Christian Nursing

Carrying One Another Burdens

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Bear on another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

As I was preparing for the most recent global prayer meeting, I found the verse from Galatians about bearing one another’s burdens.  I enjoy asking AI questions; so, on a whim I asked, what is a prayer burden. This Gemini (google) AI’s reply:

“A “prayer burden” refers to a deep, persistent sense of concern or responsibility that motivates one to pray for a specific person, situation, or cause. It’s a spiritual prompting from God, a call to intercede and offer focused prayer, often accompanied by a feeling of weight or urgency. This burden can arise from various sources, including a specific need, a divine vision or dream, or simply a strong love for someone.”

It was perfect! It spoke specifically to the burden NCFI has for nurses and midwives affiliated with the national fellowships and regions. We are concerned and drawn to pray when there are lack of staff, challenges to finances, overworked nurses, and the many other burdens of managing a ministry. Our heart is heavy and focused on petitions to the Lord for those country contacts without a fellowship who need the community of nurses and midwives to stay strong in their faith. I am sure many in the NCFI leadership are prompted by the Lord to pray for specific situations. The most recent ones that come to mind are when I think about the nurses caring for patients in war-torn areas, places of disasters, or spreading infections and illnesses. These colleagues are on the frontlines representing Christ to the most vulnerable and we are supporting them with prayers of love and wisdom.

I can speak for myself, that I have a deep sense of responsibility to pray for each member of the International Board, Board of Directors, and our partner leaders, as well as the many volunteers who give of their time, talent, and treasure in supporting the mission of NCFI. Probably like you, my responsibility extends to the Christian nurses I personally know and work with. I lift them up in prayer as we labor in the work of Christ every day.

Rest assured, we at NCFI actively carry the prayer burdens of many nurses and midwives, their colleagues, their patients and families, and their students and staff. We do so joyfully and with a bright mission of assisting the Lord with his burden of loving the world.

Are you a David? The Future of Nursing

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And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took a horn of oil and anointed hi in the midset of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon Dvid from that day forward. (1 Samuel 16:12-13, ESV).

In the previous devotion, we reviewed how God called Samuel to anoint David as the future king of Israel. We found three key points Samuel did to follow God’s directive: get over the past with King Saul, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and go to the new king. Let’s look at how these three points can guide us as we look for the Davids and the future of Christian nursing.

In 1 Samuel chapter 16, we read how Samuel examined all of Jesse’s sons, yet the Lord did not direct Samuel to anoint them. The Lord was not looking for the smartest or the tallest son of Jessee. Instead, the Lord was looking at the “heart” of each son (16:7).  David was summoned from the field, anointed by Samuel, and was immediately filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Once again, Samuel had to listen to the Holy Spirit and remove his preconceived ideas of a future king. Like Samuel, David allowed the Holy Spirit to direct his path, which is our first point: Listen to the Holy Spirit.  Remember, David was a simple shepherd boy who turned king by listening to the Lord.

This leads to our next point which is Get over the future.  Be willing for the Lord to change your life radically. David went from being a shepherd to “king in training.” I am sure David never imagined being king. He was son number eight! He was probably quite content getting married, having a family, and working for his older brothers. Thankfully for the Israelites and Christians, God had other ideas. David spent 15 years preparing to become king. He soothed Saul by playing his harp, killed Goliath, developed a close friendship with Jonathon, conquered many territories for King Saul, and penned many Psalms.

Today, when we look at getting over our future, it may mean ditching our nursing dreams. I will be brave and say that for many cultures, especially here in the West, planning out our life, career, and future is more than expected; it is demanded. Before high school, we are expected to create a career plan, strategize having 2.5 children, money for a house, etc. We don’t leave room for God to direct “his will be done” in how we use our talents in nursing for the Kingdom. I think that, as followers of Christ, it is a sin. There I was blunt. I call it a sin because anytime anything is of more importance than God’s will, then it is a sin—enough about that.

Be flexible with your nursing future and allow God to come in and make changes.

The final step for both Samuel and David is to Go. David had to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and go where the Lord sent. I can imagine when David was playing the harp for Saul, he wondered about the validity of Samuel’s anointing. Yet, David went and followed the Spirit wherever it led.

My nursing career differs from what I imagined thirty years ago as a new graduate strategizing to work in the ER or ICU. The Lord intervened when, 20+ years ago, I returned to school for a graduate degree with the original plan of being a clinical nurse specialist. Instead, the Lord called me into academics as a nurse educator.

