Maryann’s world spiraled out of control when her husband’s diabetes spawned a dangerous infection.

It took away his job, mobility, independence and—very nearly—his life while she struggled to adjust to the demands of full-time care giving and a radically altered income and lifestyle.

Fortunately, she said, a Triad Baptist ministry connected her to “Jehovah-Rophe,” the Lord who heals, and offered a listening ear when she needed it most.

(Clockwise from top left) Life Support Counseling Ministry Director Rodney May with counselors Zach Decker, Jeff Larrimore, Amanda Carden, LouAnne Webb, and Kelly Larrimore

“With the Life Support Counseling Ministry, I felt like I had someone to communicate with and had an outlet,” said Maryann (not her real name). “It didn’t change my husband’s health situation or what I face every day but it did heal me.

“I felt like I had a burden lifted off—I was so overcome with grief, loneliness and guilt. I became emotionally healed through being able to trust someone,” she said. “While I’m still unsure of how things are going to work out with my husband’s illness, I do know why I was reacting to things the way I was and now have the coping skills I need and can go on with my life and face whatever comes with God's help. He will lead, guide and direct me.

“That is what the Life Support Counseling Ministry has done for me. It’s an incredible ministry.”

Counselors and training

Rodney May hears similar stories often. He leads the ministry’s staff of nine counselors who either have degrees in counseling or go through a training process that includes written reports, required readings, completion of the American Association of Christian Counseling certification class, counseling by another counselor to become familiar with its focus on behavior patterns, and a final interview with Lead Pastor Rob Decker.

Most counseling sessions begin with requests left on the ministry’s confidential number (996-7573 extension 6). But those wanting counseling can also use the new Counseling Request Form on the ministry’s website which makes it even more convenient to access Life Support Counseling Ministry’s services.

In addition to May, Life Support’s counselors include Amanda Carden, Zach and Morgan Decker, Aaron Eaton, Jeff and Kelly Larrimore, Mark Quinn and LouAnne Webb. Four other members are training to join the group.

The free service has helped children and young adults, men and women, and singles and married couples since it was founded in 2004.

A ‘quiet and vital’ ministry

May said that the bulk of the ministry’s caseload is single mothers and couples dealing with relational and other life issues who turn to Triad’s counselors for confidentiality and support. About 75 percent of the 25 people currently being counseled come from outside Triad—referred by other churches, word of mouth or from people seeing the sign promoting the ministry as they drive by the church.

“I think the ministry connects to Triad’s overall mission by improving the spiritual health of the church, the body of Christ,” he said. “I think it’s one of those ministries where people are allowed to share on a deeper level than they feel like they are able to in a group setting such as Sunday School.

“People talk about issues they desperately need to talk about and control and make right with God,” May said. “The Life Support Counseling Ministry is one of those quiet and vital ministries that are important for the overall health of the church and for the lives and futures of those who don’t know Christ but become Christians through the process of dealing with difficult issues in their lives. They learn to trust in Him instead of themselves.”