Substituting other “religions” for Christianity? By Rev. Dr. Howard S. Russell, CHM President & CEO

A man named Andrew Sullivan has written an interesting article for New York Magazine titled “America’s New Religions.”

His premise is that as the number declines of Americans who profess belief in God, or who practice Christianity, people are substituting new “religions.”

He begins by writing, “Everyone has a religion. It is, in fact, impossible not to have a religion if you are a human being. It’s in our genes and has expressed itself in every culture, in every age, including our own secularized husk of a society.

“By religion, I mean something quite specific: a practice not a theory; a way of life that gives meaning, a meaning that cannot really be defended without recourse to some transcendent value, undying “Truth” or God (or gods).

“The need for meaning hasn’t gone away, but without Christianity, this yearning looks to politics for satisfaction,” he writes.

Mr. Sullivan’s religious attitudes, as described by wikipedia.org, are these: “Sullivan takes a moderate approach to religion, rejecting fundamentalism and describing himself as a “dogged defender of pluralism and secularism.”

Nevertheless, he’s correct in that there are people substituting other “meanings” for Christianity. What’s missing in his analysis is the true meaning, spiritual power and permanence of Christianity, the truth that makes us free.

That Christianity has been under assault by secular American

society—either subtly or as the target in an ideological free-fire zone—is no surprise to anyone; but it’s not something new. The same things occurred when the Apostle Paul (ultimately beheaded for his faith) was sharing the Gospel throughout the Roman world.

After Paul proclaimed the Good News to the Athenians as described in the Book of Acts, there was a three-part reaction from his listeners: “When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject.’ At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed,” (Acts 17: 32-34). Note that the first reaction recorded was “sneered.”

In extreme cases, such as occurred in Soviet Russia, government policy was to destroy Christianity, eliminating it as an alternative to, in effect, worship of the Communist Party and its leaders. Churches were closed and turned into skating rinks, warehouses, or put to other uses.

In today’s America we live in a society that tells us—in messages incessantly amplified daily—that we “deserve” whatever we want; that there’s something wrong with us if we don’t kneel at the altar of the trendy; and that Bible-believing Christianity is a dinosaur – and perhaps dangerous. Such messages are often aimed at young people, to kill their faith before it can grow.

Questioning is fine. It leads to knowledge. What we’re discussing in terms of new “religions” goes much farther. However, even while Jesus was alive there were the sneering, the jealous, and the hateful. Why should we think anything would be different today? We’re not greater than our Master. Nevertheless, we’re still here, despite never-ending efforts by some to

lock us away, as the saying goes, like a crazy uncle in the attic.

The world never seems to run out of individuals and systems who want to debunk, destroy, or replace Christianity. It’s because this is a fallen world. It’s because Christianity is a force some fear will deny them power; wishes; desires; wants; and cravings. It’s because they fear what Christianity calls us to be about and care

President & CEO: Rev. Dr. Howard S. Russell

Vice President, Administration:

Ryan McGraw Vice President,

Program Services: Rich Bochart

Chief Financial Officer:

Charity Beall Chief Information

Officer: Bryan Schultz

Editor: Lauren Gajdek

Assistant Editor: Katlyn Stryker

Web Editor: David Loughney

Graphic Design: Erik Gibson

Contributors: Rev. Dr. Howard

Russell, Dr. Michael Jacobson,

George Korda, Jonny Hawkins,Lauren Gajdek, Katlyn Stryker, Rosie Kabellar,

Carasella Mancari

The person without the

Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit...[he] cannot understand them... (2 Corinthians 2:14)

See “Substituting other religions,” page 15

inside my

2

By Jake & Charity McEntire, Denton, Texas

Christian Healthcare Ministries has given us the flexibility to achieve our career goals, one of which is Run The Race, a faith-based film to be released in theaters nationwide on Feb. 22.

Charity: A number of years ago I worked at an elementary school as a campus aide and after-school program leader. I loved interacting with the children, but the main reason I stayed as long as I did was so that Jake and I could keep our health insurance policy.

One day in 2013 the children were at recess and

I was chatting with a substitute

teacher named Verna who told me about CHM. She made it sound too good to be true when she described how she had been a member for 30 years and

the ministry shared medical

bills for the births of her five children, as well as the cost of a major accident one of her daughters suffered at age 12. (Editor’s note: To read Verna and her family’s testimony about being CHM members for 30 years, see the January 2019 issue of Heartfelt Magazine at chministries.org/magazine.)

Excited, I told Jake what I’d learned and we decided to take a leap of faith to try it out. That September Jake became a CHM Silver member and I joined the Gold program because I knew it was the best one for women planning to have children.

As a result I was able to leave my elementary school job and pursue my dreams. I was in a great position to become a stay-at-home mom while operating a home-based side business providing facials and skin care. I was also able to devote more time to helping Jake with Run The Race.

Jake: The idea for the film came to me in 2004. It’s a combination of

my own story with the experiences of my best friends during childhood. I cherry-picked all of our “big moments” to create the film’s storyline.

Run The Race is about two teenage brothers—Zach and Dave Truett—as they face the challenges and disillusionment of sports injuries, personal loss and family problems. One of the brothers is running from God while the other clings to his faith. It’s an honest and true-to-life look at how our faith can be tested that we believe will resonate with non-believers and Christians.

I have professional acting experience and in the film I play the part of Cody, a likeable “good ole boy” who is

friends with everyone and attends all of the small town’s high school football games.

In developing the script I collaborated closely with Trey

See “McEntire testimony,” page 16

Member welcomes first child with help from CHM,

Tim Tebow visits CHM to talk about Run The Race filmHeisman trophy winner Tim Tebow, along with his brother Robby Tebow, visited CHM’s employee chapel service on Thurs., July 12, 2018.

The brothers are executive producers of the upcoming film Run The Race, to be released in theaters Feb. 22. Other honored guests at the CHM chapel service included Jake McEntire of Denton, Texas, who is the film’s writer and a CHM member; and Trey Brunson, another executive producer of Run The Race.

L-R: Trey Brunson, Jake McEntire, Robby Tebow, Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow is movie’s executive producer

Coming Feb. 22Executive producer and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow

HPV vaccine: an answer to a Christian parent’s concerns (part 3)© Dr. Michael D. Jacobson, D.O. Do not reproduce this article without permission.

Editor’s note: To read parts 1 and 2 of this article series, see the Dec. 2018 and Jan. 2019 issues of Heartfelt Magazine at chministries.org/magazine.

To summarize the major points from parts 1 and 2 of this series:

• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in America.

• Over 90 percent of HPV infections are eliminated by a healthy immune system.

• However, for those who do not eliminate it, many have no symptoms and may carry the infection for years before discovering it.

• Certain strains are known to cause genital warts, cancer and other ailments.

• Since cervical cancer is silent in its early stages, routine Papanicolaou (“Pap”) smears, recommended for women ages 21 to 65, have cut the incidence of cervical cancer by about 75 percent.

• Though the CDC and many other medical organizations strongly endorse the use of HPV vaccines, other groups and professionals have legitimate concerns about its safety and efficacy.

Official recommendations

The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the HPV vaccination for:

• Male and female children between 11 and 12 years of age; it can be administered as early as age 9.

• Children under age 15 receive a two-dose series and those over 15 receive a three-dose series (younger vaccine recipients generate higher antibody levels and require less immunization).

• Catch-up vaccinations for those not immunized between ages 15 and 26.

Professional opinion

My opinion on the HPV vaccine still remains on the fence. It was initially a CHM member’s letter that inspired me to study this issue in more depth and there seems to be reliable, yet limited information for both “sides.”

I agree with Dr. Clayton Young: it will take several more years to tell whether the HPV vaccine actually reduces the incidence of cervical cancer and genital warts. I was also intrigued by the reports of adverse reactions reported to the Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting (VAERS) databank. (Editor’s note: See the references section at the end of this article for information about Dr. Clayton Young.)

Conversely, I also recognize the facts in favor of vaccination:

• HPV infection is extremely common.

• Even if a person chooses to be abstinent before marriage there is still risk of infection.

• The risks of vaccination appear to be very small.

• After personally caring for young women with advanced cervical cancer, I can attest that cancer of the cervix

silently strikes the young, is malicious and is often fatal.

Personal opinion

Knowing the facts, if I were asked if I would vaccinate my own children, my answer would be “maybe.” The evidence for each side is both limited and compelling.

Some parents have expressed concerns that vaccinating their children will

Dr. Michael Jacobson, D.O.Medical Director, Christian Healthcare Ministries

127 Hazelwood Ave., Barberton, OH 44203

Phone: 800-791-6225 | Fax: 330-848-4322

doc@chministries.org (Please allow up to two weeks for a response. This service isn’t intended for acute problems or to replace the advice of your physician.)