When I came for my job interview, I walked around the campus weeping joyfully. Jesus had done two amazing things that day, and 20 + years later, he continues to do. He brought me back to the place I had met Him. For, I became a believer while taking my science courses. I knew He was calling me back to where we had met. Second, Jesus gave me the desire of my heart. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37 3). When many nurses reflect on their childhood career dreams, they say they wanted to be nurses. Not me. I wanted to be a teacher. 😊So, the Lord took the desires of my heart, weaved my talent for nursing, and created my career in academics. This passion and heart reaches out to you through my work with NCFI over the past 14 years. Sharing my love with Jesus and passion for nursing.

Whether you are a Samuel, with years in Christian nursing, or a David, who is just entering, follow their example:

  • Listen to the Holy Spirt
  • Let Go of the Past or the Future—whichever one is getting in your way.
  • Go.

As a Samuel, go looking for the future of Christian nursing and find all those creative, talented Davids. If you are a David, let God be radically brave with your nursing career. He may have something amazing in store for you. So, that others can say the following about you:

A servant of Saul described David, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” (16:18).

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NCFI Cares: Be A Samuel–For the Future of Nursing

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 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16:1, ESV)

In 1 Samuel, chapter 16, Samuel responds to the Lord’s command, “I am sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for myself from among his sons” (16:1). There, Samuel finds a young David, around the age of 15, and anoints him to be the future king of Israel. When I reflected on the account of Samuel anointing the teenager David as the future king of Israel, I found parallels that could be applied to the future of Christian Nursing. An insight was that those of us active in Christian nursing ministry could be like Samuel and be on the lookout for the future of Christian nursing, which I see as David’s. This first devotion will explore three key points to guide the Samuels. In the next devotion, we will explore how to be a David, the future of Christian nursing.

The first point is to be guided by the Holy Spirit. The Lord spoke to Samuel and specifically told him where to go and what to do. “Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16:1, ESV). Like Samuel, we need to actively listen to the Lord. The Lord is at work in nursing, and we can hear and discover what He is doing and to whom He may lead us.

The Lord asked Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul…?” which brings up the next point: Get over the Past. From the Lord’s question, we can see that Samuel was having difficulty moving past King Saul, who was still king. Getting over the past is also an essential step for the future of Christian nursing. Older or more “seasoned” nurses are often stuck in their ways. This applies to nursing care, educational methodologies, and leadership skills.

Another way to get over the past was for Samuel to look to new ways the Lord would lead the Israelites. We can embrace the latest technology and tools the Lord uses or will use. How younger nurses connect or how future nurses will access scholarly publications and/or attend workshops are just a few questions to be open to new ways.

The final point is to Go. The Lord was evident to Samuel, residing in Ramah, to “go” to Bethlehem. Samuel had to leave his current place and role to venture into unknown territory and people to find the next king. For Christian nursing we may need to look for the future in new places or within different environments. This may be reaching out to new communities, clinics, or nursing schools.

As we look and pray for the future of Christian nursing, it takes an active purpose. Like Samuel, who the Lord sent, we need to be actively engaged in finding younger or less seasoned colleagues. Don’t wait for them to come to you! We need to look for Davids who are doing new and exciting things in ministry.

In the next devotion, we will explore how the Davids can be the future of nursing.

NCFI Cares: Quick Prayers for Lent

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After he (Jesus) fasted for 40 days and 40 nights he was famished. (Matthew 4:2)

As we enter the beginning of Lent, 40 days before the Passion of Christ and Easter, many of us are seeking the Lord’s guidance in giving up something or adding something.

Some everyday things Christians give up for Lent are favorite foods and drinks, like chocolate,  coffee, or alcohol, or specific food pleasures, such as eating out, desserts, or meat. Others may give up an activity, like phone time, watching movies, or other distractions. When I asked Google AI, I received additional responses, including sleeping without a pillow, abstaining from gossiping, or refraining from following/watching social media postings. To add a little bit of humor, my favorite activity Google AI noted was to give up “being a backseat driver.” – I have to admit—my husband would probably enjoy my 40-day struggle—LOL!

Humor aside, I think the Lenten period is not only a time to meditate on our Lord’s suffering; it is a time to add habits to our walk with the Lord while growing closer to him and his sufferings. Some of those daily habits include reading your Bible, adding another prayer time, reading a Lenten devotion, attending church or Bible study, and others.

