Why SMI? The Shirleys share out of gratitude

The Shirleys dig in the dirt to build community

Tips for those trying their hand at a vegetable garden

Brendon and Nina Shirley joined Samaritan Ministries in 2018 along with the rest of Tenth Avenue North.

“We really got to know (Samaritan Field Representative) Dustin Garrett on a Winter Jam tour,” Nina said. “We were super happy to have his guidance as new members because it’s different than health insurance.”

When Nina was pregnant with their daughter, River, she was “amazed” at how many related services were shared. Nina has scoliosis, so she needed chiropractic care during the pregnancy. Samaritan also shared their midwife bills.

Members came through for the Shirleys after 10-day-old River had trouble breathing and had low oxygen numbers. She was rushed by specialized ambulance to a Miami hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying there for a week.

“We tell her story to show that she’s vibrant and alive and healthy, and to tell about God’s faithfulness to our family,” Nina said.

While the Shirleys were focused on making sure River was OK, they also realized that bills were down the road.

“My first concern was whether she was going to be OK,” Brendon said. “Then shortly after, it was, ‘Can we afford this? Are we going to have to beg people for money to help pay these huge bills?’”

Brendon spoke with Samaritan representatives, who reassured him the treatment and transportation were shareable.

“We’re so extremely grateful for how sharing worked, but also, speaking with a Samaritan team member was an entirely different experience,” he said. “They really cared and helped us through everything, prayed with us on the phone. It was very meaningful.”

Knowing their own Shares are “going to help other believers in similar situations that we’re in” is a highlight of Samaritan membership for the Shirleys.

“I always send our Samaritan Share out of gratitude that we’re getting to participate in being the hands and feet of Jesus in a very tangible way,” Brendon said.