See “HPV vaccine,” page 17

© 2018 Jonny Hawkins

Health WATCHPromoting biblical health and wellness

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CHM’s new website: new look, new featuresCHM recently redesigned its website, chministries.org, to improve visitor experience and incorporate some new features.

“Our website is the public face of Christian Healthcare Ministries and a primary communication tool,” said Rev. Dr. Howard Russell, CHM president and CEO.

“Prospective members who know nothing about health cost sharing look to the website as a principle source of information. Members, too, benefit from a well-designed site to quickly find the specific info and tools they’re looking for.”

Here are areas that have been added or enhanced on the new site:

1. The home page at chministries.orgcontains quick links to Heartfelt Radio,Heartfelt Magazine, the memberapplication, tax information, a costcalculator and some frequently askedquestions about CHM.

2. “My medical needs” page underthe “How it works” menu: As a typeof special interests section, this pagecontains links for visitors wonderingabout maternity, catastrophic medicalcosts (Brother’s Keeper), Medicare,prescriptions, pre-existing conditionsand dental and vision.

3. Members can now quickly and easilyrecommend a provider for CHM’sprovider directory by visiting the“Healthcare providers and services” page found in the “How it works” menu.

4. The new “Forms and documents” page under the “Resources >Documentation” menu offers mostof the ministry’s downloadable items(Needs Processing Forms, maternityguide, etc.) in a single location.

5. For the first time, CHM has a Heartfeltblog that can be found under the“Resources > Media resources” menu.At the time of website launch, theblog contained over 100 entriesgrouped into categories such as “CHMfor newbies”; “News and programs”;“Health and wellness”; “Save on costs”;and more. Blog posts can easily beshared on social media andare therefore auseful tool forencouragingfriends to join theministry.

6. The “Aboutus” menucontainsmoreinformationabout CHM’s

leadership team and also features about 200 member testimonials!

Visitors familiar with CHM’s previous website can still find a whole menu (“Resources > Member resources”) devoted to medical care and bills, as well as individual pages about the CHM Guidelines, Affordable Care Act, new members, video resources, frequently asked questions and more.

Likewise, the Member Portal (portal. chministries.org) is still available for making payments, uploading medical bills, etc. The ministry staff is also working on enhancing the Portal, but at this writing a release date for changes has not been determined.

Tempering tax time trepidationEditor’s note: This article was written before Jan. 1, 2019. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website’s tax page at chministries.org/taxes.

There’s no need to be anxious when it comes to CHM and your taxes. Here is some information to guide you as you prepare your income tax filing.

IRS Form 8965Most members* must include IRS Form 8965 “Health Coverage Exemptions” when filing their 2018 taxes. Please tell your tax

professional about your membership and this form to attach to your IRS Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.

As a CHM member you have no reason or requirement to go to the health insurance marketplace or insurance exchanges. File Form 8965 with your taxes and only fill out Part 3 of the form. You can find a sample of Form 8965 with Part 3 completed on

our website’s tax page at chministries.org/taxes. (Your CHM join date appears on your membership card.)

Electronic (online) filingIf you use electronic software to file your taxes the software should automatically ask you the questions that

See “Temper tax trepidation,” page 16

February 2019

5

See “What makes CHM unique?” page 15

Buyer beware: what you need to know about prescription costs By Nancy Coveleskie, CHMRx

Contrary to the old saying, what you don’t know can hurt you—and that’s certainly true of prescription costs. Here are some ways a lack of knowledge about prescriptions can harm you (and your wallet).

Not all pharmacies are created equal

In recent years, household-name pharmacy chains have captured about 50 percent of market share, with the two largest chains dominating urban markets in most states. Locally- or privately-owned drugstores generally offer lower prescription prices but can’t compete with convenient features offered by larger retailers, such as drive-thrus, 24/7 service, urgent care clinics and the capacity to sell many non-pharmaceutical goods.

Prescription costs vary widely

Savvy shoppers know that generic prescriptions are usually much less expensive than brand-name medicines. After that, though, insight into prescription pricing becomes a murky mire since, for example, the same drug and dosage at different pharmacies can cost $13.77 or $126.95—or any price between the two. Some pharmacies have low pricing on certain prescriptions but charge much more than their competitors for other drugs.

It may help to think of prescription pricing like airline seats—the same seat can be a bargain for one customer but cost a small fortune for another. It depends on when, where and how the seat is purchased.

There are deals to be had, but few of us know what is a good deal

Similar to the lack of pricing transparency among most hospitals and doctor’s

offices, many patients don’t have a frame of reference for how much their prescription should cost and whether they’re overpaying for their medicine. Even doctors sometimes don’t have a good “estimate” to give their patients.

Unless a patient gets a paper prescription, they usually arrive at the pharmacy to find that the doctor’s office has already contacted the pharmacy to fill the prescription. Insured patients and those without prescription coverage are both at a disadvantage: neither knows the actual price ahead of time and the insured patient may never know if all they must pay is their co-pay amount.

Using a mail-order service helps eliminate this problem and can significantly reduce costs, but typically mail order is only used for routine, long-term prescriptions.

See “Buyer beware,” page 13

“What makes CHM unique?” CHM for newbies (part 2)

As a health cost sharing ministry, CHM isn’t insurance. Here are five unique attributes that enrich your experience as a CHM member.

1. CHM members are in a covenant—not contract—with each other.God is in covenant with His people, and His people are to be in covenant with each other. That’s why we have no legal contracts at CHM—a fact we thoroughly explain on our website and in our promotional materials before members join the ministry.

Being part of CHM is being part of a covenant between our members—people who give assurance that they are Christians living by biblical principles and who voluntarily join together to support each other.

And it works: for nearly 38 years members have faithfully shared each other’s eligible medical costs. The ministry is successful because members honor God by following the New Testament concept of sharing each other’s burdens found in John 13:35, Acts 2 and 4, and Gal. 6:2.

Furthermore, program costs remain the same regardless of your health history: we don’t increase your financial gift or cancel your membership if you experience an illness or injury. (The ministry just celebrated 11 years of no increases in

member costs.) CHM is also a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity.

2. CHM is a ministry and looks for ways to help members.Though we must abide by our Guidelines—shared with all members and prospective members before they join—complex situations sometimes arise. In such cases, each situation is reviewed individually.

3. The ministry is not a profit-seeking enterprise.

February 2019

6

Please do not send financial gifts directly to the people listed below. Giving should be sent via the CHM office (see page 8 sidebar). Addresses are provided below if you wish to send cards, letters or emails of encouragement.

1. Daryl Albright: 711 Enochville Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28081 Condition: atrial fibrillation. Total bills: $13,590. Donations: $8,371. Add-on bills: $174. Remaining: $5,393.

2. Paula Alves: 232 Summit St., Marion, OH 43302 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $6,097. Donations: $2,138. Remaining: $3,959.

3. Austin Amstutz: 586 1st Rd. S., Fort Shaw, MT 59443 Condition: surgery to repair congenital condition. Total bills: $30,274. Donations: $25,969. Add-on bills: $1,350. Remaining: $5,655.

4. Cynthia Anderson: 2688 Sweetwater St., Austell, GA 30106 (martinstd@bellsouth.net) Condition: breast cancer. Total bills: $11,167. Donations: $23,043. Add-on bills: $16,163. Remaining: $4,287.

5. Hunter Anderson: 3888 E Chilton Cir., Eagle Mountain, UT 84005 Condition: leg pain. Total bills: $8,016.

6. Michael Bailey: 22505 Nestucca Dr., Cloverdale, OR 97112 Condition: infection/surgery. Total bills: $20,650. Donations: $11,363. Remaining: $9,287.

7. Paul Baker: 1825 Wedgewood, Grand Prairie,

TX 75050 Condition: diabetic ulcer. Total bills: $8,520. Donations: $5,415. Add-on bills: $12,871. Remaining: $15,976.

8. So Bang: 27214 N 24th Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85085 Condition: heart valve surgery. Total bills: $236,855. Donations: $164,069. Add-on bills: $2,969. Remaining: $75,755.

9. Nancy Barclay: 527 Fisher Dr., Watsontown, PA 17777 Condition: diverticulitis/colitis. Total bills: $95,090.

10. Galen Barkman: 2023 Sneedsboro Rd., Morven, NC 28119 (galenbarkman@windstream.net) Condition: valve replacement/aortic repair. Total bills: $66,321. Donations: $61,243. Remaining: $5,078.