Since I am the NCFI prayer chair, I would make the following suggestions focused on Christian Nurses:

Choose to pray for one of the following :

Your national fellowship and nurses in your country
Nurses at your work, church, and community
International nurses and regional nurses
A global health issue that’s concerning
NCFI people

At first, adding more prayer to our already busy and over-committed lives sounds overwhelming, yet it doesn’t take more time to send quick prayers to the Lord. Especially if you have given up something for Lent. For example, whenever you think of chocolate, immediately pray, “Lord, I lift up all the nurses at my workplace and trust you with their care.” Or something along those lines.

Another list of suggestions focused on Christian nurses are:

Choose to do one of the following:

Send an encouraging text or email to a nurse or healthcare professional. It can be kind words, scripture, etc (Let the Holy Spirit guide you)
Post on a social media platform an encouraging comment for nurses to read
Bring goodies or something to share to work
Invite a colleague to a Christian nursing event (prayer, journal club, etc)

Spend the next few days seeking the Holy Spirit in ways he would have you grow closer to our Lord through this period of Lent.

NCFI Cares: Pray for Us!

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Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Brothers and sisters, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-25, ESV)

Happy New Year! As we welcome the year 2025, the NCFI Prayer and Care Committee wants to send a request—pray for NCFI! Below are some ideas on how to integrate the needs of NCFI into your prayer time. 

One way is to download and possibly print the Quarterly Prayer Guide. Here is the link

The prayer guide is a large table with the rows as weeks for each quarter. The 5 columns are areas and include the six regions, national fellowships, next-generation, and non-member country contacts. There are also requests specific for the NCFI organization: Directors, International Board, Leadership, Partner Organizations, and Institute of Christian Nursing. It may be overwhelming to see so many requests on a 4 page document. Here are a few suggestions on various ways to use the guide to pray for NCFI.

–Choose one day of the week dedicated to NCFI. Then, during your morning or evening prayer time take a few minutes to pray across the row.

–Add NCFI to a specific prayer time on a daily basis. For example, right before bedtime, pray for one square for that week.

–During a monthly national or group fellowship meeting, divide up the group prayer requests and spend a few minutes praying for nurses around the globe. You would take note of the months on the far left column.

–If your national/local fellowship has a texting/messaging group, assign someone to place the requests in the group messaging. This can be done daily, weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly.

These are just a few suggestions to include NCFI prayer requests into your regular prayer time.

NCFI appreciate your prayers to fulfill our mission in encouraging Christian nurses live out their faith in nurses. 

NCFI Cares: You Did it to Me

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I recently sang an amazing song at church. The song was so poignant as to the needs of our patients, our neighbors and our community. May this beautiful song remind each of us that Christ is the one who embodies the broken and hurting in our world today (Matthew 25:40).

There’s a hungry one, lives in the street. There’s a thirsty one, without a cup to drink;
There’s a little one, with no shoes on her feet. There’s a family, sleeping in the rain;
And the one abused, will bever be the same;  The addicted one, with no one left to blame.

All of these people are my people.
All of these long to be free.
All of these are my beloved.
All of these are me.

Refrain:
So when you hold out your hand selflessly and give help to the stranger in need, then whatever to do to the least of these, you do to me.

In a prison, so far from home, I was lonely, so bitter and alone;
Evicted, illegal, incurable, different, despised. I was locked out, you took me in.
I was at the end; you helped me to begin. I’m a lot like you: sister, brother, friend.

So follow me, into the kingdom.
Follow me, you have been wise.
Follow me, you who have known me.
Right before your eyes.

Refrain (repeat)

The hungry, the lonely, the forgotten,
the neglected, the abandoned, the invisible,
the homeless, the battered, the frightened,
the hopeless, the dying.

All of these are me.



















































There’s a hungry one, lives in the street. There’s a
thirsty one, without a cup to drink;There’s a little one, with no shoes on her feet. There’s
a family, sleeping in the rain;And the one abused, will bever be the same;  The addicted one, with no one left to blame.  All of these people are my people.All of these long to be free.All of these are my beloved.All of these are me.  Refrain:So when you hold out your hand selflessly and give help
to the stranger in need, then whatever to do to the least of these, you do to
me. In a prison, so far from home, I was lonely, so bitter
and alone; Evicted, illegal, incurable, different, despised. I was
locked out, you took me in. I was at the end; you helped me to begin. I’m a lot like
you: sister, brother, friend. So follow me, into the kingdom.Follow me, you have been wise.Follow me, you who have known me. Right before your eyes. Refrain (repeat)The hungry, the lonely, the forgotten, the neglected, the
abandoned, the invisible, the homeless the battered the frightened, the
hopeless, the dying. All of these are me.  

