Los Gatos Weekly-Times

The Rev. Jeff Kane works with Stephen Ministry volunteers.

Stephen Ministry marks its second year of support

Service now available to wider community

By Bob Aldrich

And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. --Acts, 6:7.

A Los Gatos executive, facing some dark days after losing his job, was visited once a week by people from the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos. They helped him keep up morale during months of effort to find a new career, which he finally did.

The visitors represented the Stephen Ministry, a nationwide Protestant organization whose volunteers bring comfort, solace and encouragement to people who are suffering through some life crisis. The trouble could be the death of a spouse, job loss, divorce or a drug or alcohol problem.

"We may meet with someone in need every week for a year or even two years, if need be," says the Rev. Jeff Kane, associate pastor at the Presbyterian Church on Shannon Road. "Whatever the crisis, the caregivers, as they are called, are ready to help in any way they can."

They have more to offer than sympathy and a sympathetic ear. "We undergo several weeks of intensive training," said church member Don Wolf, who with his wife, Anita, is one of the founders of the local Stephen Ministry. Both remain active in the group.

"Now that the 35 people have not only been trained, but have a couple years' experience, the church is offering the service on a broader scale to the community," Don Wolf said. Referrals will be accepted from other churches, from pastors, doctors, friends and social agencies."

The Los Gatos Ministry was founded in 1993 by an in-church group led by Beverly Wright and Nancy Farrell. "Bev Wright is still the spark plug of the ministry," Wolf said.

To keep up their own morale and to learn more about meeting with those in distress, the Stephen Ministers meet every other week for study, instruction and inspiration. On March 2 there was a celebration at the church marking two years of providing care to people enduring personal woes.

Though most of the 35 who have undergone the training are Presbyterian Church members, a few are from the community at large, Wolf said.

Some 50 persons have been helped so far, the Rev. Kane said. Because of their need for privacy, they could not be identified.

"When someone loses a loved one, it's not something they are going to get over quickly," Wolf said. "We may see them for a year or more." Some care receivers may not require as long a span of attention. Visits over two or three months may help resolve some problems.

With their experience helping people, ministry members are ready to reach out and extend their aid to the wider community, Wolf said.

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