11. Roger Bartlett: 1254 Parkview Ln NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152 (r_bart@yahoo.com) Condition: heart valve surgery. Total bills: $40,367. Donations: $35,600. Add-on bills: $3,250. Remaining: $8,017.

12. Carolyn Battle: 2900 Starlit Dr W, Mobile, AL 36693 Condition: knee

replacement. Total bills: $13,600. Donations: $7,087. Add-on bills: 6,951. Remaining: $13,464.

13. Rebecca Beals: 7023 41st Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 Condition: recurring breast

cancer. Total bills: $54,823. Donations: $44,237. Add-on bills: $7,864. Remaining: $18,450.

14. Thomas Bolyard: 2646 Farmlake Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29708 Condition: diabetes/foot surgery. Total bills: $46,473. Donations: $52,251. Add-on bills: $13,352. Remaining: $7,574.

15. Cecilia Bowles: 16103 SE CR 2390, Streetman, TX 75859 Condition: spinal stenosis. Total bills: $16,978. Donations: $5,660. Remaining: $11,318.

16. Mark Braunecker: PO Box 18, Ireland, IN 47545 Condition: diabetes complications. Total bills: $42,267. Donations: $6,635. Add-on bills: $3,741. Remaining: $39,373.

17. Carmen Breakey: 7324 E 4th Ave., Apt. #1, Anchorage, AK 99504 Condition: sepsis/partial foot amputation. Total bills: $36,286. Donations: $25,886. Remaining: $10,400.

18. Mark & Jennifer Brinck: 996 14th Ave., McPherson,

KS 67460 Condition: The Brincks’ teenage daughter, Tessa, had a deviated septum/sinus surgery. Total bills: $8,448.

19. Gregory Brown: 6628 E 300

Prayer Page GIVING

Total needs remaining this month: $2,602,662Each need would be met in full if each member family

contributed $14.63 this month.This amount is a suggestion; please consider giving today.

Christian Healthcare Ministries Prayer PageAttn: Prayer Page

127 Hazelwood Ave Barberton, OH 44203

Phone: 800-791-6225 (ask for the Prayer Page)

Fax: 330-798-6105

chministries.org

E-mail: prayerpage@chministries.org

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had... There were no needy persons among them. Acts 4:32, 34a

What is the Prayer Page?

The Prayer Page is an additional means by which CHM members help other Christians.

Contributions to the Prayer Page are tax deductible, unlike your regular monthly financial gifts. Giving to needs listed on these pages is not your CHM monthly gift. It is an opportunity to give over and above your gift amount.

The medical needs listed on these pages are ongoing bills from pre-existing conditions, which do not qualify for sharing through the regular CHM program. We urge you to send cards of encouragement even if you are unable to contribute financially. Guidelines Z and AA contain complete information.

See the sidebars on pages 8-9 for more information on how to give.

Prayer Page

7

N, Lafayette, IN 47905 Condition: spinal stenosis. Total bills: $97,668.

20. Philip Brubaker: 2012 Bloomingdale, Lancaster, PA 17601 Condition: diabetes complications. Total bills: $47,607. Donations: $15,920. Remaining: $31,687.

21. Jeff Burris: 1362 N Hibbert, Mesa, AZ 85201 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $6,966.

22. Cora Lynn Castleberg: 11303 Hwy 52 SE, Chatfield, MN 55923 Condition: adenomyosis/fibroid tumors. Total bills: $3,184.

23. Sherilynn Clary: 7371 North Rd., Arpin, WI 54410 Condition: skin cancer. Total bills: $10,170. Donations: $12,304. Add-on bills: $9,411. Remaining: $7,277.

24. Terri Cobbs: 2106 W Randall Ave., Duncan, OK 73533 Condition: Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Total bills: $15,588. Donations: $5,781. Remaining: $9,807.

25. Gerald B. Cook: 838 Balls Bluff Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 Condition: back pain/surgery. Total bills: $46,582. Donations: $7,413. Remaining: $39,169.

26. Alicia Coombs: 33273 Chert Lane, Wilsomar, CA 92595 (califleafs@msn.com) Condition: nerve pain/spinal surgery. Total bills: $22,500. Donations: $9,996. Remaining: $12,504.

27. Theresa Coonan: 816 Crowder Ct., Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Condition: back surgery. Total bills: $7,142. Donations: $1,121. Remaining: $6,021.

28. Helen Cracchiolo: 21388 Shannon Ridge Way, Boca

Raton, FL 33428 Condition: multiple sclerosis. Total bills: $2,400.

29. Christine DeArmond: 3914 Buckingham Loop Dr., Valrico, FL 33594 Condition: diverticulitis/kidney stones. Total bills: $43,347. Donations: $15,260. Discounts: $27,854. Add-on bills: $4,212. Remaining: $4,445.

30. Marci DeRoberts: 4533 Ivy Crest Circle, Louisville, KY 40241 Condition: shoulder implant revision surgery. Total bills: $26,266. Donations: $18,683. Add-on bills: $2,440. Remaining: $10,023.

31. Christopher Dessart: S217 Bluff St., Stephenson, MI 49887 Condition: spine injury/back pain. Total bills: $17,036.

32. Paula DiMaio: 231 James, Westmont, IL 60559 Condition: ulcerative colitis/anemia. Total bills: $36,281. Donations: $40,886. Add-on bills: $35,556. Remaining: $30,951.

33. Theodore Docteur: 830 Reeves Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840 Condition: back pain. Total bills: $47,222. Donations: $47,917. Add-on bills: $6,619. Remaining: $5,924.

34. Ali Doskocil: 3008 Franciscan Dr. #224, Arlington, TX 76015 Condition: breathing problem/deviated septum. Total bills: $14,650. Donations: $1,800. Add-on bills: $1,750. Remaining: $14,600.

35. John Dow: 98 Willowbrook Dr., Auburn, NY 13021 Condition: prostate cancer

complications. Total bills: $5,110.

36. Christy Dunavant: 323 Stewart St., Meadowlakes, TX 78654 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $22,131. Donations: $15,200. Remaining: $6,931.

37. Richard Dunn: 825 Adell Ave., Filer, ID 83328 Condition: back surgery. Total bills: $8,995. Donations: $1,427. Remaining: $7,568.

38. Barbara Ellis: 2412 S Venice Dr., Pearland, TX 77581 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $9,005. Donations: $1,414. Remaining: $7,591.

39. Jackie Evans: 21973 Redbud Rd., Oronogo, MO 64855 Condition: lymphoma. Total bills: $77,794. Donations: $48,582. Remaining: $29,212.

40. Vern Everett: 4116 Illinois Rt. 16, Litchfield, IL 62056 Condition: double knee replacement. Total bills: $21,848. Donations: $9,780. Remaining: $12,068.

41. Dwight Faylor: 2925 N State Hwy 27, Saint Francis, KS 67756 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $50,087. Donations: $22,598. Add-on bills: $2,345. Remaining: $29,834.

42. Rex Fennell: PO Box 129, Earth, TX 79031 Condition: quadruple bypass surgery. Total bills: $24,527. Donations: $23,087. Add-on bills: $3,853. Remaining: $5,293.

43. Stephen & Michele Fireovid: 1408 Woodstream Dr., Bryan, OH 43506 Condition: The Fireovids’ teenage son, Adam, suffered an elbow injury. Total bills:

February 2019 Who can give?All readers are invited to give to Prayer Page needs (above regular monthly gifts) as they feel led.

All giving is voluntary; there is no obligation to give to Prayer Page needs to remain a CHM member.

How much should I give?Give however much you feel led to give.

See the “Prayer Page Giving” box on page 7 for suggestions.

How do I send my gift?You can send financial gifts for the Prayer Page directly to the CHM office. The advantages of sending donations in this manner are that they are tax deductible and the paying down of medical bills is tracked without additional reporting burdens on Prayer Page recipients.

Please make your check out to CHM and write “Prayer Page” on the memo line. If you would like to specify a recipient, please also write their name on your check. Prayer Page needs are shared until they are paid in full (as long as there is no lapse in

Continued on the page 9 sidebar

8

$11,421. Donations: $5,440. Remaining: $5,981.

44. Lowell Franklin: 5204 Union Lake Ct., Forth Worth, TX 76137 Condition: hip pain/osteoarthritis. Total bills: $24,614. Donations: $20,398. Add-on bills: $300.Remaining: $4,516.

45. Jennifer Fulton: 4 Sunshine Lane, Highland, IL 62249 Condition: Loeys-Dietz syndrome (connective tissue disorder). Total bills: $85,404. Donations: $28,655. Add-on bills: $911. Remaining: $57,660.

