Asbury’s H.I.S. ministry helps survivors, caregivers of chronic illness

Organizers for the Handling Illness Support group or H.I.S. Ministry meet at Asbury United Methodist Church. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Asbury United Methodist Church has launched a new ministry, the Handling Illness Support group or H.I.S. Ministry.

The H.I.S. Ministry is designed to support individuals who are chronically or acutely ill, caregivers and survivors. The group’s first meeting will be held April 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Asbury, 980 Hughes Road.

“I was helped by this type of group offered by a church I attended several years ago,” lay leader Jane Pavis said. “I felt called to lead this ministry.”

In 1992, Pavis was diagnosed with a benign but dangerously placed brain tumor. Treatment included a craniotomy with potentially devastating results.

“I was gripped by fear after meeting with the neurosurgeon, (but) this loving group of courageous, spiritually mature sojourners helped me navigate the journey I didn’t ask for,” Pavis said.

Offering support and empathy, group members “fully understood the depths of my fear but were experiencing the height of God’s infinite strength,” Pavis said.

The ministry will schedule speakers on health-related topics, followed by roundtable discussions. Attendees will face the same or a similar illness. Caregivers will have experience in helping sick individuals.

Terry Wingo, owner Madison Drugs, will speak at the April 8 meeting on “Healthy Nutritional Habits During Illness.” “He will provide nutritional tips during chemotherapy and for those with chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia and lupus,” Pavis said.

H.I.S. ministry will meet monthly on the second and fourth Tuesdays in Asbury’s fellowship hall in the Joy Building off Hughes Road. Meetings will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and are open to anyone “whether touched by illness or not, since topics discussed may appeal to a wider audience,” Pavis said.

For more information, call 847-830-3029, email to janerpavis@gmail.com or visit Facebook/Handling Illness Support Group. “Please click Like or Share on our Facebook page and help us spread the word,” Pavis said.