Editor’s note: The following article is a testimonyfrom Shari Jeschke of McKinney, Texas. Atnewsletter publication, Christian HealthcareMinistries and Brother’s Keeper members haveshared more than $600,000 of Shari’s medicalbills since 1994.

In 1992 our family joined ChristianHealthcare Ministries and Brother’s Keeper

after our health insurance through myhusband’s employer became unaffordable.

Though we thought CHM was a verydifferent way of dealing with health careneeds, we felt comfortable believing andtrusting that other Christians would beresponsive with their financial gifts and,more importantly, their prayers. We joinedthe Brother’s Keeper program because it isso inexpensive and many medical incidentscan go over the $125,000 limit per illnessunder the CHM Guidelines.

I began having trouble breathing halfwaythrough my pregnancy with our fourthchild. Doctors discovered that my heart wasfunctioning poorly and I was referred to ahigh-risk obstetrician and cardiologist.

After meeting with both physicians, myhusband, Eric, and I were advised toterminate the pregnancy immediately. Theysaid aborting the pregnancy would give mea 20 percent chance of survival.

If we refused to terminate the pregnancy, I and my baby were given zero chance ofsurvival. Eric and I immediately told theobstetrician that we would not considerabortion.

Our sons were two, three and seven yearsold at the time our fourth son, Kendal, wasborn healthy and strong on August 3, 1994.He is now 13 years old!

Six months after Kendal’s birth, my heartfunction continued to decline. I wasdiagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy.The cause is unknown, but doctors believeda virus attacked my heart. I was referred toa heart transplant center for evaluation.

While I was in the hospital awaiting atransplant, my heart failed. Medical staffperformed more than two hours of CPRbefore I was stabilized. They told my familythat I had less than a week to live and

Christian HealthcareMinistries®

A voluntary medical cost-sharing organization givingmembers an opportunity topractice the New Testamentprinciple of carrying each other’s burdens.

Executive Director: Rev. Howard Russell

Chief Financial Officer: Roger Kittelson

Editor: Lauren Selleck

Assistant Editor: Michelle Rhoads

Contributing writers: Rev. Howard

Russell, Dr. Michael Jacobson, Dr. Tony

Dale, George Korda, Norma Mull, Lauren

Selleck, Michelle Rhoads

127 Hazelwood AveBarberton, OH 44203

Phone: 800-791-6225330-848-1511

Fax: 330-848-4322

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-Noon,12:30-5pm

www.chministries.orgE-mail: info@chministries.org

Christian Healthcare

Ministries is a Bible-

based, voluntary medical

cost-sharing ministry

that fulfills the command

of Galatians 6:2, that

Christians carry each

other’s burdens.

April 2008

In This IssueCHM and Brother’s Keeper

help with heart transplant,

ongoing bills . . . . . . . . . .1

Former members wish they

had stayed . . . . . . . . . . .2

Upcoming election’s

implications . . . . . . . . . .2

Personal reference phone

network . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Healthwatch . . . . . . . . . .4

Your questions answered . .5

Letters to CHM . . . . . . .6

Prayer Page . . . . . . . . . .7

CHM and Brother’s Keeper help withmember’s heart transplant, ongoing bills

Brother’s Keeper pop quiz

1. Brother’s Keeper isA. a grief counseling program offered by CHMB. the CHM program that helps with bills from

pre-existing conditionsC. the CHM program that assists with catastrophic

medical bills (exceeding $125,000)

How much do you know about Brother’s Keeper?

2. To participate in Brother’s Keeper, you mustA. have been a CHM member for at least five years

C. serve as a pastor or be in pastoral ministryB. be a CHM member who enrolls in Brother’s Keeper

4. The Brother’s Keeper program can share up to _____

A. $125,000/$1 millionB. $150,000/$5 millionC. $100,000/$1 million

in the first year and _____ per lifetime, per diagnosis.

3. Brother’s Keeper bills are shared quarterlyA. through an audited escrow accountB. from member to memberC. from donor giving

5. Brother’s Keeper participants send a _____ annual fee

A. $50/$50B. $50/$25C. $40/$25

per membership and an average quarterly financialgift of _____ per unit (individual).

Please complete and cut out this quiz. Returnit with your Member Gift Form, or send it to:

Christian Healthcare MinistriesAttn: Editor127 Hazelwood Ave.Barberton, OH 44203-Answers on page 5-

The Jeschke family (L-R): Samuel, Shari,Jonathan and Jason. Front row: Eric andKendal.

“My initial transplant costs weremore than $150,000. Without

Brother’s Keeper, we would haveimmediately been in serious

financial trouble. To this day,many tests and procedures must

be performed regularly tomonitor my health...[they] are

quite expensive.”

-Shari Jeschke, Brother’s Keeper member

see “Shari Jeschke,” page 3

A LOOK INSIDE MY HEART by howard russell

Christian Healthcare Ministries · April 20082

Reverend Howard Russell

Executive Director,Christian Healthcare Ministries

A LOOK INSIDE MY HEART by reverend howard russell

Former members wish they had stayedGod has a reason and a purpose for thisministry, a fact to which the Holy Spiritfrequently turns my heart.

