Recently I was in emergency at the local Hospital when I noticed a man sitting on a bed and he seemed quite agitated. As I had not met him yet, I was uncertain if he was suffering from a mental illness or substance abuse because of his demeanour. I introduced myself as was taught. There can be the usual rejection statement “no thanks” but I point to the word embroidered on my shirt and say, “It really should be ‘ChaT-lain’. I’m here for you talk about whatever you need to talk about.”
He replied, “Okay, thanks.”
He proceeded to tell me how he came to be in hospital. He had been walking by the side of the road and collapsed having a heart attack. He called for an ambulance from his mobile phone. Not being a local resident, he couldn’t tell the operator the name of the road he was on. We discussed how amazing that an ambulance was able to find him via the GPS off his mobile phone in the middle of nowhere.
He continued telling me the course of events that led to him being on the side of the road. During this conversation he was having difficulty leaving the oxygen mask on his face due to the altercation he’d had the night before.
He said, “I’m not going to try and help people anymore.” I responded by saying and encouraging him that is still good to help those in need. He agreed.
As we were talking, I noticed how he was now reclining on the up righted bed and pillows. I commented about this and how he now seemed a little more relaxed.
He continued his conversation revealing how had recently been in a relationship and was hoping the holiday would help him recover. He came up here for a 2 week holiday, only to be stuck in a caravan on a property in the middle of nowhere with no means of transport. Through this frustration he realised that where he had come from, describing the beauty which was just on his doorstep as ‘million dollar views’. It became obvious to me that this man was lonelier than what he’d expected. His was very disillusioned about his holiday.
I asked if I could pray for him and he said, “Yes please.”
I asked if I could put my hand on his shoulder and he was agreeable.
I prayed for the Lord to give him peace and comfort him through this time, while asking for a speedy recovery and thanked the Lord for today’s technology as well as the lovely area where he lived.
What amazed me is that this man had opened up so much and the fact that he wanted me to pray for him. I felt very privileged to encourage and bless him at this point in time.
To top off this moment… he thanked me.