46. Larry Gaugert: 1201C Richards Ave., Watertown, WI 53094 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $16,398. Donations: $5,506. Remaining: $10,892.

47. Patricia Gayton: 3992 Doc Sams Rd., Cumming, GA 30028 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $7,516.

48. Gregory Gear: PO Box 706, North Webster, IN 46555 Condition: artery/pulmonary/vascular disease. Total bills: $99,304.

49. Michaela Glafke: 601 Perrin Ave., Lafayette, IN 47904 Condition: endometriosis. Total bills: $8,411. Donations: $3,997. Remaining: $4,414.

50. Daniel Glover: 60339 Hedgewood Ln., Bend, OR 97702 Condition: skin cancer. Total bills: $151,102. Donations: $155,019. Add-on bills: 15,342. Remaining: $11,425.

51. Debra Goodyear: 196 S Grove St., Berlin, WI 54923 Condition: gallbladder removal. Total bills: $9,766.

Donations: $3,241. Remaining: $6,525.

52. Carol Green: 1140 Keystone Dr., Pleasant View, TN 37146 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $2,603.

53. Jamie Green: 204 Bridgewood Dr., West Des Moines, IA 50266 Condition: mass in neck. Total bills: $19,590. Donations: $12,323. Remaining: $7,267.

54. Barbara Gunderson: 6098 Old Glory Ln., Neenah, WI 54956 Condition: benign brain tumor. Total bills: $37,431. Donations: $28,136. Add-on bills: $1,707. Remaining: $11,002.

55. Abby Hartmann: 512 3rd Ave W., Kalispell, MT 59901 Condition: endometriosis. Total bills: $16,084. Donations: $9,838. Remaining: $6,246.

56. Steven Hauck: 16413 Jasper St NW, Ramsey, MN 55303 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $13,841.

57. Randy Hazaert: 4345 N 163rd St., Brookfield, WI 53005 Condition: hernia surgery complications. Total bills: $21,531. Donations: $3,530. Remaining: $18,001.

58. Gary Heffner: 542 Bennett St., Lebanon, MO 65536 Condition: removal of mass in throat. Total bills: $22,402. Donations: $18,178. Remaining: $4,224.

59. Angela Henry: 1003 W Kentucky Ave., Tampa, FL 33603 Condition: bulging disc/torn meniscus. Total bills: $11,500. Donations: $1,805. Remaining: $9,695.

60. Rev. Thomas Hlad: 414 Prospect Blvd., Waterloo,

IA 50701 Condition: double knee replacement. Total bills: $25,397. Donations: $14,388. Remaining: $11,009.

61. Gerald Holbrook: PO Box 170, Alger, OH 45812 Condition: gallbladder surgery. Total bills: $16,202.

62. Kelly Holdeman: 1080 Pecan Ave., DeRidder, LA 70634 Condition: seizures/eye pain. Total bills: $13,899. Donations: $13,935. Add-on bills: $8,499. Remaining: $8,463.

63. Christine “Chris” Hoover: 171 Stevens Rd., Stevens, PA 17578 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $23,555. Donations: $3,698. Remaining: $19,857.

64. Jason Horst: 4338 Elizabethtown Rd., Manheim, PA 17545 Condition: heart valve surgery. Total bills: $10,634. Donations: $3,629. Remaining: $7,005.

65. Ted Huffer: 4864 N 850 W, Mulberry, IN 46058 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $16,546. Donations: $7,575. Remaining: $8,971.

66. Christine Hurst: 4772 Westbury Rd., Red Creek, NY 13143 Condition: blood vessel malformation. Total bills: $12,049. Donations: $7,220. Remaining: $4,829.

67. Youn Hyun: 2421 Applewood Circle, Fullerton, CA 92833 Condition: heart procedure. Total bills: $34,534. Donations: $11,486. Remaining: $23,048.

68. Rose Jacobsen: 83285 Lonesome Dove Rd., Indio, CA 92203 Condition: diseased gallbladder/liver. Total bills: $4,629.

February 2019 How do I use the Giving Guide?In the Giving Guide (chministries.org/givingguide), find the range of membership numbers in which your number falls. You can send a gift to the need number that corresponds to your member number.

For example, if your number is 140000, you can send to need #83.

These directions are only suggestions; if you are not a CHM member or feel led by the Lord to give to a need other than the one suggested, please do so!

How do I send my gift? (Continued from the page 8 sidebar)

membership) and CHM reserves the right to allocate your gift to any Prayer Page recipient with eligible medical bills. We will forward any card or encouraging note that you include, or you can send it directly to a recipient.

If you wish to donate to Prayer Page needs using your credit card or bank account, please call the CHM Member Assistance department at 330-848-1511, ext. 5993. Donations can also be made online via the CHM Member Portal at chministries.org/members.

9

Donations: $727. Remaining: $3,902.

69. Jeffery James: 3761 Cookeville Hwy, Smithville, TN 37166 Condition: brain tumor. Total bills: $7,055. Donations: $2,634. Remaining: $4,421.

70. Marlin Jantz: 3650 Linnie Rheber Rd., Liberty, KY 42539 Condition: heart valve problem. Total bills: $54,599. Donations: $37,965. Remaining: $16,634.

71. Thomas Jones: 11201 Skyline Dr., Brownsboro, TX 75756 Condition: heart procedure. Total bills: $10,556. Donations: $5,818. Remaining: $4,738.

72. Stephen Karnes: 301 Zandale Dr., Lexington, KY 40503 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $4,972. Donations: $7,837. Discounts: $88. Add-on bills: $6,770. Remaining: $3,817.

73. Jennifer Karst: 1515 W Highlander Ct., Andover, KS 67002 Condition: brain tumor. Total bills: $6,907. Donations: $1,084. Remaining: $5,823.

74. Mark Kline: 133 Monroe St., Denver, PA 17517 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $5,346.

75. Jarod & Angela Klock: 26399 401st Ave., Mt. Vernon, SD 57363 Condition: The Klocks’ daughter, Anna, suffers from brain cancer. Total bills: $6,233.

76. Dorian Knight: 4011 E San Gabriel Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85044 Condition: neck/spine surgery. Total bills: $17,355. Donations: $11,249. Remaining: $6,106.

77. Ted Konsmo: 2522 159 Ave NE, Snohomish, WA 98290 Condition: prostate surgery. Total bills: $8,792. Donations: $5,186. Add-on bills: $475. Remaining: $4,081.

78. Dale Koob: 334 Galena St., Worthington, MN 56187 Condition: heart valve surgery. Total bills:

$158,252.

Donations: $143,375. Add-on bills: $2,596. Remaining: $17,473.

79. Francis Gail Kostelny: 1114 Macon Ave., Canon City, CO 81212 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $24,424. Donations: $37,221. Add-on bills: $31,894. Remaining: $19,097.

80. Mark Kroeger: 219 Doell Ln., Sparta, NC 28675 Condition: prostate cancer. Total bills: $6,033. Donations: $3,110. Add-on bills: $1,132. Remaining: $4,055.

81. Craig Lamb: 2531 W Ashland Ln., Hayden, ID 83835 Condition: hernia mesh removal. Total bills: $35,156.

82. Donald G. Lee: 1037 Beatrice St., Eagan, MN 55121 Condition: open heart surgery. Total bills: $96,172. Donations: $15,097. Remaining: $81,075.

83. J. Richard Lehman: 1825 Reynolds Creek Rd., Liberty, KY 42539 Condition: hernia repair. Total bills: $4,142. Donations: $650. Add-on bills: $638. Remaining: $4,130.

84. Deborah Lengacher: 6914 Milan Ctr. Rd., New Haven, IN 46774 Condition: gallbladder surgery. Total bills: $26,073. Donations: $26,641. Add-on bills: $4,354. Remaining: $3,786.

85. Lisa Lewis: 7621 Purple Cress Dr., Avon, IN 46123 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $10,147. Donations: $3,587. Remaining: $6,560.

86. Anthony Lopez: 2048 W Blakes Creek Ave., Nampa, ID 83686 Condition: recurring testicular cancer. Total bills: $3,825. Donations: $8,005. Add-on bills: $22,080. Remaining: $17,900.

87. Brenda Lycan: 360 North 875 East, Rockville, IN 47872 Condition: double bypass/complications. Total bills: $104,032. Donations: $46,661. Remaining: $57,371.

88. Lislie Marsh: 3638 Blackjack Tr., Amelia, OH 45102 Condition: disc replacement surgery.

Total bills: $50,000. Donations: $7,849. Remaining: $42,151.

89. Lori McCormack: 317 S Main St., Tipton, IN 46072 Condition: heart condition. Total bills: $9,877. Donations: $5,457. Remaining: $4,420.

