Though Judy had previously been to a METS Conference, she had been hesitant to talk with patients about spiritual issues. "I don't feel that I talk with people easily. It's not that I've had an unpleasant experience. I just haven't felt comfortable raising spiritual issues."

Yet Judy had returned to another METS Conference to enhance her spiritual care skills. Throughout the conference she was ambivalent about the spiritual practicum field time. Part of her wanted to go. Another part did not. But as a step of faith, she went with the rest of the group to the hospital.

Judy was paired with Birda, a receptionist from her own clinic. "We walked in a lady patient's room. She had been in the hospital for three or four days. Her illness had a life threatening and she attributed her recovery to God," says Judy. The patient shared, "I've been away from God for some time and when I get out of the hospital, I plan for my husband and me to return to church as soon as possible." This statement made it clear to Judy and Birda that God had been working in this lady's life. Through this illness, God was drawing this lady to Himself.

"We told the patient that she did not have to wait until going to church to have a personal relationship with God," says Judy. In disbelief the lady queried "I don't???" "No, you don't," explained Judy. "In fact, you can have peace with God right now. Would you like us to explain how you can do that?" "Yes!" said the patient.

Over the next few minutes, Judy and Birda explained how this lady could trust Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Then they asked her, "Would you like to be at peace with God right now?" "Oh yes," the patient said. Then the three of them bowed their heads in prayer as this lady invited Jesus into her life. Judy shares "After we prayed she told us that she planned to tell everyone in her family what she had done. Apparently there had been some friction and estrangement in her family. Her illness had brought people back into the same proximity and family members were beginning to talk with each other again. This lady was anxious to tell them how God had given her peace."

Judy tells that this experience and coming to METS for a second time increased her own sense of peace. "Seeing this lady warmly respond to the Gospel showed me how much patients want and need to discuss spiritual issues while they are in the clinic or hospital. Since METS, I've been able to talk with patients about God. Each patient has greatly appreciated it. I feel more at peace and am more willing to broach the subject as I feel God directing me to do so."