Watch our Caring Support video to learn more about this ministry
Struggling to Stand
When our recovery group was over, people started gathering up their belongings and heading for the door. As I began to gather up my own things, I noticed one guy struggling to help another guy get out of his chair and onto his feet. The sight of their struggle struck me, and I had to stop and take it in. The man struggling to stand had a weak leg due to cerebral palsy, and the man helping him up was wearing a walking cast and leaning on a cane due to a fractured kneecap. Here was one wounded person helping out another wounded person. As they struggled together, it occurred to me that here was a perfect picture of what our Caring Support ministry — or any gospel ministry — really is: Struggling and forgiven people reaching out to other struggling and forgiven people.
Carrying out gospel ministry through Caring Support groups is all about helping people to see how the God of all grace not only loves and forgives us, He also equips us to meet the struggles of each new day, by turning to the one who says “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mat. 11:28-30)
Chaplain Philip Merten
GRACE OASIS
Grace Oasis is a ministry of caring support for people struggling with: drug or alcohol addiction; moral injury or post-traumatic stress; or returning to society following incarceration. Our support groups provide a safe place where we can explore personal struggles, everyday challenges, and things that have gone wrong in our lives.
Addiction Recovery
Addiction has the power to ravage the body and hold the mind and spirit captive. Grace Oasis offers ongoing support and a positive environment, providing God’s unconditional love and strength to help combat the urge to return to the slavery of addiction.
Frontline Workers
First responders and those in the helping and healing professions regularly find themselves assaulted by the worst of evils. This not only causes physical stress, but moral injury that scars the human spirit. Grace Oasis provides an opportunity to talk to each other, to be reminded that our Lord endured evil so that we might have a place to go with our burdens and find strength beyond our weaknesses.
For Returning Citizens
After serving time in prison, returning to society can be an overwhelming adjustment. God's love for returning citizens is unconditional. Grace Oasis is a place of forgiveness where individuals can gather together and discover true freedom - freedom of the body, mind and spirit.
Latest Caring Support Articles
Check out our IM.Life stories, articles and experiences.
Why Does God Let Me Suffer?
“But those who wait for the Lord will receive new strength. They will lift up their wings and soar like eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not become tired” (Isaiah 40:31). What a blessing to run and...
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A Novel Perspective
Whether it’s police officers, firefighters, first responders, or 911 dispatchers, many dedicated Americans work long hours, and often in difficult conditions, to make sure that when someone’s in need, they can help. Ajit Pai
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Driven To Help
You might not expect to hear a guy in prison talk about respect and gratitude for police, but that’s what I heard recently. I had asked my study group I to talk about times when they’d felt supported and cared for during a...
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Father's Day
“Happy Father’s Day to the Best Dad Ever!” I read the card, smile, and thank my family, but deep inside, I know better.
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Comparison Judging
I had some conversations recently with some law enforcement officers about drug and alcohol abuse and recovery. I’m used to talking about this with people on the other end of the law enforcement spectrum — people who are...
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