Adventist Women's Center : Rutt, Chaplain Barbara

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Rutt, Chaplain Barbara

News direct from Barbara Rutt, Chaplain/Director Pastoral Care, LeHigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania

Here at LeHigh Valley Hospital & Health Network in Pennsylvania, it is budget time and we are restructuring our finances for our education program this year, so it is a bit challenging. We are also up for JCAHO and waiting for their 'pop-up' review, and our department and the trauma service are both up for accreditation. So it is paper writing time.

On a personal note, I passed the board in August and received my letter in November and am waiting for May to get my certificate. It will be a great day in Atlanta! Our department is growing. We now have 36 chaplains - 20 are per diem for our night shift and fill in. Then we have 5 students. So the program is continuing to prosper. God has been very good.

I have been teaching a visitation course in our church to assist our deaconesses with in home and hospital visitation. Since we do not have a pastor right now, some Sabbaths its my turn to take the service. I find it fun to preach and share God's word. I never thought I would enjoy it so much. I also started coaching a person who is leading a group in a church plant. It is fun! Each month we place a call and I coach the person through the process and the progress!

This busy life would not be bearable if not for the support and love of family. My husband Charles is a good supporter and critic, who helps me keep humble, but not humiliated. The sons are grown, and yet we love to talk. One has moved home for a while and the other continues to go to school.

I am thankful every day for Gods blessings. The WRC staff are a part of those blessings. You gave me encouragement when I was going through some very difficult times. Won't heaven be wonderful!