.

First Name: Email:

[2] Visit our bookstore frequently to see what’s new. It’s called Comfort Zone books or you can also find it at www.chronicillnessbooks.com. New items are on the front page & you can also use the search box to find something specific quickly. We redid our bookstore in 2009 & now you can see what the most popular items are, see what other people have purchased, & even start a wish list for the future while you are just browsing. We appreciate your purchases here because this is what keeps our ministry going financially.

[3] Read our HopeKeepers Magazine. This is the backbone of outreach for our ministry. Originally this publication was a hard-copy, digest size magazine & we regret that we have had to go digital now due to printing costs. At the same time, we are glad it’s still here when so many other magazines, especially from large ministries, have ceased publication. Plus, since we are now digital, it is twice as big! You can read the first 18 pages for free or purchase access on a per issue basis for $5 each.

[4] Visit the Rest Ministries Sunroom. This is our social network & over 1300 people participate, many on a daily basis. This is the “hub” of the ministry so you will want to at least browse around. It’s also a great way to see what is on the hearts of people with illness. By reading about their concerns, praises & prayer requests, it will give you a good idea of what kinds of concerns people will come to your group with too.

[5] Sign up for the feed of our web site. You will then be updated whenever we have new articles, posts, information & more. You can do that at the top of this page. If you use an RSS feed reader just click on that link, but most people prefer to receive the announcements via email.

[6] And we can’t forget our daily devotionals. You can read these or sign up for them too at our site chronicillnessdevotionals.com . These are a wonderful tool to print & share with your group, include in a welcome package, use as a discussion kick off, etc.