It is not uncommon for me to receiverequests from former members asking forreinstatement, even though they may havebeen gone from the ministry for a number ofmonths. They want to return because theyhave had a health setback and the insuranceor other means they depended on forsupport is not helping.

These are difficult moments. If the memberhad stayed with us he or she could have hadas little as $500 in out-of-pocket expense.Helping with obtaining bill reductionsmight have resulted in no costs to themember at all.

My heart wants to help these people.However, to do so would not be fair to allthe other members who are following ourGuidelines, which say a person must be anactive member to participate in thisvoluntary, cost-sharing ministry.

When the Guidelines allow for a judgmentcall it is our desire to be as helpful as we canpossibly be. Most members in suchcircumstances respond exactly how youwould expect a Christian to react: with gloryto God and appreciation for the work we aredoing in His service.

However, the right thing is not alwaysvividly clear. One man whom I bent overbackwards to help nevertheless became avery difficult challenge for the staff tohandle, particularly because of his brusque,demanding and even abusive attitude.

He reminded me of the Bible story of the

man who owed a great sum of money andwas forgiven, then went to a person whoowed him a small amount and had thedebtor thrown in prison for not paying. In the end he wanted compassion but he hadno compassion forothers (Matthew18:21-35). Truecompassion is notabout receiving, itis about giving.

The money usedfor sharing billsisn’t mine or theministry’s. It’syours. At CHMwe do what we doto bring glory toGod and serve you- and for no otherreasons. You cansee from the above paragraphs that we arecommitted to reflecting God’s desire to helpHis children.

That is a major point of separation betweenour ministry and secular insurancecompanies.

The contrast is illustrated by recent newsstories. According to one news report,several insurance companies are being suedfor improperly cutting off care or for payingemployees bonuses based on how manycustomers’ claims they denied. Anotherstory chronicled the tragic case of a teenagegirl who died awaiting a transplant that herinsurance denied until a few hours before herlife ended.

In a February New York Times story a ladyspoke of the fear she had when a private

DNA test revealed her almost certain futurecontraction of a serious, life-threateninghereditary disease. She was terrified that ifher insurance company learned of the test itwould cancel her coverage.

DNA testing orfamily history doesnot factor into thisministry’s dedicationto helping you. Thatgoes against our basicphilosophy. If youbecome a memberbefore signs,symptoms ortreatment of an illnessoccur, you will neverhave your financialgift amount increasednor will you be deniedministry membership

because of your illness.

Insurance companies can run theirbusinesses as they see fit. We must run ourministry so that it brings glory to God.“Blessed are the merciful, for they will beshown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Some people have become members of ourministry at a young and healthy age andplan to remain participants throughout theirlives. They can rest in the knowledge thatGod’s family is dedicated to sharing andproviding for them.

If the former members remained with theministry they would have been helped bythousands of their fellow Christians acrossthe country.

As I write this article, presidentialprimaries are occurring throughout thecountry. It is natural for those reading thisnewsletter to ask what implications the2008 election has for the future of healthcare in the United States and a faith-basedorganization such as Christian HealthcareMinistries.

Democratic presidential hopefuls HillaryClinton and Barack Obama both want

some form of universal health care. It is notclear to me at this point what changes, ifany, are likely to come if the Republicanshold onto the White House.

So how does this affect those of us who area part of Christian Healthcare Ministries?

First, let’s consider the scope of the issue.Healthcare costs are a major part of thecomplete national budget, representing

around 16 percent of the country’s GrossDomestic Product. It is no easy matter totake 16 percent of the output of the largesteconomy on earth and change it at one fellswoop. So in practical terms, it is unlikelythat the political process will be able tomove quickly on these issues.

We have already seen that in 1994 when

Upcoming election’s implications for the futureof U.S. health care, CHM members

see “Upcoming election,” page 5

Compiled by Dr. Tony Dale, Chairman and founder of The Karis Group

see “Former members” page 4

Christian Healthcare Ministries · April 2008 3

Personal Reference Network expanding to includephone contacts PRN enables prospective members to ask questions, hear

members’ testimoniesChristian Healthcare Ministries isdeveloping a telephone network to expandthe Personal Reference Network (PRN).

The PRN is a helpful tool for peopleinterested in hearing members’ personaltestimonies to learn about CHM’s medicalcost-sharing program. It connectsChristian Healthcare Ministries’ memberswith prospective members visiting theCHM website, www.chministries.org.

Many prospective members call the CHMoffice desiring to contact a CHM member intheir state. Our first suggestion is to accessthe PRN through the Internet atwww.chministries.org/personalnetwork.asp

However, some callers do not have easyaccess to the Internet or e-mail. They

prefer to speak with someone by phone.

The PRN phone list will only consist ofmembers who have given us writtenpermission to give their number tocallers interested in joining CHM. Phonenumbers will not be listed on thewebsite, nor will the list be shared withanyone outside the CHM office.

Our goal is to grow the ministry. Moremembers means that more people arehelped because more Christians aresharing each other’s medical bills. Moremembers also means that monthly giftamounts are kept low and that medicalneeds are shared faster and moreefficiently.

