The Christian Mission has been God's hands of ministry in prayer and healing for nearly 45 years now...in the days ahead, journey with us through the past history of the Christian Mission, and trace His Healing Hand at work through this place. And set aside Friday, November 30th to come by and catch up with new additions to the Mission.
Refreshments and tours, along with a chance to meet new Director Steve May, will be part of an open house to celebrate this special anniversary.
Nearly 45 years ago--on Monday, November 26th to be exact--God began doing a work in Lenawee County Michigan which continues today. The Christian Mission, Inc., was born. The original name, The Christian Medical Mission was a vision, borne in the hearts of local doctor, Dr. Richard Coak, along with local pastor, Rev. Bill Winch, (who pastored the Adrian Presbyterian Church) and the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1973, and began to take form at 124 S Broad St in Adrian, Michigan. The building (formerly Pearl and Cal's Restaurant), now belonged to the Presbyterian Church and was adjacent to their church building. The mission was to combine the art of physical healing with that of the spiritual power of healing through prayer. The Dominicans' Sister Loretta Mellon appointed as their leader in the effort, directed the work which was entirely volunteer staffed and received referrals from other community agencies. The roots of being community based and supported entirely by donations of money and physical labor went deep from the start, since building renovations were critically needed.
ENTER: LINDA BROWN
In November of 1974, a newly graduated nurse from Henry Ford Hospital and local girl--Linda Brown--stopped by to offer voluntary services til she could find employment. She discovered that her need for a part time job coincided with the hiring needs of this fledgling work and her nursing, especially in the area of psychiatric nursing, was hand in glove for this work. She became the program coordinator, attending to blood pressures and other medical and physical needs of those who walked through the door or were referred.
God had even greater plans for Linda. Life circumstances for Dr. Coak changed, and without a doctor the work of necessity focused less on medical needs and more on emotional/spiritual concerns. Linda's work transitioned as well, from blood pressures to time spent assisting Sister Loretta Mellon in the counseling room, joining in prayer and ministering to the hands-on needs of all who walked through the door. She watched God do miracles in the lives of people.
Linda spent increasing time in prayer and counsel with circumstantially and emotionally burdened clients in partnership with Sister Loretta. Her gifting and heart for this work became quickly evident. As the needs of the area changed along with the focus of the Mission, God's leading in placing His hand-picked servant here became increasingly obvious.
Now looking back 45 years--almost (November 26th)--Linda has been a central, stabilizing, and anointed face of the Mission. It is NO exaggeration to say that literally thousands of lives, homes, families, and churches from small Adrian in southern Michigan beyond to the entire world have felt her kindness and benefited from the wisdom of this fair, tall, loving and gracious servant. More, in continuing editions.
Left to right: Linda Brown and Sister Loretta, the first location of the Mission; Dr. Coak with patient; building shot.
