04/11/2026
Chaplaincy – Ministry of Presence
Spring / Summer Ministry Update
Rev. David Stenske Community & Healthcare Chaplain
God's Bible Chapel
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Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
As the seasons begin to shift and new life emerges all around us, I’ve been reflecting on how even in the most fragile places—hospital rooms, care facilities, and quiet bedside moments—God is still bringing renewal, presence, and hope.
Spring and summer often remind us of growth and warmth. Yet in my chaplaincy work, I am continually reminded that God meets people not only in seasons of strength—but also in moments of vulnerability, fear, and deep need.
And it is there, in those sacred in-between places, that this ministry continues to unfold.
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About Me
My name is Rev. David Stenske.
I am called to be a Healthcare & Community Chaplain. My ministry is sponsored by God's Bible Chapel, and I bring Christ’s hope to patients and families in hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities across our community. I have a deep love for Scripture and pastoral care. I count it a privilege to walk beside people during their most challenging seasons.
My family and I are grateful for your prayers and partnership in this calling.
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About This Ministry
This chaplaincy ministry provides Christ’s comfort and hope to patients, families, and staff in hospitals, care facilities, and hospice settings throughout our community.
We offer presence, prayer, and Christ-centered support during life’s most critical moments.
I am also available for prayer, pastoral care, and spiritual support.
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Moments from the Ministry Field
Over the past weeks, I have had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families in some of life’s most tender moments.
One afternoon, I sat with an elderly woman battling pneumonia. What began as a short visit turned into several hours at her bedside. She didn’t want to be alone. Beneath her words was something deeper—a quiet but powerful fear.
So I stayed.
We spoke gently. We sat in silence. We prayed. And in that space, I was reminded again that ministry is not always about having the right words—but about offering a faithful presence.
Before leaving, I stopped in the hospital chapel and lifted her in prayer, entrusting her into God’s care. I returned the next day, because presence is not a one-time act—it is a continued witness of Christ’s love.
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In another setting, within a care facility, I met a resident who rarely received visitors. Loneliness had become a quiet companion. When I entered the room, there was hesitation at first—but over time, conversation opened into laughter, shared memories, and eventually prayer.
Sometimes the deepest healing begins simply with being seen.
I also walk alongside those who are saying goodbye to their loved ones.
I had the opportunity to counsel a young man as he said goodbye to his mother.
He shared some of his most precious memories of his mother. I had the privilege to help him as he started the grieving process. I will be staying in touch with him as long as it is needed, and I will be constantly guiding him back to The Lord who is the source of our comfort, care, and well-being.
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I have also been spending time in comfort care situations—walking with individuals and families as they face end-of-life realities. These moments are sacred ground. There is grief, yes—but also profound love, reconciliation, and even peace.
I’ve witnessed families hold hands, offer forgiveness, and whisper prayers in those final hours. In those spaces, the presence of God is not distant—it is deeply near.
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A Reflection from Scripture
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
—Psalm 46:1
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18
Chaplaincy is, in many ways, a ministry of presence—reflecting the nearness of Christ to those who feel afraid, alone, or weary.
It is not about fixing every situation. It is about standing in the gap… and trusting that God is already at work there.
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Looking Ahead
As we move further into the summer months, opportunities for ministry continue to grow:
- Expanding visits within local care facilities
- Deepening relationships with hospital staff and patients
- Providing ongoing spiritual and emotional support to families in crisis
- Being available for end-of-life care and prayer
- Offering staff training to better equip caregivers to support patients.
The need is real—and increasing. Many people are navigating fear, isolation, and uncertainty. And yet, these are precisely the places where the light of Christ shines most clearly.
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Prayer Requests
I invite you to join me in prayer for:
- Patients facing illness, fear, and uncertainty
- Families making difficult medical and end-of-life decisions
- Those experiencing deep loneliness in care facilities
- Strength, wisdom, and spiritual endurance in this chaplaincy work
- Continued opportunities to bring compassionate, Christ-centered care to those in need
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Ministry Needs
We are in need of Bibles and devotionals—especially large-print editions—as well as puzzle books and short story collections for patients and residents.
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An Invitation to Partner
This ministry is not something I can do alone—it is something we share together.
Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support make it possible for me to be present in these sacred moments. Every visit, every prayer, every conversation is made possible through your partnership.
If you feel led to support this ministry, you can do so in the following ways:
- Online Giving:
- Paypal -
https://www.paypal.me/godsbiblechapel
- Venmo -
https://venmo.com/code?user_id=4373123084321964916&created=1775937674
- By Mail:
PO Box 43
St Clair MI
48079
- Note: Please make checks payable to God's Bible Chapel
As I continue working toward consistent monthly support, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you might continue or deepen your involvement in this ministry.
Together, we are bringing the presence of Christ into hospital rooms, care facilities, and moments where hope is needed most.
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Stay Connected
If you have a prayer need, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I would be honored to pray with you and be a blessing in your life.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 734-837-0540
- Ministry Page: [Insert Link]
- Mailing Address:
PO Box 43
St Clair MI
48079
I look forward to continuing to share how God is at work through this ministry in the months ahead.
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Closing Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord be gracious to you and strengthen you.
May you know the nearness of Christ in every season—
and may you be a bearer of His peace wherever you go.
Thank you for partnering with me in this work.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. David Stenske
Community & Healthcare Chaplain
God's Bible Chapel
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“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” —Matthew 25:40