90. Kelly McCrary: 561 Adams Gate Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27107 Condition: endometriosis/surgery. Total bills: $15,250. Donations: $9,542. Remaining: $5,708.

91. Heath McRae: 4752 E Hopi Cir., Mesa, AZ 85206 Condition: back pain. Total bills: $8,147. Donations: $1,279. Remaining: $6,868.

92. Melissa Mercer: 327 N Pine St., Hortonville, WI 54944 Condition: melanoma cancer and surgery. Total bills: $6,896. Donations: $3,367. Add-on bills: $1,532. Remaining: $5,061.

93. Kelly Might: 13221 Overland Pass, Bee Cave, TX 78738 Condition: back pain/surgery. Total bills: $21,966. Donations: $16,436. Add-on bills: $3,250. Remaining: $8,780.

94. John & Cassandra Millburn: 10180 Slidingrock Dr., Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Condition: The Millburns’ young daughter, Mallory, underwent surgery for benign tumor removal. Total bills: $26,130. Donations: $4,127. Remaining: $22,003.

95. Andrew Miller: 1854 Country Rd 140, Sugarcreek, OH 44681 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $5,599. Donations: $3,986. Add-on bills: $4,008. Remaining: $5,621.

96. Barry Miller: 4162 Fletcher Dr., Greencastle, PA 17225 (barry.miller315@gmail.com) Condition: knee infection. Total bills: $22,663. Donations: $50,878. Add-on bills: $45,885. Remaining: $17,670.

97. Edith Miller: 71149 County Rd. 25, New Paris, IN 46553 Condition: myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease). Total bills: $19,667. Donations: $10,573. Remaining: $9,094.

February 2019

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98. Leslie Miller: 2851 560th St. SW, Kalona, IA 52247 Condition: back surgery. Total bills: $22,283. Donations: $14,788. Remaining: $7,495.

99. Sam Miller: 10048 Crabapple Ln., Middlebury, IN 46540 Condition: double knee replacement. Total bills: $59,004. Donations: $37,794. Add-on bills: $74. Remaining: $21,284.

100. Tamera Miller: 6045 N 300 E, Howe, IN 46746 Condition: hernia surgery. Total bills: $34,434.

101. Chris Mills: 1314 Noble Pl., Orlando, FL 32801 Condition: broken hip replacement. Total bills: $58,710. Donations: $57,129. Add-on bills: $22,443. Remaining: $24,024.

102. Robert Moody: 18735 Interstate 30 S., Benton, AR 72015 Condition: prostate cancer. Total bills: $10,639. Donations: $5,434. Remaining: $5,205.

103. Elizabeth Morrison: 542 Nicole Ln., Reno, TX 75462 Condition: spinal fusion surgery. Total bills: $13,340. Donations: $13,131. Add-on bills: $17,903. Remaining: $18,112.

104. Jeremy & Shantilla Morrow: 4159 N CO Road 650 W, Brownstown, IN 47220 Condition: The Morrows’ teenage daughter, Aeriel, has a heart condition causing an abnormally rapid heartbeat. Total bills: $41,902. Donations: $6,578. Add-on bills: $2,277. Remaining: $37,601.

105. Daniel Mrakovich: 1241 6th Ave N., Saint Cloud, MN 56303 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $15,754. Donations: $5,268. Remaining: $10,486.

106. Melissa A. O’Neil: 5400 W Sudbury Dr., Muncie, IN 47304 Condition: tumor removal. Total bills: $63,824. Donations: $65,027. Add-on bills: 13,037. Remaining: $11,834.

107. Russ Parker: 1621 Sandstone Rd., Durant, OK 74701 Condition: spinal/neck problem. Total bills: $30,005. Donations: $9,996. Remaining: $20,009.

108. Scott Payne: 6939 Sherman Rd., Riverton, IL 62561 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $7,023. Donations: $4,280. Add-on bills: $1,304. Remaining: $4,047.

109. Cora Peak: 12089 Moneta Rd., Moneta, VA 24121 Condition: endometriosis/hysterectomy. Total bills: $25,988. Donations: $11,537. Remaining: $14,451.

110. Kathi Peters: 444 Auburn Ct., Souderton, PA 18964 Condition: spinal fusion surgery. Total bills: $43,307. Donations: $14,752. Add-on bills: $2,223. Remaining: $30,778.

111. Timothy Pfeiffer: 1015 S Ferry St., Grand Haven, MI 49417 Condition: prostate cancer. Total bills: $66,055. Donations: $61,580. Add-on bills: $3,604. Remaining: $8,079.

112. Robert Recker: 1104 Daniel Boone Dr., Green River, WY 82935 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $30,485. Donations: $19,444. Add-on bills: $429. Remaining: $11,470.

113. Ellen Reddick: 11611 Reddick Lane, St. Onge, SD 57779 Condition: brain tumor. Total bills: $20,079. Donations: $119,611. Add-on bills: $121,339. Remaining: $21,807.

114. Rodolfo Rivera: 8605 Hopewell Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242 Condition: hernia repair. Total bills: $5,798. Donations: $1,924. Remaining: $3,874.

115. Nanetta Roberson: 8874 Sharpview Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76116 Condition: heart condition. Total bills: $24,093. Donations: $8,366. Remaining: $15,727.

116. Grady Robertson: 3410 98th St. Ste. 4, #347, Lubbock, TX 79423 Condition: heart surgery. Total bills: $5,994. Donations: $16,771.

Discounts: $5,126. Add-on bills: $32,223. Remaining: $16,319.

117. Lynn Rojas: 1649 Harlequin Dr., Longmont, CO 80504 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $6,747. Donations: $2,997. Remaining: $3,750.

118. Joseph Rusnak: 4145 James St., Belllingham, WA 98226 Condition: shoulder pain/surgery. Total bills: $8,412. Donations: $1,321. Remaining: $7,091.

119. Vincent Russo: 42358 Washington Gulch Rd., Baker City, OR 97814 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $26,965.

120. Rebecca Samdahl: 10170 E Essex Village Dr., Tucson, AZ 85748 Condition: heart valve surgery. Total bills: $11,109. Donations: $98,430. Add-on bills: $270,411. Remaining: $183,090.

121. Robert Schaefer: 917 Turner Pond Dr., Garner, NC 27529 Condition: colorectal cancer. Total bills: $58,007. Donations: $39,461. Discounts: $326. Remaining: $18,220.

122. Bennett Sease: 9900 Grubbs Rex Rd., Laura, OH 45337 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $9,584.

123. Eli Shrock: 24 W Coleman Rd., Farwell, MI 48622 Condition: heart procedure. Total bills: $30,579. Donations: $10,149. Remaining: $20,430.

124. Kara Siebert: 410 Sun Bonnet Dr., Buda, TX 78610 Condition: cyst removal surgery. Total bills: $10,485. Donations: $3,515. Remaining: $6,970.

125. James Solarek: 1183 Rosengarten Dr., Greenwood, IN 46142 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $5,780. Donations: $2,554. Add-on bills: $3,254. Remaining: $6,480.

126. Carl Steen: PO Box 4149, Traverse City, MI 49685 Condition: Carl’s wife, Cathy, recently passed away. Carl requests

February 2019

11

your help with Cathy’s bills for hip and back pain. Total bills: $9,576. Donations: $7,686. Add-on bills: $4,031. Remaining: $5,921.

127. Michael Steinhauser: 3319 W Stoneway Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870 Condition: heart valve repair. Total bills: $107,647. Donations: $79,161. Add-on bills: $11,565. Remaining: $40,051.

128. Clayton Stoltzfus: 11023 Y Rd., Meade, KS 67864 Condition: heart valve surgery. Total bills: $31,914.

129. Jacqueline Taro: 601 Route 530, Whiting, NJ 08759 Condition: back pain/surgery. Total bills: $3,006.

130. Carmen Taylor: 544 W Hugh Street., North Augusta, SC 29841 Condition: melanoma (malignant skin cancer). Total bills: $60,565. Donations: $9,508. Add-on bills: $6,216. Remaining: $57,273.

131. Amanda Terry: 17068 Hawthorne Rd., Carthage, MO 64836 Condition: pancreatitis. Total bills: $14,880. Donations: $8,698. Remaining: $6,182.

132. Parker Terry: 305 S Main St., Bourbon, IN 46504 Condition: spinal surgery. Total bills: $28,836. Donations: $5,983. Add-on bills: $1,908. Remaining: $20,945.

133. Deborah Thoman: 5180 Lane St., Flushing, MI 48433 Condition: breast cancer. Total bills: $32,344. Donations: $42,168. Add-on bills: $32,549. Remaining: $22,725.