NCFI Cares: Faith Proclamation to the World

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First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:8-12, ESV)

We are on the countdown to the NCFI World Congress in Malaga Spain. We will convene for a Pre Congress training course from 24 to 26 of June. The Congress begins with an opening ceremony on the 27 of June. Romans 1:8-12 can guide our hearts and spirits as last-minute preparations are being made. I have pulled specific phrases to guide our thoughts and prayers.

—First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.

Let’s start by thanking God for every Christian nurse and midwife attending the Congress. Their faith is a witness to the world. Pause momentarily and imagine the people impacted by each attendee’s preparation: embassy workers, airlines, managers, churches, communities, families, hotels, etc. Wow! What an amazing witness to Jesus. In addition, their faith will be proclaimed in Malaga as hundreds of nurses convene for the Congress. PTL!

—For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers,

This is a great reminder to keep praying. Please continue to pray for each attendee, speaker, and staff member at the Casa Diocesana. Notice how the prayer is specific:

—For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—

The prayers are specific—spiritual gifts to strengthen one another. Our theme for the congress is Strength and Courage. Prepare your heart and spirit ahead of time so that you can dispense gifts of strength and courage to at least one person during our time together.

–that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Finally, we know that we are mutually encouraged when fellow brothers and sisters come together. Your faith blesses me, and my faith blesses you. It is a joyous time of fellowship and community.

Unfortunately, some people are unable to attend the Congress. I know nurses who have been denied visas, are unable to leave personal responsibilities and face economic challenges. Our heart goes out to those who so desired to attend but cannot. You are part of the NCFI community and our loved AND valued!

We need you! We need your prayers as we endeavor to encourage nurses from more than 30 different countries. Please commit to pray for the Congress! In the NCFI Prayer Guide for April – June, 2024 contains prayer prompts for the final week of June. https://ncfi.org/resources/general-resources/ I have included the Prayer Prompts.

Pray for wisdom, love & unity for NCFI leadership meetings that will be held in conjunction with IB meetings (22-24), International & Regional Forums (28-29), and Board of Directors (1 July).  “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 40:28a)
Pray everyone involved in the NCFI Congress–may they experience the Lord in a new and courageous way. May the workers at the Casa Diocesana see the love and light of Christ in each attendee.
Pray that the Lord places a hedge of protection around the families of all attendees so that they can be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s voice. “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
Pray that the Lord will equip all attendees with the courage and strength to be a bright light and loving grace to the world. “He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit’s work during the Congress.“they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with the wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Prayer Prompts for the NCFI Congress

NCFI Cares: The Gift of Death

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I am the resurrection and life. Whoever believes in me though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

(John 11:25-26, ESV).

Recently, my pastor spoke about the resurrection of Lazarus, which is found in John 11. He mentioned the incredible gift we have been given to die. Yes, that is what he said. We have been given the wonderful gift of death. For when we die, we will no longer be bound to this world. Instead, we will be ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, the angels, and all the saints (Revelation 21). Thus, we should not be afraid of death; instead, we should welcome the time when it comes.

Like you, I was shocked to hear my pastor say this. I know I look forward to seeing Jesus face-to-face and dwelling with Him for all eternity. Yet, I have never wanted to die nor am I looking forward to my final hours on earth as a gift from Him. The more I reflected on this teaching, the more I wondered how it would change my perspective as a nurse.

How would I alter my nursing care for the terminally ill, actively dying, or elderly? In addition to treating my patients’ pain, providing comforting words, or praying for peace, could I encourage them to get ready to enjoy their gift of death? Maybe I could help them say goodbye to the suffering they have experienced in this world–a time without pain, tears, or loneliness. I would help them anticipate an eternity without racism, abuse, or evil.  And even though they will miss their loved ones, maybe I could assist them with writing a letter to each family member. Instead of words expressed as a forever goodbye, the letter would be in expectation of seeing them again after death in the presence of Jesus.

