As an EMT with Wells Ambulance, we responded to a vehicle rollover south of Wells.  We arrived on scene, it was obvious that the minivan rolled a couple times – it was in bad shape. We got out of the “bus” and found two patients, an older couple; they were relatively uninjured because they had been wearing their seatbelts.  We got them ready to transport to the hospital to get them checked out, and as I was getting in the back, one of the bystanders who helped them told me:  “Take really good care of them – these people are Christians!”

I asked; “Pagans don’t deserve the same care?”  The poor guy started to back pedal and I told him; “Relax, I am kidding.  I am a pastor and these people have been prayed for since the tone first went out.”  As I was taking care of them and making small talk, I found out what denomination they belonged and told them that we have a one of those churches in town and if they wanted, I would call that pastor (a friend of mine), and he would come down and help them any way he could.  Before we left the hospital to head back to Wells, I stopped in their room and prayed for them myself, and left.  Before they left town, they asked my friend to arrange to see me one more time.  They fell all over themselves thanking me, and telling me how wonderful I was, etc.  This was not their first ride in an ambulance, but “they” were not nearly as nice.  Part of their thankfulness is tied to their impression that they could have died, and that “I” came to their rescue.  Another part of it was because I took the time to get beyond “the patient” and get to know them and to provide help that extended beyond the ambulance ride.

Don’t worry about being all impressed with me and how wonderful I am.  I am double jointed and can type with one hand while patting myself on the back.  The point is “ministry” can very often disguise itself as plain, ordinary caring.  Give it a shot.