I am a hospice chaplain with the Zion’s Way Hospice team. I believe I have the choicest position of the entire hospice team, although our massage and music therapists can put up a stiff argument for their own services. So, what does a hospice chaplain do?

A few years ago, I was a BYU Kennedy Center teacher at Petroleum University in Dong Ying, China. I was helping to train future Chinese teachers of English. One day, at the end of the semester, one of my best students sought me out after class and asked, “What is the most important thing I can do for my students?”

A myriad of answers ran through my mind before I finally replied, “Genuinely love your students…and give them what they need.”

My answer is still much the same as a hospice chaplain. I get to know the people assigned to me and I learn to love them at the same time. That love dictates what I do for them.

My forty years of teaching experience has taught me that each person is uniquely different and each one has one or more gifts given him or her from God. There is much I can learn from each person, diminished as they might be. Once I discern their gifts and differences, then I can fully appreciate, love and respect them.

How rewarding it is to get to know people and have them share part of their life with me! Recently, I have had the privilege of visiting several World War II veterans. A few of them chose to share their war experiences with me. What heroes they are! What remarkable service they gave. I don’t see the bent bodies or notice the human frailness that comes with old age. I am too much in awe of their courage, character and integrity.

I strive to bring spiritual comfort and assurance to our hospice patients. At the end stage of life, I find that most people need human attention and companionship. All need to be assured that there is a loving God who knows them and knows the trials and challenges they face. All need to be assured that He is there and will respond to them in their time of need and that there is a place prepared for them. My task as a hospice chaplain is very rewarding. As William Shakespeare wrote:

“The quality of mercy is not strained;

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven;

Upon the place beneath; it is twice blessed;

It blesseth him that giveth and him that takes.

(This article was published in the Senior Sampler, Friday, May 2, 2008.)