This year of service has provided many new opportunities for our ministry volunteers. While they have come to serve the people of southwest Baltimore and give of themselves, inevitably the reciprocal nature of relationships becomes clear. The truth of two-way relationships became especially clear when the volunteers were asked to consider the role of liberation in their year of service. While some of the volunteers reflected on how they had the chance to give liberation in their work at the Bon Secours hospital or Family Support Center, several volunteers also reflected on how they had received liberation from the people they serve with and the time spent reflecting on the presence of God in their lives. These brief reflections underline the nature of liberation as a break from the past, especially from fear or worry.

Kelsey has appreciated her opportunity to serve as a liberator with her work in the Tele-Heart program. “By showing patience and concern for the patients whose blood pressure I take every week, I have given them a listening ear and a hand of comfort and reassurance. I have given them liberation from the fears and concerns that are common to congestive heart failure patients.” 

In a similar way, Julie has seen her work helping discharged patients secure follow-up appointments impact the people she serves. “In my ministry, I have been able to give liberation in the form of providing primary care. If patients keep their follow-up appointments, they have the opportunity to secure consistent health care and break the cycle of consistent re-admittance to the hospital.”

Kyle summarized the role that liberation has played in his time this year, by noting both the liberation he has given, as well as received. “This year I have been liberated by being able to take the time for reflection. This has allowed me to see how this experience has changed me, and how I have impacted others.”

Rebecca’s service in the Family Support Center has opened her eyes in many new ways, and provided her liberation in the form of the ability and opportunity to love more broadly. “My time in Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry has freed me from limiting social structures. I have grown to love and build relationships with people of various ages, races, religions and economic backgrounds.”

Danielle’s work in the Renal Department has provided her liberation from concern about being in a new city and far from her home and family. “Travelling away from home, I was burdened with the thought of missing my family and friends. I received liberation through my work at the hospital where the patients and staff were so welcoming to me. My fear of being homesick was relieved as the Renal Department became my family. I truly feel blessed every day as I serve others.”

Eugene also reflected on being liberated from worry and uncertainty about the future. “This year, God has liberated me from all my worries about my future. Although these thoughts still exist in me, God has assured me over the months that I am in his hands and He has a plan for me.”