134. Robin Thomas: 220 Sherry Drive, Mount. Airy, NC 27030 Condition: knee replacement. Total bills: $8,427. Donations: $1,323. Remaining: $7,104.

135. Steven Thompson: PO Box 512, Lakemore, OH 44250 (saltywaterjet43@yahoo.com) Condition: foot surgery. Total bills: $33,915. Donations: $58,841. Add-on bills: $32,541. Remaining: $7,615.

136. Marilyn Totten: 13660 Grand Kal Rd SW, Fife Lake, MI 49633

Condition: spinal surgery. Total bills: $10,762. Donations: $4,052. Remaining: $6,710.

137. Cynthia Traylor: 5356 County Road 427, Auburn, IN 46706 Condition: herniated disc/spinal stenosis. Total bills: $22,500. Donations: $3,532. Remaining: $18,968.

138. Ronald Tubbs: 2461 Whisper Dr., Miamisburg, OH 45342 Condition: prostate surgery. Total bills: $8,874. Donations: $7,716. Add-on bills: $1,777. Remaining: $2,935.

139. Charles Ulrich: 107 Bluebonnet Trail, Keene, TX 76059 Condition: brain tumor. Total bills: $65,380. Donations: $37,548. Remaining: $27,832.

140. Peter Vreeland: 453 Fairway Club Dr., Fripp Island, SC 29920 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $7,031. Donations: $2,563. Add-on bills: $1,893. Remaining: $6,361.

141. Travis & Mandy Ward: 1025 Slimp Branch Rd., Mountain City, TN 37683 Condition: The Wards’ teenage daughter, Sadie, had a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. Total bills: $10,293.

142. Jeffrey Watters: 564 W. Lewiston, Ferndale, MI 48220 Condition: heart disease/surgery. Total bills: $8,025. Donations: $1,260. Remaining: $6,765.

143. Donald Weaver: 6723 Goodrich Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Condition: knee surgery complications. Total bills: $11,450. Donations: $4,291. Add-on bills: $43,857. Remaining: $51,016.

144. Thomas Wellman: 1474 Commodore Way, Hollywood, FL 33019 Condition: prostate cancer. Total bills: $14,546. Donations: $10,639. Remaining: $3,907.

145. Curvin Wenger: 145 Spangler Rd., Lebanon, PA 17042 Condition: diverticulitis surgery. Total bills: $41,614. Donations: $35,606. Remaining: $6,008.

146. David White: (Address withheld by request): Condition: prostatitis/bladder stone. Total bills: $4,430. Donations: $765. Remaining: $3,665.

147. Michael “Keith” Williams: 51 Thomas Ln., Clyde, NC, 28721 Condition: sciatic nerve pain. Total bills: $8,087. Donations: $5,276. Remaining: $2,811.

148. John Williamson: 142 Curtis Rd., Portland, ME 04103 Condition: hip replacement. Total bills: $34,849. Donations: $21,944. Remaining: $12,905.

149. Don Winder: PO Box 1053, Taylor, AZ 85939 Condition: heart attack/surgery. Total bills: $55,910. Donations: $36,028. Remaining: $19,882.

150. Dawn Younger: 5527 Weeping Way, Fort Collins, CO 80528 Condition: heart condition. Total bills: $44,264.

151. Abby Zustiak: 2536 S Heights Dr. NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Condition: female problems. Total bills: $11,603.

$535,169.05

Prayer Page needs shared last month

Thank you for your faithful giving!

February 2019

Meet your CHM staff: Royale Brown and Valerie BlakeRoyale Brown and Valerie Blake recently joined CHM’s Needs Processing department where they enter medical bills into the ministry’s database.

Royale BrownHow do friends describe you? Compassionate, loving, kind-hearted, willing to give people the benefit of the doubt,

stylish and a true friend.

How did you become a Christian? I was born and raised in a Christian home. What a blessing it has been to have two saved, Spirit-filled parents! They gave me the best thing they could: the knowledge of Jesus. I’m grateful for the way they modeled the Christian life for me.

What does true leadership mean to you? Leading with integrity. Even if you

have to make a decision that isn’t popular, the decision should be based upon whether it will be pleasing to God.

What’s the strangest job you’ve had? While not “strange,” I’d say the most unique job I had was being an Uber driver.

What music is playing in your car right now? Kirk Franklin’s praise station on Sirius XM.

Valerie BlakeWhat are your family activities outside of work? My husband, Craig, and I spend most of our time with our adult children and six grandchildren. All

of our grandkids are involved in sports—even the three-year-old—so we enjoy watching them.

When did you become a Christian? As a teenager I underwent some emotional struggles. I called out to God and asked Him to forgive my sins and save my soul. As time went on I frequently wondered if my salvation had been real because I asked Christ into my heart at home, not at church. Shortly after Craig and I married, I went to the altar to pray and got the reassurance I was looking for.

What’s one thing you’d like CHM members to know? We pray for you daily. I personally pray for healing and God’s peace for each member as I enter your medical bills into our database.

What is your personal philosophy? Always be honest; be of good character and integrity. I pray others will know I’m a Christian by the way I live life and how I treat others.

Name one thing you can’t resist. Cake!

“Buyer beware,” continued from page 6

As with any industry, unethical behavior exists

Lack of pricing transparency can compound problems for patients. There have been reports of some pharmacists and technicians “backing out” discounts. The scenario plays out like this: The patient presents a prescription discount card to a pharmacy staff member. The staff member runs the card and sees the discount amount, but doesn’t share the information with the patient. Instead, the patient is told that the pharmacy’s own discount program will give them a greater reduction on their cost when, in fact, the opposite is true.

Certainly, most pharmacists and their staff members genuinely care about their customers’ welfare and operate with integrity. However, the opportunity for abuse increases when patients are uneducated about prescription prices and their purchasing options.

CHM’s prescription for preventing pocketbook pain

CHM doesn’t share maintenance prescription costs (please see Guideline T at chministries.org/guidelines). However, each new member receives a prescription savings card, the CHMRx card. On the

card’s website, chmrx.com, members can use the online drug pricing tool to search pharmacies and prices in your area.

The card is effective; members used the CHMRx card in 2018 for nearly $29 million in prescription costs and saw more than $21 million reduced—saving almost 74 percent!

The CHMRx staff* has worked with CHM to make improvements to the card that address many of the problems listed above. For more information and assistance getting the best pricing on your prescription costs, visit chmrx.com.

*Editor’s note: The CHMRx card is administered by a third party, not CHM. Please call the Rx Member Help Desk number on your CHMRx card or visit the card’s website for assistance. You can also request a new card at chmrx.com. There is no guarantee or set discount amount.

Members used the CHMRx

card in 2018 for nearly $29 million in prescription costs and saw more than 74 percent in savings!

February 2019

13

What not to say on

Let’s face it: it’s tough to be single on Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for a date, here are suggestions on lines to leave at home.

“Last night I was reading the book of Numbers and I realized I don’t have yours!”

“The Word of God says to feed the hungry; how about dinner tonight?”

“I believe one of my ribs belongs to you.”

“I didn’t know angels flew this low.”

“Is it a sin that you stole my heart?”

“I didn’t believe in predestination until I met you.”

“I’m usually not very prophetic, but I can see us together.”

“I feel like God’s telling me that you should go on a date with me.”

“I may be living in my parents’ basement and I don’t have a job right now, but I’m storing up treasures in heaven.”

“You must be a Bible verse, because I can’t stop memorizing you.”

“You may not think I’m perfect, but Jesus thinks I’m to die for.”

“Let’s compare love languages.”

“Is your name Grace? Because you’re amazing.”

“I would say ‘God bless you,’ but it looks like He already has.”

“If you’re looking for a man with good credit, Jesus paid my debt.”

“I heard Jesus called you. Mind if I do the same?”

“Could I have your name and number for my prayer list?”

© 2018 Jonny Hawkins

February 2019

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There’s nothing at all wrong with businesses making a profit, but that’s not what this ministry does. Our purpose is to glorify God and serve His people; our members are our sole concern. Aside from a very low administrative expense (about one percent), your monthly financial gifts go toward helping other Christians with their medical bills. Likewise, 100 percent of all extra giving is applied to members with medical bills.

4. Healthcare providers bill you directly, so there is transparency in medical prices.Insurance companies are known as “third-party payers,” which means that doctors and hospitals bill them rather than the patient. Therefore, patients often have no idea how much they’re really paying for healthcare. If you don’t know what something costs, or why, you won’t know the reasons when prices to you increase or if they’re justified.