Please consider helping grow the ministry

through the Personal Reference Network.If you are interested in being a part of ourInternet/e-mail or phone list, please e-mail

A reminder from the Gift Processing departmentCHM members who send in checks for theirmonthly financial gifts receive a courtesy replyenvelope along with their Member Gift Form.

Please use the reply envelope when you returnyour Gift Form to the CHM office. Also, please donot use staples or paper clips to attach your checkto your Gift Form. These items slow the time it

takes to process gifts and therefore slow the timeit takes to meet members’ medical needs.

If you contribute by credit card or are enrolled inthe CheckEase Direct Giving program, you willnot receive a courtesy reply envelope. The GiftForm is for your records only.

To enroll in CheckEase (automatic withdrawalfrom your checking or savings account) orautomatic credit card giving, call 1-800-791-6225, ext. 6555 or visitwww.chministries.org/downloadforms.asp todownload the CheckEase enrollment form.

prn@chministries.orgor call 1-800-791-6225, ext. 6813.

Shari Jeschke (continued from page 1)

I needed a donor heart immediately.

I received my heart transplant the day I turned 34, less than 48 hours after myheart failure. My donor heart came from a13-year-old young man.

CHM worked with the doctors, hospitaland other medical providers to help me getamazing bill reductions. Although I was a

self-pay (uninsured) patient, providerstreated me very well.

My initial transplant costs were more than$150,000. Without Brother’s Keeper, wewould have immediately been in seriousfinancial trouble. To this day, many testsand procedures must be performedregularly to monitor my health and I alsotake many medications. Some are

quite expensive.

I strongly believe that without CHM andBrother’s Keeper I would not be a healthymom of four growing young men ages 13,15, 17 and 21. Eric and I are about tocelebrate our 25th wedding anniversary! I want to give God the glory and remindeach reader that being a part of CHM andBrother’s Keeper is both a blessing to the

giver and to the one whoreceives.

Editor’s note: For moreinformation or to join Brother’sKeeper, visitwww.chministries.org/brotherskeeper.aspor contact Norma Mull at 1-800-791-6225, ext. 5233.

A LOOK INSIDE MY HEART by howard russellHEALTHWATCH · PROMOTING BIBLICAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS by dr. michael jacobson, d.o.

Christian Healthcare Ministries · April 20084

Dr. Michael Jacobson, D.O.Medical consultant

Christian Healthcare

Ministries

127 Hazelwood Ave.

Barberton, OH 44203

Phone: 800-791-6225

Fax: 330-848-4322

E-mail: doc@chministries.org

Health education resources at:

www.chministries.org/

healthinformation.asp

You’ve probably heard of a few organisms,such as starfish, with the ability toregenerate severed body parts. Wake ForestInstitute for Regenerative Medicine reportsthat, at least to some extent, that ability(with a little help) may belong to humans as well.

The report involves seven patients, agedfour to 19, selected because of severebladder malfunction secondary to spinabifida. In this congenital disorder the spinefails to close completely, allowingvulnerable nerves to be damaged so thatcommunication is disrupted between thebrain and bladder. This results in a bladderthat is either too spastic or too weak.

Surgeons have for decades rebuilt suchbladders. However, the procedure typicallyinvolves using the stomach or intestines.This is problematic because these tissues aredesigned to absorb nutrients, not holdfluids. When used as bladder tissue theycan alter the body’s metabolism,contributing to problems—such as kidneystones or osteoporosis—related to mineralimbalance.

In a new procedure, surgeons removed mostof the damaged original bladder whilecollecting cells from the healthy remainingpart. These cells were cultured in a lab togrow new cells. They then built“scaffolding” from biodegradable materials(materials that break down and dissolvewith time) lining the inside of thescaffolding with the bladder cells and theoutside with muscle cells.

After incubating the structure for four daysit was returned to the young patient’s bodyand re-attached to the original remainingbladder tissue.

The patients were monitored for up to fiveyears. After the period of observation allseven bladders were found to function justas well as they would with the traditionalmethod, but without any of the

complications. This is the first time thatscience has been able to create a workingorgan using tissue engineering.

This study points to something even moresignificant: the awesome wisdom, powerand creativity of God, the One whodesigned each organ to function in aspecific and unique way and gave it theproperties necessary to accomplish itspurposes.

Although the bladder looks like a simpleorgan, it is not, for three reasons:

1. It acts as an expandable storage tank,holding a volume up to the equivalent oftwo cans of soda.

2. When the bladder fills to a certain level(about 2/3 full), stretch receptors send asignal to the brain to inform the controlcenter that the bladder needs to beemptied. That may not come at aconvenient time, so there is a built-in waitfeature.

If the stimulus to void is ignored, the brainshuts off the urge, allowing the bladder tocontinue to fill (urine is constantly beingproduced by the kidneys in directproportion to the person’s amount of fluidintake) until near full capacity is reached, atwhich time the urge is greatlystrengthened.

3. The walls are relatively impermeable sothey don’t leak or allow reabsorption ofsubstances into the blood stream. Thisfeature is essential to maintaining balancein body fluids.

Finally, it’s a muscle. When it’s time tovoid, it contracts to expel its contents andshrink its size once again.

