Friends Connecting through Faith: Judy Harris Discusses the Power of Prayer Bonds, Bridging Age Gaps
## A Comforting Tale for Young Readers: The Adventures of Prayer Bear
In the heart of Crestview Hills, the **Whole Health Ministry** at **Gloria Dei Lutheran Church** has been fostering a unique initiative since 2009 – the **Prayer Bear Ministry**. One of the fruits of this ministry is a children's book titled **"The Adventures of Prayer Bear"**, which offers a heartwarming narrative that beautifully encapsulates the power of faith, prayer, and emotional healing.
### The Power of Prayer Bear
"The Adventures of Prayer Bear" is a delightful tale that follows the eponymous character as he embarks on a series of adventures, each demonstrating the transformative power of prayer, compassion, and encouragement in the face of life's challenges. The book serves as an engaging tool for young readers to grasp the importance of prayer and learn valuable coping skills through faith during difficult times.
### The Connection to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church's Prayer Bear Ministry
The **Prayer Bear Ministry** is a compassionate outreach program that provides comfort and spiritual support to children and families. A key element of this initiative is the **Prayer Bear** – a soft, cuddly toy that comes with a storybook (such as "The Adventures of Prayer Bear") and a small prayer card. These bears serve as tangible reminders for children that they are loved, prayed for, and supported by their faith community.
### The Role of the Whole Health Ministry
The **Whole Health Ministry** at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church plays a crucial role in promoting holistic well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual health. This ministry integrates "The Adventures of Prayer Bear" into its child-focused programs to nurture spiritual health and emotional resilience. They may organize reading sessions, prayer groups, and activities centered around Prayer Bear stories to foster community and healing.
### A Personal Touch
The story behind "The Adventures of Prayer Bear" is as heartwarming as the book itself. A dear friend, who shared a 25-year friendship with Judy Harris, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. During her fight against the disease, a Prayer Bear was given to her, and it became a significant source of comfort and strength.
Judy Harris, a graduate of Thomas More and a longtime elementary and university educator, played a pivotal role in the creation of the book. Walda Helvie, the head of the Whole Health ministry at the church, was also instrumental in the book's development. A seamstress maintains a supply of 6"x8" fleece bears with heart-shaped chest pockets, each one ready to be filled with prayers and love for those in need.
### Obtaining the Book
If you're interested in purchasing "The Adventures of Prayer Bear", it is available for purchase through Amazon. To learn more about the Prayer Bear Ministry and its activities, you can reach out to Judy Harris at [email protected].
In a world where children often face challenges and uncertainty, "The Adventures of Prayer Bear" offers a beacon of hope and comfort, reminding them that they are never alone in their struggles. By embracing this story and the Prayer Bear Ministry, we can help nurture a generation of children who are spiritually strong, emotionally resilient, and connected to their faith communities.
- Gloria Dei Lutheran Church's Whole Health Ministry, situated in Crestview Hills, has been promoting health-and-wellness through initiatives like the Prayer Bear Ministry since 2009.
- Northern Kentucky's Gloria Dei Lutheran Church's Prayer Bear Ministry provides comfort and spiritual support to children and families, offering items like the Prayer Bear and books such as "The Adventures of Prayer Bear".
- "The Adventures of Prayer Bear" is an educational tool that encourages young readers to understand the importance of prayer and emotional healing, helping them cope with life's challenges.
- The Cincinnati-based Gloria Dei Lutheran Church's Whole Health Ministry incorporates books like "The Adventures of Prayer Bear" in its programs to foster spiritual growth and emotional resilience among children.
- Books like "The Adventures of Prayer Bear" offer a unique blend of science (emotional healing), education (life lessons), entertainment (narrative storytelling), and health-and-wellness (coping skills), making it an engaging read for young readers.
