life
a second
chance a t
Ever since Billy Hall had contracted hepatitis C 12 years ago, his liver had been
under attack. As the years passed, the need for a new liver became imminent,
but all he and his wife, Patty, could do was wait.
Meanwhile, a new music minister, the Rev. Jericho “Jerry” Nyatoro, had arrived
at their church. Because of Mr. Hall’s condition, the couple could no longer
attend Sunday services, so they listened to them on the radio.
It wasn’t until 2011 that the couple finally met Nyatoro — at Methodist Dallas
Medical Center. “Brother Jerry walked into the room, and when I heard his
voice, I looked at Billy and said, ‘We know him. We listened to him on the
radio,’” Mrs. Hall says. Sure enough, the same pastor who had ministered to
them for years via radio was now serving them in person as a chaplain resident
in Methodist’s Clinical Pastoral Education program.
“
We’d been praying for the Lord to send us somebody when we were here to
pray with us and read the Bible,” Mrs. Hall says.
Nyatoro pastored the Halls in the months to come, visiting them when
Mr. Hall was in the hospital. He also called weekly and sent encouraging
reading materials. On July 1, 2012, when the Halls got the call that a liver
was ready, Nyatoro was one of the first people they contacted with the good
news. He was also in the intensive care unit with them before the surgery,
offering prayers and support.
Thousands of patients find similar encouragement and support from the
many seminarians and clergy of various denominations serving throughout
Methodist Health System. Recognizing the vital role of ministry in health
care, Trevor Rees-Jones, recipient of Methodist Health System Foundation’s
2011
Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award, designated the event proceeds to
Methodist’s pastoral care ministries.
Nyatoro’s presence reminded Mr. Hall of encouraging words his father had
left him before he died years ago: “Billy, don’t ever give up, because God has
never given up on you.”
“
Dad was right,” Mr. Hall says. “Sometimes I get a little emotional because of how
long I waited, but God has always stayed close to me. He never left my side.”
“
WE SINCERELY
APPRECIATE THE
GENEROSITY OF
THE DONORS
WHO GAVE GIFTS
THROUGH THE
FOLSOM AWARD
TO FURTHER
THE PASTORAL
CARE INITIATIVES
AT METHODIST.
THESE GIFTS WILL
HELP SUSTAIN
AND EXPAND
OUR ABILITY TO
MINISTER TO ALL
THOSE IN NEED.”
—
The Rev. Carole Somers-Clark,
vice president of
pastoral services
2012
Crossroads Annual Report
Page 9