Our Ministries
Vessels of Comfort
Guiding Scripture
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Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).
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The mission of Vessels of Comfort Ministries (VOCM) focuses on improving the lives of individuals and families experiencing a crisis or life-changing event. This is done on a one-on-one basis through presence, intercessory prayer, fasting, practical supports, Christian education/edification, mentoring and resource referrals.
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In 2020, VOCM expanded its focus to help young adults through the ministry of Unbreakable; provide support to caregivers of aging parents through EJ’s Place; and offer daily devotionals designed to encourage those going through a difficult season of life through LifeLine.
Unbreakable Youth Ministry
Guiding Scripture
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So, then death is working in us, but life in you. (2 Corinthians 4:8-12)
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Unbreakable targets young adults struggling with resilience, unable to cope with life’s challenges and grappling with the ability to bounce back. This ministry’s focus is to promote resilience through skills that are taught and reinforced in various ways. Unbreakable partners with colleges to support young people who are transitioning from living at home with parents to living independent, productive, fulfilling adult lives. Unbreakable seeks to assist with the following skills: expanding social support; using existing strengths and talents; building self-esteem; promoting self-care; reinforcing positivity; and pursuing purpose.
Unbreakable
The College Experience
Unbreakable partners with community colleges to provide Christian support for students who are struggling with the pressures of college life. Through small groups, individual/group mentoring and practical helps, Unbreakable seeks to assist the student with building skills that will set the foundation for a successful life both while in and after college. It is our hope that these supportive services are life-changing – helping to equip participating young adults to persevere in life and faith, despite what life sends their way.
EJ's Place
Thanks for stopping by EJ’s Place!
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“EJ’s Place” is dedicated to Emma Julia, a caregiver herself, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2009 and who, at 80, went home to be with her heavenly Father in 2017. This Place is designed to assist individuals who care for elderly family members, particularly those with dementia.
Every day in neighborhoods across our nation and around the world, thousands of family members are providing care to loved ones – attending to physical needs like feeding; bathing; dressing; helping with toileting; dispensing medications; and traveling to appointments. Caregivers also deal with meeting emotional and spiritual needs; researching and navigating social systems; handling paperwork; and working with medical providers.
It’s a juggling act that tries and tests the resolve and capacity of even the strongest person and the greatest faith walker. But caregiving can also be lonely – even when the person doing it is surrounded by others.
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The “heart entries” here are just that – personal reflections of “EJ’s” primary caregiver. They mirror some of the thoughts, revelations, and lessons learned during her journey with her mother. While sometimes, statistics or medical facts may be referenced, this section is not intended to be scientific or to provide medical advice. Instead, the emphasis is solely on emotional and spiritual support.
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Emma Julia was a member of Vessels of Comfort Ministries and is the mother of its founder. Her Place correlates to a caregiver resource titled “Mama Emma Julia’s Journey,” written by EJ‘s primary caregiver. We pray that you will HERE feel God’s presence and leave with the reassurance that He is not only near, but with you every step of the way as you care for the person you love.
Comfort Bags Project
Vessels of Comfort Ministries understands firsthand the sting of death and the stages of personal grief after losing a loved one. The organization’s Comfort Bags Project seeks to reach out to family members as they prepare to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones. The ministry is excited to partner with Helen Carson-Peterkin and Carson Funeral Home of St. Matthews, South Carolina, to pilot this initiative. Each small bag contains items that grieving family members can use during what is normally a very difficult time. The Vessels hope that bag recipients will be reminded that God is close to the brokenhearted, saves those who are crushed in spirit, and uses people to console and encourage.
First Tuesday
First Tuesday Prayer Line
Most Christians understand the power of prayer. It is a means of grace established by our God to commune with Him. VOCM recognizes that we are but jars of clay in the hands of the Potter. We need our God and understand the importance of this daily discipline in the life of a believer. We also understand the importance of seeking God in prayer in times of distress and great need. Finally, we embrace the importance of corporate prayer, understanding the power of “two or three gathering in His Name.”
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First Tuesday embraces the daily discipline, the importance of seeking God in times of difficulty, and the power of many becoming one (united) in prayer.
The prayer line is open from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., EST on the first
Tuesday of each month.