When I think about the complex propertiesof what seems like a relatively simpleorgan, I marvel at the ingenuity of ourCreator.

What astounds me even more is that themajority of my colleagues (including myselfat one time) believe that life simply evolvedby a chance, random process that producedthese incredibly complex organs and tissuesthat are so precisely formed and dependentupon one another for proper function.Psalms 14:1a says, The fool hath said in hisheart, [there is] no God.

In Romans, Paul explains unbelief. It stemsfrom an ungrateful spirit that refuses toacknowledge the goodness of God. For theinvisible things of Him from the creation of theworld are clearly seen, being understood by thethings that are made, [even] His eternal powerand Godhead; so that they are without excuse.Because that, when they knew God, theyglorified [Him] not as God, neither werethankful; but became vain in their imaginations,and their foolish heart was darkened. Professingthemselves to be wise, they became fools, andchanged the glory of the incorruptible God intoan image made like to corruptible man, and tobirds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things(Romans 1:20-23).

Though I doubt it’s still there, I wasencouraged during my medical school yearsby the presence of a large sign that gracedthe wall of our anatomy lab andappropriately quoted Psalm 139:14, I willpraise Thee; for I am fearfully [and]wonderfully made.

That passage goes on to say, Marvelous [are]Thy works; and [that] my soul knows rightwell. My substance was not hid from Thee, whenI was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought inthe lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did seemy substance, yet being imperfect; and in Thybook all [my members] were written, [which] incontinuance were fashioned, when [as yet therewas] none of them. Let’s give our great Godthe worship He is due.

Atala, A., S. Baker, et al. (2006). Tissue-engineered autologous bladders for patientsneeding cytoplasty. Lancet 357 (9518):1241-6.

BYOB (build your own bladder)

Instead, they made a choice to leave,thinking that the systems of the world andcompanies would care for them.

They regretted their decision.

This ministry is not looking for ways to sayno to you; we are looking for ways to help you.

The reality of your future is known to God.

He will provide for you and for thisministry. Our purpose is to do His will byhelping you.

To bring glory to God is our first priority.Doing our best to serve you, not deny you,is what drives us. Always, in all ways.

Editor’s note: If you are a past CHM memberand would like to rejoin, you must fill out a newMember Application (available at

www.chministries.org) if it has been morethan six months since you ended yourparticipation.

Simply contact us at 1-800-791-6225 to rejoinif it has been less than six months since you endedyour participation.

Either way, you will have a new start date bywhich medical need eligibility will be determined.

Former members (continued from page 2)

Christian Healthcare Ministries · April 2008 5

The following are among the most frequently askedquestions the Member Assistance department receives.

Q: What pre-existing conditions areeligible for sharing through CHM?

A: Any condition for which you have experiencedsigns, symptoms, treatment, or medication prior tojoining CHM or within your 45-day waiting periodis considered pre-existing and cannot be sharedthrough CHM. Some exceptions are made for highblood pressure and diabetes (see Guideline L.1.b.)

Bills from your pre-existing condition will not beconsidered for sharing until the condition isdeclared cured and you experience one year withoutsigns, symptoms, treatment or medication.

Some bills for pre-existing conditions incurred afterjoining CHM may be eligible for listing on thenewsletter Prayer Page (page 7). See Guideline O.

Q: What is the CHM policyregarding college students andyoung adults living at home?

A: Single children through age 22 can remain ontheir parents’ membership provided they areparticipating in an apprenticeship program orattending high school, college or trade school.Students must be enrolled in three or more classesor be taking at least five credit hours to qualify.Send proof of college enrollment to the CHM office,attn: Member Assistance department.

Children ages 19 and older not meeting the abovequalifications must have their own CHMmembership. For complete information, seeGuideline C.

Q: Can I give my monthlyfinancial gift online?

A: Christian Healthcare Ministries cannot acceptdebit/credit gifts online at this time. We areexamining the option of offering this type of serviceto our members. We will inform all members if thisservice becomes available.

In the meantime, members can submit monthlygifts and any extra giving via check or creditcard or through CheckEase, our automatic bankaccount withdrawal program.

For more information or to enroll in CheckEase,contact the Member Assistance department at 1-800-791-6225, ext. 6555 or visitwww.chministries.org/downloadforms.asp

To enroll in automatic credit card giving ormake a one-time credit card gift, contact theGift Processing department at 1-800-791-6225,ext. 5235.

Q: What is included in theCHM maternity program?

A: CHM offers a comprehensive maternityprogram at no extra cost to members. CHM

participants voluntarily share qualifying bills up to$125,000 per pregnancy (after PersonalResponsibility) for pre-natal care, delivery, homebirths, midwives, postnatal care and birthcomplications.

A step-by-step guide to maximizing the maternityprogram can be found online atwww.chministries.org/maternity.asp

See CHM Guideline J for complete maternityinformation, including premature births, infertility,circumcision and adoption.

Your questions answered...

Do you have questionsabout CHM?

