Her name is Gwen Thomas and she is a member of the church I serve. I don't think I've ever met anyone with such a heart for giving of herself as Gwen. Gwen is a R.N. and the "parish" nurse for our church. But far more than that, she is a genuine lover of people, and lover of Jesus; and she lives out both of those passions in her daily walk and talk. Recently, Gwen was the recipient of the 2010 Annette Stixrud Parish Nurse of the Year at the 2010 Conference of Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries in Portland, Oregon (She's the one on the right). The honor is given to the person who, nominated by peers, most exemplifies a dedication to and passion for parish nursing; demonstrates success in developing health ministry programs; and shows compassion, creativity and support in working with people.
What's interesting is that Gwen was taken by complete surprise by the honor and humbly states that she fells she is NOT doing enough for health ministry at our church. That statement alone is unbelievable, and as the pastor of that church, I believe Gwen has set the standard for future award recipients, and certainly has exampled what it means to be a "refuge" for those who need it the most.
Allow me to mention just a few of the examples in Gwen's life of service (developed over the past two years)-the list exhausts me just thinking about it:
- Blood pressure screening checks, along with teaching and follow-up calls.
- Emergency preparedness alerts and procedures for infection control on church website.
- Mobile care clinic and access to available community resources, such as respite care.
- Hospital visits with prayer and a basket of gifts for those who are ill and waiting family members; as well as sitting with and caring for members in hospice.
- Fit and Fellowship--Weekly walks after services on Sundays. [I know for a fact that because of Gwen, people in our church family are healthier, and some have been saved from early death because of unhealthy life styles that were changed!]
- Gwen has also traveled to Mongolia and Kenya, where she assisted doctors, provided CPR classes and taught house moms who care for orphans.
- As part of her concern for the whole person and her desire to meet the needs of others, Gwen started a church/food bank garden. With land donated by a church member, plants started from seed or donated by the community, and volunteer help, the garden gave over three tons of food to the community food bank and at least that much to church and community families in need.
Gwen's mantra for her work? "Stepping out into the water!" Well done Gwen...you have the true spirit of Kimbilio. Thank you!
If you are interested in learning more about Faith Community Nursing training and ministry, you can contact:
Bruce Strade, Executive Dir.
Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries
503-413-2585
bruces@npnm.org
