(First published April 14, 2013) I suppose it may have been a sign from God. I’m pretty sure it was the sign at the Red Cross building across from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. The sign said, “HELP PEOPLE.” It may have been the kind of vague encouragement that we receive all the time. […]

We try to keep two feeders full most of the year. We are aware that the birds have other places to eat. Other feeders, flowers gone to seed, fields with seed in the harvesting process. We are also aware that we may be creating bad bird habits, teaching them to depend on us rather than […]

Sometimes people ask for a hospital chaplain. At our place, it’s called a “request for spiritual consult.” We’re never sure exactly what to expect. Sometimes a person is sad and wants a visit. Sometimes a person needs a prayer or to have us contact someone for them. Sometimes a person wants a Bible or a […]

NDW. It stands for “Not Doing Well”. It’s not a technical term. I’m not sure that anyone outside our hospital even knows what it means. It’s a message our chaplains write next to a name on a list that lets other chaplains know that this particular situation is one to be aware of. It reflects […]

“Excuse me,” I said as I walked into the room. “I’m looking for Jesus. I heard that he might be here.” The woman shook her head. “Jesus hasn’t been here for years. Who’s asking?” I smiled. “I’m Jon. I’m one of the chaplains here. Someone said that Jesus might be in this room.” She looked […]