Letters from members across the nation
By Samaritan members · Mar 30, 2020
"We have been with Samaritan Ministries since the early 2000s and never had a serious Need until this past year when I was diagnosed with throat cancer. Not a smoker or tobacco consumer at all, I was shocked at this development, but God was so faithful and though the treatments were tough, as of this month I am cancer-free. Financially it would not have been possible for me to afford the treatment without the support of brothers and sisters in Christ in this ministry. Words cannot express our gratitude for all the encouragement from Samaritan staff and the cards, letters, and notes from members. I encourage all members to actively speak out when God gives us the opportunity to promote and defend Samaritan Ministries against false narratives and perceptions about faith-based approaches to health care, such as the recent New York Times story. I believe we have a responsibility as believers to engage our culture with practical, Biblical principles whenever possible, and what better example than this ministry we are all a part of."
Ivan, Oklahoma
"We are so thankful for how God has provided for our son’s pre-existing cancer bills as we walk through this valley of sickness. Our prayers were answered in so many ways! After having four rounds of chemotherapy for stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Joseph now has no sign of cancer. What a blessing that he did not have to have radiation! He even felt as good as could be expected through the whole experience with very little nausea and side effects. We want to give a heartfelt thank you to Samaritan Ministries and all the members who gave generously to help us, both directly and through the Member Assistance Fund. It was overwhelming and humbling to receive all the the cards with assurances of your prayers and notes of encouragement along with gifts from complete strangers! May God bless you for coming alongside us and helping to bear our burden through your prayers and financial support."
Jonathan & Gabriella, New Mexico
"Several people have been so very kind to help my husband with expenses for his pre-existing rotator cuff treatment. A couple of our doctors wanted to do surgery but we did some checking around and chose a different route: stem cell treatment. My husband has completely recovered now and has great range of motion. He is even able to get back to volunteering with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. We want to thank everyone who donated and recommend that you take the time to look into stem cell procedures for any kind of joint issues."
Wally & Kathy, Texas
"Joining Samaritan Ministries was a huge step in faith for us. We had insurance all our lives but grew more discouraged as premiums and deductibles continued to go up. We really felt trapped by the system, especially when the “Affordable” Care Act was passed. We received a letter from our insurer saying our plan was dropped and we’d have to shop the “marketplace.” We bought a plan but it was unaffordable for self-employed folks like us. Finally a friend mentioned Samaritan. We prayed for wisdom and God gave us peace that it was the best way to go. We recently submitted a Need that involved a heart surgery for my husband, and the bills were reduced from $75,000 to $25,000 because we were paying cash. Mark and I are so grateful to be part of this Samaritan Ministries family. We love sending our share to someone in need, and we appreciated the cards and letters we received. Thank you for this ministry. It is totally of the Lord."
Mark & Ellen, Texas
"I was very blessed to have so many brothers and sisters in Christ praying for my surgey and recovery. I had such peace going into the surgery. It was amazing! My church family delivered meals that filled me with physical nourishment to aid my recovery and my Samaritan family provided spiritual nourishment through wonderful cards and notes."
Ruth, Wyoming
"When I was in need of a shoulder MRI, I began checking prices using Healthcare Bluebook through my Dash account. I found a high range of prices. The highest was $5,500 and the lowest was $750. It was an hour drive to get the $750 price, but I felt that was worth it for the difference in cost. The imaging facility was great too. It was very clean and modern, and it was very easy to work with on the billing. I encourage everyone to shop around!"
Diane, Illinois
"I want to thank Samaritan Ministries for sharing my Need. I had doctors and surgeons recommending spinal fusion surgery, but I chose a stem cell injection instead. I feel so blessed to have the freedom to choose this treatment. Before the stem cell injections, I was experiencing loss of feeling in my legs, back, and feet from three bulging discs. Since the treatment four months ago, I have not felt this good and been this free from pain, burning sensation, and numbness for many years. Samaritan Ministries’ members have been used by God to give me physical health and freedom that is amazing. Thank you for sharing in my recovery and healing, and may God bless you."
John, Michigan
"I would like to thank God for answering my prayers for healing and financial provision. I was worried there would be something wrong with me beyond the appendicitis. He also answered prayers by helping me heal from the surgery quickly so I could get back to work. I really appreciate the prayers and Shares than came from the members. It is a humbling experience to have people all across the country support you. Whenever health care comes up in conversation I love to bring up Samaritan. God answered prayers by leading us to Samaritan after Obamacare made our monthly insurance premiums go from $550 to $1,200 and our annual deductible from $7,000 to $12,000!"
Thomas & Laura, Indiana
"I am thankful for Samaritan Ministries because I have the freedom to choose my doctors, hospitals, and health care as I walk through stage 4 metastatic colon cancer that has also gone to my liver. I would like to thank all the members for their encouraging words and support. My husband and I feel such peace knowing that these hospital bills will be paid in full (and that they amazingly shrink because we are paying cash). Being able to contribute directly to others’ medical Needs just makes so much sense compared to the thousands of dollars insurance premiums cost. Then there are the high deductibles and co-pays that are higher than my Samaritan Share! It’s a blessing to have a health care choice, and I’m grateful to all who make it possible and work to keep it running smoothly."
Donald & Debbie, Virginia
"It can be quite stressful dealing with health care decisions and large bills, but it is amazing when you receive a card, words of encouragement, and a Share! I would even say it is the words of encouragement that mean the most. To think that someone cares enough about your situation to lift you up in prayer and to take the time to offer empathy and a heartfelt note is powerful. It is through these small acts of kindness that the Spirit of Jesus lives!"
Gregory & Deborah, Ohio