Terminal illness - praying for salvation

[JW876]

Hi all,

A volunteer where I work, as Deputy Manager, told me this Thursday that their ex partner's Mum, their children's Nan, has quite unexpectedly just been diagnosed with an illness and is, incredibly sadly, expected to live for around just one more week. I have been praying for a miracle around this and for comfort for the women, but also for her salvation. I have no idea whether she is a Christian and hope that she is, but as I want her to know Jesus, I wondered what others would do in this situation? She is obviously a stranger to myself, but I wondered if there is anything I could say to the volunteer which could help. Perhaps dropping her a message to let them know that the women has been on my mind and asking them whether they know if she is a Christian, as I feel it could help her in her circumstance, giving her comfort and strength. (The volunteer is an agnostic, I remember her telling me in the past).

Thank you so much!

 

[Inhocsigno]

Hi all,

A volunteer where I work, as Deputy Manager, told me this Thursday that their ex partner's Mum, their children's Nan, has quite unexpectedly just been diagnosed with an illness and is, incredibly sadly, expected to live for around just one more week. I have been praying for a miracle around this and for comfort for the women, but also for her salvation. I have no idea whether she is a Christian and hope that she is, but as I want her to know Jesus, I wondered what others would do in this situation? She is obviously a stranger to myself, but I wondered if there is anything I could say to the volunteer which could help. Perhaps dropping her a message to let them know that the women has been on my mind and asking them whether they know if she is a Christian, as I feel it could help her in her circumstance, giving her comfort and strength. (The volunteer is an agnostic, I remember her telling me in the past).

Thank you so much!

Greetings Jane1000,
Sorry to hear about this diagnosis, these sorts of circumstances are never easy and it can be somewhat uncomfortable to know how to proceed. I would simply be honest and forthright, say that you are keeping the volunteer's mum in your thoughts and prayers, and express condolences and comfort as you would for anyone. Most people in such situations, whether or not they are Christians themselves, will appreciate your expression of faith and comforting.

 

[JW876]

Greetings Jane1000,
Sorry to hear about this diagnosis, these sorts of circumstances are never easy and it can be somewhat uncomfortable to know how to proceed.

Hi, thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it. It is difficult yes. Although I am understandably concerned for her health and comfort, her salvation has been in my mind a lot. Sorry to ask, but when you suggest being honest and forthright, were you also meaning in the sense of being open with the Volunteer that I am concerned for her ex’s Mum’s salvation? Or something to draw her thinking towards it in some way?

Following some advice I received I ended up asking the volunteer over text if she would be happy to give her a card from myself. She responded saying her ex's Mum lives very far away. I offered to pop on a stamp if she would be happy to add the address and post it for me and that I would be happy for her to read over it first, to which she said not to worry as sadly she can't read or identify anyone anymore so really wouldn't be aware. I still feel she could value having a card read to her, but it is difficult knowing what to say to the Volunteer.

I had decided to keep the wording of the card simple but include a leaflet with encouraging Bible verses inside, with hopes they may help draw her mind to Jesus. I wondered about gently mentioning this to the Volunteer to highlight my desire for her ex's Mum to receive it, saying for her comfort the words could bring. Her responses to me have been very brief but kind, but as it still a sensitive issue, (even though she had mentioned to me she did not get on well with her ex's Mum herself), I am unsure (whether to say any more). Part of me feels I should give the matter to God, through praying and trusting, then another feels I should be willing to face any discomfort that pushing more could cause myself or the Volunteer, in my concern for her to hear the gospel.

Very sorry for the long reply! And absolutely no pressure to respond.