Health care sharing ministry’s blog offers practical ideas
March 24, 2022
PEORIA, Ill. —Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic has made people more aware of the importance of maintaining a strong immune system.
“Since March is National Nutrition Month, it’s a good time to re-examine our lifestyles and to consider ways to incorporate protections against not only coronaviruses like COVID-19 but other unwelcome invaders as well,” says Anthony Hopp, chief purpose officer of Samaritan Ministries International.
Samaritan Ministries regularly updates its blog to share important advances in medical knowledge and sound advice about nutrition, alternative medicine and more.
“The immune system requires a balance of exertion, rest, gastrointestinal function, and emotional stability as a foundation to both train it and maintain it,” says Dr. Eric Potter, founder of Sanctuary Functional Medicine, on the Samaritan Ministries blog. “Science supports and guides this foundational approach, resulting in a better path than simply piling on reinforcements without building a foundation first.”
Dr. Potter explains the simple mechanics of beneficial behaviors and the four foundations of good health: exercise, rest, gut health, and emotional levels. He concludes, “While many will continue to search for that magic supplement or pharmaceutical which, if taken religiously, will provide immune protection from viruses like COVID-19 or the common cold, foundations are critical. The time and financial investment in a supplement are of little value until we balance our exercise, sleep, GI function, and emotional health.”
Hopp says that good practices are part of the health care sharing lifestyle.
“Samaritan Ministries encourages our members to lead healthy lives in all areas,” Hopp says. “We strive to provide the best, up-to-date information to our members. We are always looking for ways to improve overall health and wellbeing.”
Members often write to share their experiences. For instance, Debi, from Colorado, said:
“I have always been amazed at the way Samaritan Ministries works. What a wonderful way to help make the burden of health care lighter. It has worked AMAZINGLY well for me. I always participate in the Special Prayer Needs, too. … Thank you!”
Bradley and Tracey, who live in North Carolina, shared:
“(Joining Samaritan) was the best decision for us after losing our insurance. We appreciate all the staff at this ministry. We have had our needs met and God has blessed us in finding this ministry. We love sharing and helping others and this is one way to do God’s work.”
Samaritan Ministries currently has a membership of 283,217 individuals from 85,173 households.
Unlike most health insurance, Samaritan Ministries has no limited enrollment period. Government exchange-based health insurance requires signups to occur only during open enrollment periods unless one qualifies for a special enrollment period due to a “life event,” such as losing coverage, getting married, moving, or having a baby.
Samaritan Ministries health care sharingoffers additional advantages:
- No network restrictions. When medical care is needed, Samaritan members choose the health care provider, hospital, and pharmacy that work best for them.
- The direct-sharing approach allows members to not only help fellow believers with their medical financial needs but to pray for and connect with them on a regular basis.
- Monthly shares are hundreds of dollars less per month than traditional insurance.
Samaritan Ministries gives people of Biblical faith an effective, Bible-driven health care community in which approximately $30 million in medical needs is shared person to person every month. Over the past 27 years, Samaritan Ministries members have shared more than $3 billion in needs while also praying for and encouraging fellow members through personal notes, cards and letters.
Learn more about Samaritan Ministries International here; visit the Samaritan website at www.samaritanministries.org, or follow the ministry on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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