‘As we opened each envelope and read about similar experiences people have been through, we were encouraged to hold on to Jesus,’ says member

October 26, 2022

PEORIA, Ill. —President Ronald Reagan designated October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in 1988 as a time to remember miscarriages, stillbirths and infant loss. The heartbreak of losing an infant in stillbirth is a hardship experienced each year by 24,000 American women, which is one in 160 pregnancies, according to one report. In addition, approximately 10 out of every 100 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and there are 23,000 neonatal deaths (first 28 days of a pregnancy) and 2,300 SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths per year.

Staff and members of Samaritan Ministries International (samaritanministries.org) are keenly aware of the grief that couples who have lost children during pregnancy or in early infancy are going through.

“We believe that each life, no matter how brief, is precious and a gift from God, so we have a special concern to minister to families that lose children during pregnancy or shortly thereafter,” said Anthony Hopp, vice president and chief purpose officer at Samaritan. “Our members have ministered to countless parents going through what may possibly be one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

“Many Samaritan members have written to share with us the depth of their sadness but also their underlying joy of being ministered to by people who care,” Hopp said.

Josh and Melanie of Missouri wrote:

“We were deeply touched and ministered to by the notes of support. After losing three children to miscarriages, we were definitely in need of some hope and new life. As we opened each envelope and read about similar experiences people have been through, we were encouraged to hold on to Jesus. It was exactly what we needed. Every time I send a share, I thank God for the opportunity to be part of this ministry.”

Marisol, another Samaritan member, wrote:

“I LOVE Samaritan Ministries! It’s been our health share ministry for four years, and we’ve had nothing but great experiences. We just suffered a second-trimester miscarriage, and not only did they help right away, they were so kind and offered words of comfort and prayers. It really can’t get any better than that. We also love receiving personal notes of encouragement and prayer with each share we get from the community. We really recommend them!”

Adam and Melissa, who live in Texas, shared:

“Our miscarriage has been a major trial for us. One blessing that has come along with it is the discovery that the more we share our hurts and needs with others, the more care and support we receive. Our recovery process has been much facilitated by the encouragement we received from Samaritan members.”

Josh and Affton from South Dakota said:

“The past 18 months have been a deep valley for our family as we suffered two miscarriages. Our spiritual community has gathered with us in sorrow, hope, and joy. Jesus has pressed Himself deeper into our beings, including our three children, ages 5, 7, and 10.

“Every card full of loving words desiring to enter into our sufferings has shaped us deeper into the suffering of Christ. The tangible arms of God through His Body reaching us from all over the nation has been such a means of kindness, hope, and grace to us. We rejoice in our suffering because we are receiving more treasure, and God is investing much in us. We are being given more than we deserve, and He is worthy of all our praise.”

Samaritan has a membership of 280,901 individuals from 83,032 households.

Samaritan 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 insurance.

Learn more about Samaritan Ministries International here; visit the Samaritan website at www.samaritanministries.org, or follow the ministry on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.