***NEWS RELEASE***

 

 

’Tis the Season to Discover the Joy of Health Care Sharing

’Tis the Season to Discover the Joy of Health Care Sharing

 

PEORIA, Ill.—Millions around the country are spending this final week before Christmas finding the perfect gifts for loved ones.

But the 233,000 members of Samaritan Ministries International (samaritanministries.org), one of the leading health care sharing ministries in America, have the opportunity to give the perfect health care gift each month through their prayers and their financial share that is sent directly to another family that is experiencing a medical need.

In this effective, God-honoring approach to health care, 72,000 households in a Biblical community of believers bear one another’s medical burdens through prayer for their fellow members and giving financially to help with medical bills.

“One of the greatest gifts we experience here at Samaritan Ministries is to hear from families who have been blessed by their fellow members and experienced God’s design for true sharing within a community of believers,” said Anthony Hopp, Samaritan’s vice president of external relations. “For 23 years, Samaritan Ministries has enabled Christians to bear one another’s burdens, as the Bible instructs in Galatians 6:2. What better gift to give, especially as Christmas approaches, when God gave the greatest gift the world had ever seen in His Son Jesus.”

Samaritan members recently enjoyed another gift when they learned that the December share amount would be 5 percent lower than the normal share—welcome news as health insurance premiums increase rapidly around the country. And even though the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act ended on Friday in most states, Samaritan welcomes new members all year long.

Members often tell Samaritan staff members how they have been blessed by the gift of health care sharing.

• “We just had our first need published and I’m happy to report it went smoothly. Our lives are richer because of sharing with brothers and sisters in Christ. I highly recommend Samaritan.”—Mollie, Virginia
• “Thank you for all your assistance! It was such a great way to meet our financial medical need. This is the first time we have been on the receiving end of Samaritan Ministries and it was a beautiful thing! Such thoughtful notes from so many wonderful people.”—Roy and Colleen, Wisconsin
• “It has truly been a miracle, seeing all of the cards, notes and checks pour in from all around the country. I just opened nine more this morning—all with notes lovingly written, expressing the same faith in our mighty God that I feel. We are of different church backgrounds, yet I love how Samaritan unites us.”—Susan, Virginia
• “I cannot put into words what a blessing Samaritan has been to my girls and I. We have had three major surgeries since becoming members and it’s quite awesome to receive the notes of prayers and encouragement. Means so much and we cannot thank all of you enough!”—Kristine, Ohio
• “What a blessing to receive the shares, notes and prayers from believers all around the country. What a blessing it is to be on both the giving end and the receiving end of this process. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?”—Cory and Linda, Missouri
• “Though I have been a member of Samaritan for a few years, my fall was the first time I faced a medical need. The most heartwarming part of the experience was receiving the prayer notes in the mail. I have kept them all and continue to re-read them—and pray in return for those who sent them.”—Matt, Ohio

Samaritan Ministries’ new membership level, Samaritan Basic, offers a lower monthly share amount coupled with a higher initial unshared amount, giving both current and potential members another way to make the best health care sharing choice for their families—and their budgets.

Monthly shares for Samaritan Basic are determined by age and household size and start as low as $100 for one person, $200 for two people and $250 for a family of any size. Some guidelines differ between Samaritan Basic and Samaritan Classic; contact Samaritan Ministries for details or visit this link.

Each month, more than 72,000 member households like these—233,000-plus individuals—send monthly financial shares directly to other families, along with notes and cards of encouragement and prayers. In this way, Samaritan members share $25 million in medical needs each month through a viable, affordable and God-honoring ministry for Christian families.

All members, however, regardless of their membership level, are part of the same Biblical community that will “bear one another’s burdens” as the Bible instructs in Galatians 6:2. All members will still receive shares directly from other members, along with notes of encouragement and prayers.

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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