• A complete list of frequently asked questions is available online at www.chministries.org/faq.asp

• You can ask a question directly online at www.chministries.org/askaquestion.asp

• You also can send, e-mail orfax questions to:

Christian Healthcare MinistriesAttn: Editor Q & A127 Hazelwood AveBarberton, OH 44203editor@chministries.org330-798-6105 (fax)

Upcoming election (continued from page 2)

Hillary Clinton, working alongside herhusband, President Bill Clinton, tried tobring in a form of universal health care itwas shouted down. Even if the Democratscontrol both houses of Congress and thepresidency, it will be no easy matter toradically change the existing system.

Further complicating the issues from theDemocratic point of view is that the

current“universalcoverage”enacted inMassachusetts(the first stateto adopt sucha program)has neithereffectively

become “universal” nor has it stayedwithin budget. Politicians on both sides ofthe aisle know that paying for universalhealth care is a budgetary monster.

CHM has been working to make itselfknown to political decision makers. Wewant to ensure that CHM members willalways be able to express their faith andtheir freedom through the voluntarysharing of financial gifts to pay eachother’s medical bills. As you may know,some state governments have alreadyenacted laws protecting ministries such as ours.

Regardless of which party gets into theWhite House or controls Congress, it maywell take at least a full four-yearpresidential term (2009-2012) before these

issues begin to unfold insuch a way as to makeclear whether the countryis really moving towardsa form of national healthcare. Our role now, asboth citizens andChristians, is to beinformed, to vote, to prayand to keep activelyworking towards nationalpolicies that protect ourright to express our faith.

Editor’s note: The KarisGroup is a national Christian patient advocacyorganization that assists CHM members inobtaining millions of dollars in bill reductionsand financial assistance each year.

For questions about The KarisGroup, contact CHM at 1-800-791-6225 and ask forthe Reductions department.

1: C2: B3: A

Answers toBrother’s Keeperquiz (page 1)

4: C5: C

A LOOK INSIDE MY HEART by howard russell

Christian Healthcare Ministries · April 20086

35. Glenn Boyd: Unit 3019 SCSDR, 3170Airmans Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34946Glenn suffered from a heart attack whileteaching in the Dominican Republic and waslife flighted to the U.S. to receive the medicalcare he needed. His flight cost $16,700. Hewould appreciate your gifts and prayers.UPDATE: Glenn has received a total of $3,358in gifts, bringing the amount needed to $13,342.

PRAYER ONLY:

36. Sandra Haven: 2627 Granite Pass,Burlington, KY 41005 Sandra recently wasdiagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer and asksfor prayer from the CHM family.

37. Robert Dansby: 25140 Firetower Rd.,

Holden, LA 70744 Robert asks for prayer forhis failing health.

38. Joe Magalsky: 6 Queen Lane,Livingston, MT 59047 Joe asks for prayerthat his son, Joseph, would return to living forGod and interacting with his family.

39. James & Joycelyn Clairmonte: PO Box538, Spring, TX 77383-0538 Jamesrecently was hospitalized for carbon dioxidepoisoning and nearly died. Joycelyn asks forprayer that he can quickly get on a lungtransplant list and receive a healthy lung.

40. Kathleen Stone: PO Box 1383, Foley,AL 36536 Kathleen’s husband, William,passed away in January. She has two young

daughters, ages eight and 10. Please keep theStones in your prayers during this hard time.

41. Roger Mileham: 1413 Saddlebrook Ct.,Locust Grove, GA 30246 Roger and hiswife recently have faced many health issuesand request prayer.

42. Joel Wigley: 1502 N Missouri, Roswell,NM 88201 Joel was admitted to the hospitalfor diabetes when doctors discovered that hehad five blocked arteries and had to have openheart surgery. Please remember Joel in prayer.

43. Dennis & Martha Koehn: Rt. 2 Box180-C, Uniontown, AL 36786 Dennis hasexperienced multiple health issues and doctorscannot figure out what is wrong with him.

Letters to Christian Healthcare Ministries

We’d love to hearfrom you!Send us your letters:Christian HealthcareMinistriesAttn: Editor127 Hazelwood Ave.Barberton, OH 44203

editor@chministries.org

Just as the church of Christ is not a building, Christian HealthcareMinistries is not an office in Ohio.

These letters represent what you who participate in CHM areaccomplishing for each other and for the cause of Christ.

You, through your collective and faith-based sharing and support, makethis ministry possible. We are privileged to serve you. We are privileged toserve Him.

– Rev. Howard Russell

Dear Christian Healthcare Ministries:

You are such a blessing! Thank you forhonoring your commitment to help us withour medical needs. We wish we were in afinancial situation to take care of these needsourselves, but the Lord has used you to meetour needs and we are grateful.

We especially appreciate the communicationsfrom Rev. Russell over the years, includingthe monthly newsletter and monthly MemberGift Form. They keep us well informed aboutwhat is happening in the ministry.

We also appreciate Donna Greer’s help inprocessing our needs and The Karis Group’shelp in getting bill reductions beyond whatwe were able to obtain ourselves.

We tell our friends about CHM withcomplete confidence in the integrity of theministry.

Thank you again.