In contrast, as a CHM member you can shop for competitive prices on elective procedures and treatment. Our members’ adoption of this philosophy is one of the main reasons CHM is celebrating 11 years with no increase in monthly gift amounts, even while healthcare costs

have increased significantly. (Editor’s note: See sidebar for an example.)

In an advantage distinct to CHM, when you receive a discount on an eligible bill, your personal responsibility (the amount you’re responsible to pay) is reduced by the discounted amount. (At the Gold level, CHM shares 100 percent of eligible bills for medical incidents exceeding $500; therefore, personal responsibility is eliminated once the $500 threshold is reached. In contrast, Silver and Bronze personal responsibility amounts are $1,000 and $5,000 per incident, respectively. To learn more and see an example, visit chministries.org/programs.)

5. Medical treatment is determined by you and your doctor, not CHM.Care eligible under the CHM Guidelines doesn’t require pre-authorization for any procedure, nor do we limit your healthcare choices (and how much we’ll assist you) by having a preferred provider network you must follow. As a member, you can go to any doctor or hospital and CHM will share your bills as long as they are eligible under the Guidelines.

Member’s experience with shopping aroundRecently I’ve been very conscientious about seeking the best prices for medical services.

My first “ah-ha!” moment came when I needed a lab test that cost $624. I called around and found another facility that quoted $42. I decided to go there even though it was an hour’s drive.

When I got the bill in the mail, the charge was only $21.

I was flabbergasted and called the higher-priced facility to ask if they’d made a mistake when they’d sent me their quote. I was told it wasn’t: “That’s how much it costs us to process it.”

Information about a recent procedure at an outpatient facility was equally surprising. One provider quoted almost $4,000, a second quoted $1,877. When I arrived at the less expensive facility I was only charged $1,655.78.

I wanted to write and share this info with other CHM members to emphasize how important it is to pay attention, ask questions and remain good stewards of our finances.

Rebekah Wiens, Fayetteville, NC

“Substituting other religions,” continued from page 2

“What makes CHM unique?” continued from page 6

about: service to the Living God and his son, Jesus.

It’s also because when you’re blind, you can’t see: “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Christianity’s meaning, spiritual power, and permanence exist because from the beginning there was the Word, and the

Word was with God, and the Word was God. Nothing has changed.

Are there new “religions” trying to lure mankind away from Christianity? Absolutely. What does that call us to do? Live each day according to His word. It’s a requirement to put up, and definitely not shut up.

The brilliant writer and Christian C.S. Lewis penned profound words illustrating beautifully the futility of those who try to bury the reality of God under an

avalanche of indifference, derision, or contempt—regardless of how many alternative religions they attempt to create for themselves.

Wrote Lewis, “A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.”

To God be the glory, great things he has done. And will do. Forever.

February 2019

15

Brunson, a friend from my college days and former associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. Trey signed on as an executive producer

and eventually introduced me to brothers Tim and Robby Tebow, who also attended First Baptist.

Tim Tebow, a former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner, is an executive producer and makes a cameo appearance in Run The Race. Robby, who helps handle Tim’s professional endorsements and off-field activities, also believed in the upcoming film’s message and became an executive producer.

Other collaborators include Zach Smith and Jason Baumgardner, personal friends who have written a number of other film scripts, including the screenplay for the film Samson, released in Feb. 2018. While working with Zach in 2009 we decided on the name Run The Race, based on Hebrews 12:1-2.

Charity: While the film was in post-production, we learned we were expecting our first child. I contacted CHM to learn what to do about prenatal visits, the hospital bill, etc. I spoke with a number of staff members and each was kind and helpful, especially Jill Price in the Member Assistance department. (Editor’s note: A step-by-step maternity guide is available at chministries.org/maternityguide.)

Our son, John Silas McEntire—who we call “Silas”—was born Sept. 3, 2017. We praise God that there were no complications and that CHM shared over $24,500 for his birth!

Jake: Christian Healthcare Ministries has been a huge blessing to our family both personally and professionally. Over the years we faced many challenges trying to keep our dream alive, but CHM’s affordability helped make it possible for us to still pay our bills while getting the movie off the ground. Even when the film’s initial funding fell through and we had to sell our house as a result, CHM was there and has been such a kind, honest and caring organization.

The long process of creating a film—writing the script, refining it, lining up funding, casting, filming, post-production and a million other details—is kind of like giving birth to a child. Your first film is your “baby” and I’ve invested a lot of myself into Run The Race.

The most important thing we pray that moviegoers will learn from the film is that as long as you have Jesus, you have everything you need.

Editor’s note: To learn more about Run The Race, visit the film’s website at runtheracemovie.com.

“McEntire testimony,” continued from page 3

“Temper tax trepidation,” continued from page 5

appear on Form 8965. Follow the prompts to claim exemptions for family members who participated in CHM for all or part of the 2018 tax year. If your tax software asks for an ECN number, skip that page or window to go to the next step.

*Members who were part of a group in 2018Please contact your group administrator for tax help. Group administrators with questions should speak to an attorney knowledgeable about both taxes and the Affordable Care Act.

* Members who had Medicare in 2018

Members who had Medicare for all of 2018 should not file Form 8965. Since Medicare is your primary source of health cost provision, please indicate that you have health insurance when filing your taxes by mail or online. For further questions, please consult your tax professional.

The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)Though many provisions of the federal tax reform law went into effect in 2018, please know that the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate remains in effect. The tax penalty will not be reduced to zero until Jan. 1, 2019

and thus will not affect your 2018 income tax filing.

Extra givingExcept in Missouri, monthly financial gifts to CHM are not tax-deductible. Only extra giving (including Prayer Page donations) is considered tax-deductible. CHM mails a tax statement to all Missouri members,

but only to members from other states who in 2018 contributed extra giving. If you didn’t participate in extra giving in 2018, you will not receive a tax statement.

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Health Q & A with Dr. Michael Jacobson, D.O. Pain in the tailbone (coccyx)

Q:I’ve been having horrible tailbone pain for a few weeks. This morning

I woke up with a pain level of seven out of 10. The pain is also in my calf. It hurts to sit and walk. What should I do?

A: Thank you for your question. Assuming that it’s truly your

tailbone (coccyx) causing the problem, excruciating pain can emanate from either a fracture of this very small bone at the tip of your spine or from the ligament that connects it to the sacrum. More often than not, the original injury is the result of a fall onto one’s posterior. These injuries usually heal on their own over the course of four to six weeks. During the healing phase, a

“donut cushion” may help reduce pain by eliminating direct pressure when sitting.

However, if pain persists beyond six weeks, I suggest that you find a physician who does prolotherapy. This injection treatment stimulates repair of injured connective tissue (i.e. the opposite of steroids). A factsheet that includes websites with directories of physicians who provide the procedure (such as the American Association of Orthopedic Medicine) is available by emailing editor@chministries.org.

I hope this helps you recover soon!

If you have a health question for Dr. Jacobson, CHM Medical Consultant, please email it to doc@chministries.org.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician.

“HPV vaccine,” continued from page 4

encourage sexual promiscuity; however, there are several studies that don’t support this concern. Many Christians and pro-family ministries opposed to policies that force parents to vaccinate their children, support the widespread advancement of the HPV vaccination.

Whether you choose to vaccinate your children against HPV, I strongly recommend routine Pap smears for all women

upon reaching age 21. Furthermore, while I empathize with parental concerns, I would not rely on the threat of HPV infection to motivate children to moral purity. Rather, the Word of God, the work of the Holy Spirit and a nurturing discipleship relationship are far more effective in encouraging responsible, Christ-like behavior.

References

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Disease and Vaccine Information. National Vaccine Information Center. 2018. https://www.nvic.org/Vaccines-and-Diseases/HPV.aspx

Human Papillomavirus Infection. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. January 25, 2018. https://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/human-papillomavirus-infection

Human Papilloma Virus: What is HPV? Questions and Answers. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). August 23, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/questions-answers.html

The HPV vaccine. Cancer Council Australia. September 23, 2018. http://www.hpvvaccine.org.au/the-hpv-vaccine/vaccine-background.aspx

HPV Vaccine Safety. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). September 30, 2015. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/questions-answers.html

Robinson, Bruce A., 2012 to 2014: Studies show vaccinated girls do not become promiscuous. Webmaster’s comments. 2013 CDC report on vaccine effectiveness. Religious Tolerance. September 25, 2016. https://www.religioustolerance.org/ccvaccine5.htm

White, Mark D., Pros, cons, and ethics of HPV vaccine in teens—Why such controversy? Translational Andrology and Urology 3 (4):429-434. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2014.11.02.

