Why SMI? An opportunity to practice righteousness

James and Tamora Joy Whitman hadn’t been part of Samaritan Ministries for long before they needed to turn to the members for help with medical needs.

“Our athletic son (Grayson) blew out his knee,” says James, director of the Center for Judaic-Christian Studies. “Every cent was met by this community. Not only were we thrilled to participate, but we were completely humbled by the outpouring of love and generosity that met us in our time of need.”

The Whitmans were getting “burned” by health insurance when they decided to try something different. First, they tried a ministry “that kind of mirrors insurance,” but the same things that frustrated them about insurance frustrated them about that setup.

“A friend told us about Samaritan Ministries,” James says. “We read about the model and we rejoiced in the goodness of God. This is such a good fit for us’”

One of the things that appealed to the Whitmans was the opportunity to practice righteousness by sending their monthly shares to members.

“One important meaning associated with the word ‘righteousness’ in New Testament times was taking care of the poor and needy,” James says. “When Jesus said ‘Let your righteousness surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees,’ He was being very practical. He’s saying that they tend to exempt themselves from charitable giving, like leaders do sometimes. Jesus instructs His disciples, in every age, to be generous like their Father is generous: take care of the poor, take care of the sick, take care of the outcast. Pour out your best for others—for His sake. Samaritan Ministries is an expression of Biblical righteousness, in which we delight and for which we are thankful.”

At least five people have signed up as Samaritan members at the Whitmans’ recommendation.

“We want everyone to know about it,” James says. “We want every believer out of the old systems and in on this.”