In This Issue

Don't Do Too Much

2006 Conference Schedule

Kindness Conference Speakers

Kindness Notes from the Business World

Light Notes

Kindness In Action

Rule Enforcers

Don't Do Too Much

—— Dr. James R. Kok

Carole showed up at the Care Ministries office one afternoon eager to reach out in helpful ways to shut-ins. After a brief orientation, which she denied needing on the basis of having worked as an R.N. for many years, she was assigned to an elderly couple. They were the Spencers, both nearing age 90, who lived in their own home. Off she went with the agenda of visiting them once or twice a month. Our mutually agreed upon contract was that she would slowly build up a caseload of older folks who would enjoy social visits on a regular basis.

A week later Carole was back. She was heading for the Spencers again, with high enthusiasm. They’d asked her to pick up some prescriptions at the drug store and Carole was quick to agree. This was richer work than she had anticipated. Her first visit had been personally interesting and now she was pleased she could be helpful in a practical way.

Two weeks passed and Carole checked in, reporting that all was going well. She was in close touch with the Spencers, read the bible and prayed with them, ran a few errands they suggested, and today she was heading their way to clean the kitchen.

The relationship continued to evolve until Carole turned into a constant helper to the Spencers. She was visiting, running errands, cleaning the house, doing the wash, and more. All legitimate needs someone had to do as long as the Spencers lived in their home.

continued

Dr. James R. Kok has written a series of articles on the essentials for a caring person. A handful of basic tools—wrapped in courage—are the keys to open doors.

As the Koach Of  Kare,
Dr. Kok has been a pastor at the Crystal Cathedral for the past twenty years and heads the Care Ministry department of the church. He is the author of five books and numerous articles, and he is the founder of the International Conference on Care and Kindness.

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