Young, Clayton, OBGYN Against ACIP HPV Vaccine Decision. PROVE (Parents Requesting Open Vaccine Education). 2018. https://www.healthychild.com/objections-to-gardasil-hpv-vaccine/

© 2018 Jonny Hawkins

February 2019

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In your own words: members tell the CHM story

Just as the church of Christ is not a building, Christian Healthcare Ministries isn’t an office in Ohio. These letters represent what you who participate in CHM are accomplishing for each other and for the cause of Christ. You, through your collective and faith-based sharing and support, make this ministry possible. We are privileged to serve you. We are privileged to serve Him. -Rev. Dr. Howard Russell

Dear CHM, Thank you for being a part of God’s redemptive plans on the earth and helping my family and me by sharing our medical bills. You are faithful in your work and I pray God will give you many more blessings.

John & Crystal Detwiler Ephrata, PA

Dear CHM, I would like to thank the staff at CHM and all the members for their kindness and generosity in helping me submit my medical needs and sharing the cost. I am truly blessed by the ministry! God bless all of you!

Love,

Jenny Austreng Germantown, WI

Dear CHM, Thank you so much for the check I just received to share the costs of my colonoscopy and endoscopy. This was the first time I have submitted medical bills for sharing and I want to thank Pat Turner in your Member Assistance department

for patiently answering my questions. CHM really works and

it’s a privilege to be a member of such a wonderful ministry and help bear one another’s medical costs!

Sincerely in Christ,

Liz Searcy Tomball, TX

Dear CHM Members and Staff, Thank you very much for sharing my medical needs, and for your kind prayers! I am praising God and so grateful for this wonderful ministry. Thank you!

With love,

David Toigo Plano, TX

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, I’m eternally grateful that you shared my medical bills. I will continue to pray for good health for all the CHM family and contribute to the sharing of the burdens of others as all have graciously shared in mine. In the name of our Lord, I thank you all.

Sincerely,

Frank Caparelli Myrtle Beach, SC

Dear CHM, We so appreciate the check to share our medical needs and helping us pay on time. We’re so relieved; it gave us peace of mind. We thank CHM and all who shared, and we give thanks to our Lord and savior. We’re so happy to be a part of CHM.

Much thanks,

Bill & DelRae Swanson New Germany, MN

Dear CHM, We received the check today to share Randy’s shoulder replacement bills. We are so thankful to the Lord for our Christian friends that helped to make the payment possible. May the Lord continue to bless your work and all those who serve Him!

Sincerely,

Randy & Judy Berkheimer Columbus, NE

Dear CHM, We have been self-employed for over 20 years and have always had problems with our health plans. We found CHM and felt this was the best choice for us. I (Dawn) had some health issues and some tests run in late 2017 and 2018.

I have learned to negotiate with the doctors’ offices and have been surprised at the willingness of most to help and adjust our bills. I have submitted all our bills to CHM and recently received my reimbursement check for all of my expenses.

Thank you! Your ministry does exactly what you say it does. We are grateful and so very thankful for CHM. We pray God will continue to bless all of you and this ministry. Thank you!

God bless,

John & Dawn Marino Mooresville, IN

Dear CHM, I am so thankful for this ministry. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,

The Eberly Family Tulsa, OK

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CHM legal noticesChristian Healthcare Ministries (hereinafter “CHM”), a not-for-profit religious organization, is not an insurance company. No ministry operations or publications are offered through or operated by an insurance company. CHM does not guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be shared or assigned to others for financial gifts. Whether any CHM member chooses to share the burden of your medical bills will be entirely voluntary. As such, CHM should never be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy. Whether you receive any financial gifts for medical expenses and whether CHM continues to operate, you are always liable for any unpaid bills.Especially for Florida Residents: A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free, within the state of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State of Florida. 1-800-435-7352 Our Florida registration number is CH3543. CHM has not retained any professional solicitors or professional fundraising consultants and 100% of each contribution is received by our organization.Especially for Kentucky Residents: Notice: CHM is not an insurance company. CHM’s related operations and publications are not issued by an insurance company and they are not offered through an insurance company. CHM does not guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be shared or assigned to others for financial gifts. Whether any member chooses to share the burden of your medical bills will be totally voluntary. CHM should never be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy. Whether you receive any gifts for medical expenses, and whether or not CHM continues to operate, you will always remain liable for any unpaid bills.Especially for Maryland Residents: Notice: CHM is not an insurance company. CHM’s related operations and publications are not issued by or offered through an insurance company. CHM does not guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be shared or assigned to others for financial gifts. No other member will be compelled to contribute toward the cost of your medical bills. Therefore, CHM should never be considered a substitute for an insurance policy. This activity is not regulated by the Maryland Insurance Administration, and your liabilities are not covered by the Maryland Life and Health Guarantee Fund. Whether or not you receive any financial gifts for medical expenses and whether or not CHM continues to operate, you are always liable for any unpaid bills.Especially for Oklahoma Residents: This is not an insurance policy. It is a voluntary program that is neither approved, endorsed or regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Insurance and the program is not guaranteed under the Oklahoma Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association.Especially for Pennsylvania Residents: Notice: CHM is not an insurance company. CHM’s related operations and publications are not issued by or offered through an insurance company. CHM does not guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be shared or assigned to others for financial gifts. Whether any member chooses to share the burden of your medical bills will be totally voluntary. As such, CHM should never be considered as a substitute for insurance. Whether you receive any financial gifts for medical expenses, and whether or not CHM continues to operate, you are always liable for any unpaid bills.Especially for South Dakota Residents: CHM is not an insurance company. CHM’s program is not an insurance contract. This plan does not fall under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance and the plan is not covered under the South Dakota guaranty fund.Especially for Wisconsin Residents: Attention: CHM is not an insurance company. CHM’s related operations and publications are not issued by or offered through an insurance company. CHM does not guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be shared or assigned to others for financial gifts. Whether any member chooses to share the burden of your medical bills is entirely voluntary. CHM should never be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy. Whether or not you receive any financial gifts for medical expenses, and whether or not CHM continues to operate, you will always remain responsible for the payment of your own medical bills.

Prayer requests this month: These are prayer requests only. Please send your monthly financial gift to the CHM office (see instructions on your yellow Member Gift Form). We invite you to send cards or words of encouragement to the people listed below.

Jason & Edith Benjamin: 3450 Cheetah Dr, Loveland, CO 80537 Jason was recently diagnosed with cancer and will undergo chemotherapy. Please pray for him.

Todd & Rhonda Geissinger: 7461 Chamber Hills Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111 Rhonda is suffering from a brain tumor and cancer. She is undergoing treatment. Please pray for her healing and family during this time.

Viktor & Zinaida Gusar: 8581 Dillard Rd, Wilton, CA 95693 Zinaida is suffering from cancer that has spread to her liver. Please pray for her and her family.

Joyce Hayes: PO Box 928, Malakoff, TX 75148 Joyce’s husband, Kenneth, recently passed away from cancer. Please pray for her during this difficult time.

Todd & Katrina Nelson: 1954 5th Ave, Boelus, NE 68820 Todd had surgery which left him with many health complications. Please pray for his healing.

Valerie Pierson: PO Box 8514, Kalispell, MT 59904 Valerie is suffering from macular degeneration and glaucoma. Please pray for her healing.

Amella Short: 10229 Cowley Rd, Roverview, FL 33578 Amella was diagnosed with breast cancer. Please pray for her healing during this difficult time.

Ian & Kara Smith: 92 E Main St, Apple Creek, OH 44606 Ian and Kara’s newborn daughter, Livian, was born with kidney problems. Please pray for Livian’s restoration to health.

Gregory & Carla Spaulding: 5311 Edgeware Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Gregory was diagnosed with a rare form of cancerous cells that will require chemotherapy. Please pray for his complete healing.

February 2019

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127 Hazelwood Ave. • Barberton, OH 44203www.chministries.org

2) Substituting other “religions” for Christianity

3) Member welcomes first child with help from CHM, is writer of soon-to-be-released film Run The Race

4) Healthwatch: HPV vaccine (part 3)

5) Temper trepidation at tax time

5) CHM’s website: new look, new features

6) CHM for newbies: “What makes CHM unique?”

6) Buyer beware: what you need to know about prescription costs

7) Prayer Page

13) Meet your CHM staff: Royale Brown & Valerie Blake

14) What not to say on Valentine’s Day

17) Health Q & A with Dr. Jacobson: Pain in the tailbone (coccyx)

18) Letters to CHM

19) Prayer requests

FEBRUARY2019’19

The mission of Christian Healthcare Ministries is to glorify God, show Christian love, and experience God’s

presence as Christians share each other’s medical bills.