Pastoral care
Holistic support, even without many words
Bethel's chaplains offer many people with disabilities, mental illnesses and social disadvantages the opportunity to meet face to face. They invite people to devotions, give them space to talk individually and in groups about issues of life and faith, visit them on birthdays and stand alongside them in times of difficulty.
It is always about accompanying people, sometimes part of the way, and others all of the way. Not all residents can speak, but Bethel's chaplains find a way to reach them even without words. They are trained to perceive even the slightest of signals and recognise what moves people.
Since empathetic sympathy is just as much a part of good holistic support as professional care and support, Bethel offers pastoral care in residential facilities and workshops. Our employees can be found wherever people live, work and argue with each other, where they conquer their path or even fail.
Not alone with worries and hardships
Lothar Umlauf and Stefanie Limp lived together for ten years. They loved one another and got on well, and it was clear to them that they would marry the following year. But then everything changed. "On St Nicholas' Day 2006, my partner suddenly fell over," recalls Lothar Umlauf. The then 44-year-old fought death for weeks and ultimately survived, but was seriously disabled. Her disability was so severe that she remained in a vegetative state. As she was now dependent on extensive care, she was admitted to a Bethel care centre.
Lothar Umlauf visits her every day, always after work. He usually sits next to Stefanie Limp and strokes her hand. Her eyes follow what is happening around her attentively, but she cannot speak. As a result, the couple were never able to realise their long-cherished wish to get married. A pastor from Bethel, who knew them both well, came to their aid. During a church service, the pastor laid her hands on the couple and blessed them. "For me, it felt just like getting married," says the husband happily.
Stefanie Limp passed away some time ago. After her death, Lothar Umlauf remained closely connected to the Bethel care centre where his wife spent her last years. Today, he volunteers to support other people who have suffered a similar fate to his wife.
At Bethel, he has learnt that people here are not alone with their worries and hardships. The staff at the counselling service were always on hand to listen to him.
You can help!
We are asking for your support so that Bethel's people do not remain alone with their worries and needs in the future.
Thank you for your help!
