A Place Where Esther Belongs

Esther* knows what it’s like to be misunderstood. She also knows what it’s like to not belong.

Now in her sixties, Esther grew up poor in Mexico. For many difficult years she worked long and hard to provide for her family. Finally when she could move to Arizona, she had high hopes for an easier and better life.

However, the dark clouds followed her no matter where she went, or what she did to escape them. Especially when it came to finding medical treatment.

“I Didn’t Know If You Could Understand Me”

Fortunately, through a turn of events, Esther found Neighborhood Christian Clinic. When she finally came into our Behavioral Health office, she was hesitant to tell us about all that had happened in her life.

This was, in part, because she only spoke Spanish. In the past when she sought medical treatment, not speaking English only added to her problems.

“I didn’t know if you could understand me,” Esther said with reluctance.

But once she realized that we have bilingual doctors, nurses, and volunteers ready to help, she began opening up and dropping her guard. So much so that her tears began to flow as she released the heavy burdens she had been carrying for so long.

However, Esther didn’t cry out of sadness. She wept because she found a safe and caring place at NCC. A place where she was understood and felt like she belonged.

Care That Speaks to Her Heart

For the first time in a long time, Esther knew someone truly wanted and accepted her. What she found at Neighborhood Christian Clinic was more than a caring doctor, a listening nurse, and a friendly front-office staff.

Every person she met at NCC treated her with respect and showed her how she mattered. No matter if it was for medicine, an examination, or a referral for specialized treatment.

This is the kind of whole-person care you provide through your ongoing prayers for and gifts to Neighborhood Christian Clinic. None of this happens by accident. It happens when generous people like you are active in a ministry that speaks in Esther’s language and speaks to her heart, at the same time.

Thanks to you, Esther and so many more like her are finding healing in their body, mind, and spirit that they thought was not possible. A place where they always belong and where they find peace in renewing their relationship with the Lord.

Helping More Neighbors Find Hope

Today, more people like Esther are walking through our clinic doors. They are seeking medical treatment, compassionate care, and a deeper faith in God.

Every gift you give, and every prayer you say, helps these underserved and under-represented people right where they are. It allows us to provide life-changing medical, dental, and behavioral health care rooted in Christ’s eternal love for them.

World Mental Health Day occurs this month. It’s a sobering reminder to all of us that emotional and spiritual well-being deserve the same care and attention as physical health.

This is a good time to reflect upon helping the Esthers of our world. A time to reach those still waiting for someone to understand them and to help them when they hurt the most.

*Esther’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.