I could help them imagine what they would do when they finally did see their Savior face-to-face. Will they hug Him like a long-lost older brother they haven’t seen in years? Maybe fall at His feet with humble thanksgiving? Or would they prostrate themselves in reverence at the magnificence of His holiness?

I have always hoped that when I finally see Jesus, I would be inclined to weep shedding like Mary, that would wash his feet with my hair and tears (Luke 7:36-38; John 11:2). These wouldn’t be tears of sadness; they would be tears of gratitude for a life with Him. A life on earth and in Heaven filled with love and joy.

This Easter season let’s share our wonderful gift of death as the passage to a life of eternity with our Lord Jesus.

I have always hoped that when I finally see Jesus, I would be drawn to tears and, like Mary, would wash his feet with my hair and tears (Luke 7:36-38; John 11:2). These wouldn’t be tears of sadness; they would be tears of gratitude for a life with Him. A life on earth and in Heaven filled with love and joy. This Easter season let’s share our wonderful gift of death as the passage to a life of eternity with our Lord Jesus.

Joshua’s Leadership Tip #11: Reflect on Your Success

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So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war. Now these are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated and took possession of their land

(Joshua 11:23; 12:1 ESV)

When we first emerge from a difficult time, it is challenging to have time to reflect on the good that was accomplished. Have you stopped and thought about what your organization gained during the COVID 19 pandemic? Or what you gained for your own nursing practice, did you gain a new skill, meet new colleagues, or find better solutions to consistent problems?

How about your personal faith, what spiritual growth did you experience?  Are you more trusting of the Lord, or have you found new confidence when challenges arise? Have you found a deeper peace or assured hope than what you felt prior to 2020?

A similar reflection can occur with regard to your family. Did the lockdown bring you closer to your loved ones and friends? I am reminded of a conversation I recently had with my granddaughter, who is 13 and spent an entire year in virtual school. We chatted about her academic struggles and depression. I asked her, “If the lockdown happens again, what will you do differently?”

Her first response was, “No way. NEVER again!”

I replied, “We hope and pray it won’t happen again, but what if it did? What would you do differently?” I then shared what I would do differently. This helped her look ahead and said, “I would get out of the house more and stay connected with my friends through Facetime.” I agreed with her plan and said, “We all need to stay more connected.”

Take some time to reflect on your successes during the pandemic—professionally, personally, and with your loved ones. Be sure to share your reflections so that we can grow as a community of nurses and believers.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?  You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.” (Psalm 77:11-14, ESV)

Joshua’s Leadership Tip #10: Ask for the Impossible

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So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. And the Lord said to Joshua, Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.

Joshua 10:7-8 ESV

The Gibeonites were under attack by five kings when they reached out to their new allies, Joshua and the Israelites. Joshua inquired of the Lord about what to do. Good idea! Satan deceived Joshua through the Gibeonites when he didn’t inquire about the Lord.

To wage war with five kings is an insurmountable battle. Yet, if they won, the Israelites would eliminate key adversaries and gain territory.

When I read Joshua’s army courageously confronting five kings, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to tackle and solve five problems at once instead of tackling each problem one by one?” Like Joshua, we are assured of God’s victory in our life and must remember to seek God’s wisdom in approaching challenges.

As Joshua led the army into battle, the Lord sent their enemies into a panic and rained down large stones or hail from heaven. More died from the hailstones than the Israelites killed with a sword (10:10-12). As the battle raged on, Joshua recognized they were close to victory, and the last thing they needed was the loss of daylight. Darkness would give their enemies time to regroup, rest and strategize for the next battle. In other words, the Israelites not only needed more time, but they also needed more daylight to finish off their enemies.  

 At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. (Joshua 10:12-13 ESV)

Many of us are familiar with the account. My favorite part is verse 14, “There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded a man’s voice, for the Lord fought for Israel.” I love that the verse was recorded. It reminds me how the Lord listens to his people and fights for them!

As I gather prayer requests from nurses worldwide, I witness how difficult and overwhelming nursing is.  No matter where you work in nursing or your role as an educator, staff nurse, or administrator, it is likely that you are experiencing insurmountable problems. What do you need? Ask for the impossible and see what God will do. I don’t think nurses would ever ask for our day to be extended or our shift to be longer, but the Lord can make us more efficient and provide solutions.

Be encouraged that the Lord listens and directs solutions to all we are experiencing. We can stand assured that God will do the impossible!