Sincerely in Christ,

Bill & Betty StoneBirchwood, TN

Editor’s note: Rev. Howard Russell serves as CHMexecutive director. Donna Greer is a representativein the Needs Processing department. The KarisGroup is a Christian patient advocacy group thatworks with CHM to lower members’ medical bills.

Dear Christian Healthcare Ministries:

Thank you so much for listing my need onthe newsletter Prayer Page. I can now saythat my $2,000 need has been met. Praisethe Lord! Through this need I have madefriends and exchanged letters with manypeople.

There is no other program quite like this oneand I pray that God will continue to give thestaff wisdom to keep the program working so well.

I tell everyone about this ministry and howit works. Recently, two of my friends joinedCHM and I told them that they will not bedisappointed.

Sincerely,

Patty LoperColumbia, SC

Dear Friends at Christian HealthcareMinistries:

We served the Lord as missionaries in GreatBritain for 30 years before returning to theUnited States in 2002. When we livedabroad, our health care expenses were coveredby the National Health Service and we neverhad to pay any of our medical bills.

We have been members of ChristianHealthcare Ministries for more than fiveyears now and we are so thankful to be a part

of this biblical way of caring for each other.Although our first three years back in theUnited States were health problem-free, weexperienced two retinal detachments andbreast cancer in the past two years.

Christian Healthcare Ministries has made itpossible for these pressing needs to be met.The paperwork seemed overwhelming atfirst, but Beth Kabellar made the processeasier and provided valuable help.

We want to thank all of the members whocontribute each month and thank Beth forher help and support.

Sincerely in Christ,

Gary & Jan KopfsteinSan Antonio, TX

Editor’s note: Beth Kabellar works as a CHMNeeds Processing representative.

Dear Christian Healthcare Ministries:

We are writing to thank you for recentlysharing our medical need. We have had a lotof medical expenses and the checks came at avery good time.

Sincerely,

Clifford & Joyce StockHigh Hill, MO

PRAYER PAGE NON-ASSIGNED NEEDS:

Editor’s note: Letters sent toCHM and printed on this pagemay be edited for length or grammar.

Prayer Page needs do not qualify forsharing under Christian HealthcareMinistries Guidelines.

1. Kathy Potts: 6380 Jackrabbit Lane #18,Belgrade, MT 59714 (back surgery)UPDATE: Praise God! Kathy reports $10,334 inbill reductions and $17,025 in gifts, bringing thetotal needed to $55,845.

2. Linda Whiteside: 3745 St. Rt. 15,Freeburg, IL 62243 (uterine fibroidembolization) UPDATE: Linda reports $8,739in gifts and $11,391 in added bills, bringing thetotal needed to $12,504.

3. Kenneth Roy Tufly: 10827 Hwy 200,Dixon, MT 59831 (partial kneereplacement) UPDATE: Roy reports a total of$8,886 in gifts, reducing his need to $10,666.

4. Linda Fox: 3411 Deerwood Ct., Lebanon,OH 45036 (heart condition) UPDATE: Lindareports a total of $3,724 in gifts, bringing the totalneeded to $1,641.

5. Gwynneth Preston: 1943 Forest Ave., St.Louis, MO 63139 (tachycardia) UPDATE:Gwynneth reports $4,692 in gifts, reducing theamount needed to $5,308.

6. Shelley B. Ford: RR1 Box 275, Rome, PA18837 (fibroids & pre-cancerous cells)UPDATE: Praise God! Shelley reports $5,375 inbill reductions and a total of $6,015 in gifts,reducing the amount needed to $6,351.

7. Darrell Johnson: 60 Country Oaks,Woodward, OK 73801 (prostate cancer)UPDATE: Darrell reports a total of $4,752 ingifts and $8,861 in added bills, bringing the totalneeded to $11,562.

8. Carrie Hipley: 2852 N 500 E, Kendallville,IN 46755 (maternity) UPDATE: Carrie hasreceived a total of $785 in gifts, reducing theamount needed to $1,310.

9. Christine Hewett: 118 Forest Dr.,Shallotte, NC 28470-4454 (Carpal TunnelSyndrome) UPDATE: Christine reports $805 ingifts, bringing the total needed to $3,091.

10. Waldo S. Legendre, Jr.: 217 Walnut St.,Covington, LA 70433 (congestive heartfailure) UPDATE: Waldo reports $4,380 in gifts,bringing the total needed to $91,910.

11. Daniel Wagenmann: P.O. Box 914,Darby, MT 59829-0914 (cancer) UPDATE:Daniel’s wife, Connie, went to be with the Lord inJanuary 2005. He still needs your assistance to meetConnie’s bills. He has received a total of $20,061 ingifts, bringing the total needed to $7,954.

12. Robert Welker: 8682 Mason-Lewis Rd.,Maysville, KY 41056 (heart condition)UPDATE: Robert has received a total of $3,260 ingifts, bringing the total needed to $2,286.

13. Genie Plumlee: 1105 IndependenceSprings, Sherman, TX 75090 (knee injury)UPDATE: Genie reports a total of $1,333 in gifts,bringing the total needed to $955.

14. Leon Baertschi: 3793 N State Hwy AB,Springfield, MO 65803 (quintuple bypassheart surgery) UPDATE: Leon reports a total of$8,649 in gifts and $6,543 in added bills,bringing the total need to $21,462.

