Little Rock ministry offers out-of-town cancer patients home away from home
- Feb 2, 2009 -
While there is no place like home, a Little Rock ministry is providing out-of-town cancer patients a home away from home.
The Christian Endeavors Foundation Hospitality House, which opened in April 2008, has become a temporary home for several patients and their families who come for treatment in Little Rock, primarily at the Multiple Myeloma Institute for Research Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). The Institute is an international leader in the treatment and study of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells that is an incurable but treatable disease.
Located only a few miles from UAMS, the ranch-style home features three bedrooms, two baths, living room, den and laundry room. It is completely furnished and offers residents many amenities of home, including a washer and dryer, microwave, television and DVD and VCR players. Lodging is free.
Several Arkansas Baptists and churches support Christian Endeavors Foundation, which leases the Hospitality House from Markham Street Church of Little Rock. A few years ago, Markham Street had the home completely remodeled and helped furnish the home. Also chipping in on decorations, furniture and household items were several Arkansas Baptist churches and individuals. A former guest donated the Maytag washer and dryer in appreciation.
No financial criteria are required for residents who stay at the home. Most are patients at the Myeloma clinic, but out-of-town patients at other local hospitals are welcome.
Since opening its doors, the house has been vacant only a few days. Residents come from as far away as Michigan and Texarkana.
When they arrive, Glen McGriff, Foundation president, often is the first to meet with visitors and helps them become acquainted with Little Rock. McGiff, a retired pastor and counselor, frequently visits patients, offers counseling and prays for needs. He’s been known to pick up patients at the airport, loan them his personal vehicle and make his own home available if needed.
“Glen has an incredible heart for people, and this ministry that he does is touching people at a crucial time in their lives,” says Jim Lagrone, pastor of First Church of Little Rock where McGriff is a member. “He prays with them, counsels with them and even just visits them. Those visits are important since these people come from all over Arkansas and even other states. They feel alone and Dr. Glen touches them in the name of Jesus. Glen McGriff is making a difference.”
Charnett Carroll can attest to that.
Carroll, a multiple myeloma patient from Panama City, Fla., praises McGriff and his wife, Cecelia, for their Christian hospitality.
“My words seem lacking to describe the deep gratitude my husband and I feel to Pastor and Cecelia McGriff,” noted Carroll, whose cancer is now in remission. She returns to Little Rock every six months for treatment.
“I thank our Heavenly Father that Mr. and Mrs. McGriff stepped out of their comfort zones and extended themselves to us,” said Carroll. “I am certain their rewards await them in heaven.”
Natalie Ryan, who stayed with her ill father at the house, expressed her great appreciation in a letter to Christian Endeavors Foundation. Following his death, Ryan’s family requested friends and family make donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Foundation.
“We would like to thank you for all your help while my dad was in the hospital,” shared Ryan. “You provided not just a place for us to stay, but a place that felt like home.
“It was comfortable, clean and everything that we could ask for. It means so much to us that you provide this ministry to families like us.”
A young couple from Missouri noted appreciation in a guest book kept in the house. McGriff’s hospitality and compassion for their ill baby resulted in both rededicating their lives to the Lord, they noted.
The idea for the Hospitality House was born out of McGriff’s personal hospitality ministry to out-of-town cancer patients. Up until the house was opened, McGriff often allowed patients to utilize a home he owns in Ferndale in western Pulaski County.
McGriff said he and his wife first opened their home for patients in 2005, but God led them to expand the ministry about two years ago. Noting that Ferndale is more than 25 miles from UAMS and requires travel on a winding road, he said, God led him to look for lodging nearer the hospital.
Initially he spoke with leaders at Markham Street about parking an RV in the church parking lot for cancer patients. They had a better idea.
“The pastor…shared that they were remodeling a house across the street and asked if Christian Endeavors would be interested in partnering in a hospitality ministry,” he said. Subsequently, Christian Endeavors leased the home.
“Christian Endeavors is a great ministry to patients facing serious illnesses,” said Emil Turner, executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. “It is meeting needs.”
Such needs, said McGriff, continue to expand as people from across the United States and around the world travel to Little Rock for cancer treatment. Founded in 1989 by Dr. Bart Barlogie, the myeloma program has seen over 7,400 patients from every state in the United States and more than 40 foreign countries.
Cost of medical treatment can take a heavy toll on patients. For many, their treatment extends several weeks or months, requiring them to find options for temporary housing.
“People are coming to our city from all over the nation for this treatment,” said McGriff. “What an opportunity for Christians in our state to offer hospitality and Christian love to those who come to our city.
“As believers, we are commanded to love one another,” added McGriff. “Love is choosing a position to benefit another. It is not a feeling. One way we can love one another is to be hospitable to one another.”
Individuals or churches interested in learning more about hospitality ministry or would like information about the house should contact McGriff at 501-22-7795.
This article is reprinted from the January 15, 2009, issue of the Arkansas Baptist News, the newsjournal of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.