Last year, the Humane Society of the United States posted a surprising and inspiring article from their All Animals magazine "Tent Revival: A Free Veterinary Clinic Helps Church Minister to Needy New Orleans Residents" (by Jim Baker). It tells of evangelical congregation Church of the King's offering of veterinary services, alongside medical and dental services from other volunteers, to low-income residents in the inner city.
Church members John and Deb Mauterer, both veterinary surgeons, are the primary animal caregivers at the tent events. They "recently sold their 24-hour clinic so they could devote themselves to volunteer efforts, which also include mission work providing free treatment for animals in Africa, Asia, and South America." The Mauterer's founded the Veterinary Relief Fund in the aftermath of Katrina, and what an uncommon, but deeply needed and compassionate ministry. I hope someday to have an opportunity to hear and share more of their missional veterinary work.
As Randy Craighead, executive pastor at Church of the King, is quoted in the article: “If we can show [people] that we’re even interested in their pets, they can see that we’re interested in them as a whole person—body, soul, and spirit—and all their attachments.” The video posted here offers a glimpse of this wonderful ministry, as well as that of a free pet clinic sponsored by Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church and Shallow Well United Church of Christ in Sanford, North Carolina.
If you love these examples of ministries to pets and the people who care for them, be sure not to miss Flourish's excellent and motivating post, "How Your Church Can Help Shelter Animals Find Their Way Home." Other church ministry ideas involving companion animals are featured in the Humane Society Faith Outreach's recently published "Animal Protection Ministries" guide, which also highlights ways to help your congregation get involved in farm and wild animal stewardship issues as well.
I'd also like to draw attention to a wonderful effort spearheaded by my friend Jan Fredericks and God's Creatures Ministry, which offers a measure of assistance to those in need of veterinary bill assistance (when funds are available), and also provides a way for individuals, churches and other local communities to fundraise for local needs of this nature, for example through a sponsored walk.
Having experienced the stomach-churning prospect of potentially not being able to provide needed care to one of our own beloved cats because of a lack of funds, which a family member mercifully provided, I know a bit how difficult it can be to face this need. Donations to God's Creatures Ministry in support of their Veterinarian Charity fund are always welcome, and please feel free to contact Jan directly for any additional information or to organize a fundraiser.
(This post is adapted from not one sparrow, a Christian voice for animals. Partial screenshot from the video "Serving People and Pets" by the Humane Society of the United States. Ben lives with his wife Cheryl, 19-month-old son Jadon and three cats in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He welcomes communication at ben@notonesparrow.com or via Facebook.)