15. Rev. Tommy Smith: PO Box 403,Gibson, TN 38338 (heart catheterization)UPDATE: Rev. Smith reports $2,932 in gifts,bringing his bills to $6,608.

16. Janice Eakins: 28158 Hwy 2,Bloomfield, IA 52537 (kidney stonecondition) UPDATE: Janice has received $3,201in gifts, bringing the total needed to $11,297.

17. Patricia A. Casteel: 5382 W 116thCircle, Westminster, CO 80020 (chest pain)UPDATE: Pat has received another $370 in gifts,reducing the amount needed to $14,142.

18. John Puskar: 316R Morrow Ave.,Carnegie, PA 15106 (sleep apnea) UPDATE:John reports a total of $4,401 in gifts. His chargesare now $3,512.

19. Janet Bean: 1206 Minnesota Ave., St.Cloud, FL 34769 (cataract surgery)UPDATE: Janet reports a total of $1,750 in gifts,bringing the amount needed to $2,100.

20. Rev. Myron Stump: PO Box 245, UnionCity, IN 47390 (heart surgery) UPDATE:Rev. Stump has received $7,425 in reductions and$726 in added bills. He reports $4,727 in gifts,bringing the total needed to $18,445.

21. Mary Trotzke: PO Box 2283, Dot Lake,AK 99737 (bunion/foot surgery) UPDATE:Mary has received a total of $2,822 in gifts,bringing her need to $3,320.

22. Peter Heaton: 19874 Hwy 24 #0,Leadville, CO 80461 (congenital condition[pectus excavatum]) UPDATE: Peter reports atotal of $8,568 in gifts, bringing the total to $25,840.

23. Pastor Craig Bostian: PO Box 92,

Warner, SD 57401 (hernia surgery)UPDATE: Pastor Bostian has received $1,122 ingifts, bringing the total needed to $2,760.

24. Sandra Thrash: 190 Gilmers Chapel Rd.,Conehatta, MS 39057 (gallbladder removal)UPDATE: Sandra reports $1,215 in gifts,bringing the total needed to $8,785.

25. Crystal Helman: 5 Jackson St., Norwalk,OH 44857 (gallbladder surgery) UPDATE:Praise God! Crystal received $8,966 in bill reductionsand $575 in gifts, lowering the amount needed to $3,893.

26. Jobe Reynolds: P.O. Box 98, Lamar, SC29069 (heart condition) UPDATE: Jobe reports$8,573 in bill reductions and $15,025 in gifts!The total needed is $13,906.

27. Nancy Reynolds: P.O. Box 98, Lamar,SC 29069 (brain surgery) UPDATE: PraiseGod! Nancy has received a $19,981 bill reduction!She also reports a total of $7,599 in gifts. Her totalneed is now $2,097.

28. Frank Neumeister: 28 Frank Lane,Ashland, PA 17921 (heart condition) Heasks for your prayers and support. UPDATE:Frank has added $14,937 in bills and has received$100 in gifts. His remaining bills total $15,959.

29. Beth Miller: 24 Dubois St., Williamsport,PA 17701 Beth requests help from the CHMfamily to share her $2,050 in maternity bills.

30. Lisa Kurtz: 3772 Hunter Rd., Perrysville,OH 44864 Lisa has bills totaling $6,586 fromemergency surgery resulting from an ectopic(tubal) pregnancy. Please remember her withyour prayers and gifts.

31. Anne Jones: 340 Greenleaf Lane, Bryan,TX 77808 Anne had to undergo an emergencyhysterectomy. Although she obtained $39,461 inbill reductions, she still has $13,646 remainingand asks the CHM family for help.

32. Anna Fowler: PO Box 154, Flat Rock,OH 44828 Anna recently was hospitalized forpulmonary fibrosis and incurred bills totaling$1,011. Please remember Anna with your giftsand prayers.

33. Abe & Clara Graber: 16763 Old AuburnRd., Huntertown, IN 46748 The Grabers’infant son, Japheth, was born four and a halfweeks early and spent 10 days in the neonatalintensive care unit for premature lungdevelopment. The Grabers praise God that theyreceived more than $50,000 in bill reductions,but still have $6,312 in bills remaining.

34. Timothy D. Galbreath: 922 Hill HollowDr., Sevierville, TN 37876 Timothy recentlyunderwent triple bypass surgery for a pre-existingheart condition and received $120,466 in billreductions! He requests prayers and financial helpfrom the CHM family for $14,763 in billsremaining.

Prayer Page

In the Giving Guide above, findthe abbreviation of your state.You are encouraged to send tothe need number whichcorresponds to your state.

For example, if you live inLouisiana, you would send to need #19 or #27.

These directions are onlysuggestions; you are in no wayobligated to send to these needs.

If you feel led by the Lord togive to a need other than theone suggested, please do so!

Prayer Page contact:prayerpage@chministries.org800-791-6225(ask for the Prayer Page)

Christian Healthcare Ministries · April 2008 7

IMPORTANT!Giving to needs listed on thisPrayer Page is not your monthlygift. It is an opportunity to giveover and above your gift amount.We urge you to send cards ofencouragement even if you areunable to contribute financially.

