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Some interesting facts to be aware of when seeking to provide Bibles to mental health units –
The value and importance of “spiritual” provision in mental health is backed up by a growing body of
research. "Increasingly psychiatrists are recognising that a mentally ill persons strong religious beliefs can
prove a solid foundation for therapy." Spirituality and mental illness 2006
Research shows that people with mental health problems who have some connection with a religion had
reduced hospital stays by half compared with people with no affiliation and were 43% less likely to have been
hospitalised in the previous year stating that they would use belief as helpful to them and that their faith was
providing them with a constant source of comfort or support. Spirituality and mental illness (2006)

What can we pray for in relation to Hospital Chaplains?

Like many in areas of ministry ‘burnout’ and ‘compassion fatigue’ can be issues. There are also heavy pressures on
all NHS departments and when cost cutting is being looked at sometimes it may be the already reduced Chaplaincy
that is targeted.
Please join us in praying for the vital work of Hospital Chaplains and for strength in the many challenges they
face. A report on the uptake of Hospital Chaplaincy Packs is featured below.

WE ARE

KINGDOM

MINDED!

In the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of the GOOD NEWS
for Everyone! magazine, we reported on the Hospital
Chaplaincy Pack and how it came into being. As
promised at the end of that article, Rhoda Bourne,
National Ladies’ President, shares an update:
“We are Kingdom minded! was the response of a
Chaplain, on behalf of himself and his colleagues at a
large London hospital. What greater encouragement
could be received on arrival as we tentatively prayed for
a good reception by the Hospital Chaplaincy Team! the front. I was immediately very comforted. I remain

In many hospitals, the Chaplaincy Pack has been received very thankful indeed for the help I received that day.”
with great appreciation and often amazement at the
offering of Scriptures now freely available for use by Mental Health wards are a particular opening not to be
overlooked. Often patients are searching for help with
themselves, along with Testaments being placed on
bedside lockers. emotional and spiritual perplexities. Please pray for
opportunities to access these wards or to be able to
Apart from New Testaments, large print Testaments deliver Testaments for their use.
and Bibles, HOPE, Discover (for children) and Explore One of the joys of visiting a hospital is the opportunity
magazines – all outlining the Christian faith, giving a
testimony and the Gospel of Luke for those enquiring to give Testaments to staff of every kind – from the
Staff in Charge of a ward (always ask for permission to
hearts - have been warmly received. enter), the busy but ‘not too busy to receive’ nurses, the
Where permission by the Chaplain has been granted, Administrator on the desk, the personnel supporting the
and security clearance given, Ward Staff have received catering and cleaning, porters bustling along corridors –
members quietly ‘topping up’ bedside lockers with the all are offered and 99% gratefully and happily accept.
precious Word very warmly, often mentioning ‘it is so Experience has taught that with Hospital Trusts a good
good to see you again!’ relationship with one Hospital Chaplaincy often opens
Letters of encouragement are being received at National the door to others within their Group. Please pray for
Office - this from a grateful recipient: God’s leading to Hospital Chaplains that ‘are Kingdom
“Last week I found myself in hospital for a hip minded’ and who will support and enable other hospital
doors to open."
replacement operation. I am not brave and was very
anxious indeed. As I waited to be called for surgery I Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will
looked in the bedside cabinet and, finding a GOOD return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
NEWS for Everyone! Bible, started to read the notes at (Psalm 126:6)

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