Why SMI? The Spencers like Christians combining resources

Michael and Barb Spencer of Project LifeVoice switched to Samaritan Ministries because of what they had heard about Samaritan from members.

The church Michael was pastoring before he became involved in pro-life apologetics ministry switched him and two associate pastors from health insurance to a health care sharing ministry due to the high cost of the former.

The Spencers didn’t feel like they were a good fit with that ministry and switched “because we had heard good things about Samaritan.”

“I am not saying this to be kind because you’re interviewing me,” Michael says, “but Samaritan has been wonderful. Barb and I have both had surgeries, and you’ve shared most of that.”

The Spencers also “loved the idea of Christians combining their resources to meet each other’s needs.”

“It’s so Biblical,” he says. “It’s a powerful witness to a watching world.”

That includes witnessing to unbelievers in the medical profession, Michael says.

“When Barb and I go to a hospital or a doctor’s office, and we tell them that we’re self-pay, they frequently now say, ‘Are you with Samaritan?’” Michael says. “That’s powerful. They’re finding out there’s this Christian group out there that doesn’t have any insurance at all, but they’re sharing each other’s needs. It’s a powerful witness.

“It’s also a great savings financially. And, as we see the medical community being hijacked by leftist ideologies, this is a way to opt-out of some of that, not feeding a system counter to everything Christ stands for.”

The Spencers are also blessed when they receive cards and notes with their Shares, especially when they’re assured that others are praying for them.

“There’s something sweet about that,” Michael says.