We suggest the following:

If you are a single unit member(1 unit): Send $5 (or more)

If you are a multiple unit member(2-3 units): Send $10 (or more)

Individuals listed on the Prayer Pagemust report what monies they receiveeach month by the 15th (or the firstbusiness day after the 15th) of thefollowing month. Mail in your DonorInformation Form, e-mailprayerpage@chministries.org or call 800-791-6225 and ask for the Prayer Page.

The non-assigned and prayer only needs appear on page 6.

Some Prayer Page needs are not listed thismonth due to the large number of eligibleneeds and limited listing space.

Needs that have been listed consecutively forthe longest period of time have been removedfor the month of April and will be re-listed in May. If necessary, other needexplanations will be rotated in future issues.

Prayer Page needs will only be rotated when itis necessary to conserve space.

Prayer Page need rotationsGiving GuideALAKARAZCACOCTDEFLGAHIIAIDILINKSKYLAMAMDMEMIMNMOMS

MTNCNDNENHNJNMNVNYOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVAVTWAWIWVWY

#17#26#24#17#16#11#14#04#01#22#29#18#23#34#28#15#02#19,27#13#12#09#22#14#20#10

#31#10#29#06#08#21#06,33#26#01#10#03#05#01#29#14#25#07#10#32#30#08#33#17#26#02

Christian Healthcare Ministries (hereinafter “CHM”), a not-for-profit religious organization, is not an insurance company. Noministry operations or publications are offered through or operatedby an insurance company. CHM does not guarantee or promise thatyour medical bills will be shared or assigned to others for financialgifts. Whether any CHM member chooses to share the burden ofyour medical bills will be entirely voluntary. As such, CHM shouldnever be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy. Whetheryou receive any financial gifts for medical expenses and whetherCHM continues to operate, you are always liable for any unpaid bills.

Especially for Florida Residents: A copy of the official registrationand financial information may be obtained from the Division ofConsumer Services by calling toll-free, within the state of Florida.Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, orrecommendation by the State of Florida. 1-800-435-7352 OurFlorida registration number is SC-03543. CHM has not retained anyprofessional solicitors or professional fundraising consultants and100% of each contribution is received by our organization.

Especially for Kentucky Residents: Notice: CHM is not aninsurance company. CHM’s related operations and publications arenot issued by an insurance company and they are not offered throughan insurance company. CHM does not guarantee or promise that yourmedical bills will be shared or assigned to others for financial gifts.Whether any member chooses to share the burden of your medicalbills will be totally voluntary. CHM should never be considered as a

substitute for an insurance policy. Whether you receive any gifts formedical expenses, and whether or not CHM continues to operate, youwill always remain liable for any unpaid bills.

Especially for Maryland Residents: Notice: CHM is not aninsurance company. CHM’s related operations and publications arenot issued by or offered through an insurance company. CHM doesnot guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be shared orassigned to others for financial gifts. No other member will becompelled to contribute toward the cost of your medical bills.Therefore, CHM should never be considered a substitute for aninsurance policy. This activity is not regulated by the MarylandInsurance Administration, and your liabilities are not covered by theMaryland Life and Health Guarantee Fund. Whether or not youreceive any financial gifts for medical expenses and whether or notCHM continues to operate, you are always liable for any unpaid bills.

Especially for Oklahoma Residents: This is not an insurancepolicy. It is a voluntary program that is neither approved, endorsed orregulated by the Oklahoma Department of Insurance and theprogram is not guaranteed under the Oklahoma Life and HealthInsurance Guaranty Association.

Especially for Pennsylvania Residents: Notice: CHM is not aninsurance company. CHM’s related operations and publications arenot issued by or offered through an insurance company. CHM doesnot guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be shared or

assigned to others for financial gifts. Whether any member chooses toshare the burden of your medical bills will be totally voluntary. Assuch, CHM should never be considered as a substitute for insurance.Whether you receive any financial gifts for medical expenses, andwhether or not CHM continues to operate, you are always liable forany unpaid bills.

Especially for South Dakota Residents: CHM is not an insurancecompany. CHM’s program is not an insurance contract. This plandoes not fall under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division ofInsurance and the plan is not covered under the South Dakotaguaranty fund.

Especially for Wisconsin Residents: Attention: CHM is not aninsurance company. CHM’s related operations and publications arenot issued by or offered through an insurance company. CHM doesnot guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be shared orassigned to others for financial gifts. Whether any member chooses toshare the burden of your medical bills is entirely voluntary. CHMshould never be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy.Whether or not you receive any financial gifts for medical expenses,and whether or not CHM continues to operate, you will alwaysremain responsible for the payment of your own medical bills.

Christian HealthcareMinistries

April 2008

In This IssueCHM and Brother’s Keeper help with member’s heart transplant, ongoing bills • Former members wishthey had stayed • Upcoming election’s implications for the future of U.S. health care, CHM members

Personal Reference Network expanding to include phone contacts • HealthwatchYour questions answered • Letters to CHM • Prayer Page

Nonprofit Org.USPostage PAIDAkron OH 44309

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