LifeLine Toledo serves residents of downtown Toledo with free medical care. LifeLine is a church community that believes in meeting people where they are. A mobile medical clinic in a converted Greyhound bus provides many opportunities for “God moments” in the interactions between clients and staff.
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Script:
(Toledo, Ohio)
Rev. Steve North: “So, this is the Lifeline mobile medical unit, it’s a Greyhound bus really that was bought on ebay.”
Volunteer doctors and nurses make a special house call, when this mobile clinic rolls into downtown Toledo to care for the city’s homeless.
(client) “Two years ago I had two heart attacks in November.”
Steve North drives the bus. He’s also the pastor and founder of LifeLine Toledo, a church community that’s the driving force behind this United Methodist ministry on wheels.
Rev. Steve North, LifeLine Toledo:
“Going to church on Sunday or whenever is good. Being the church in the world, that’s what I’m called to. The Gospel is not words, it’s a life. It’s on the streets and in the neighborhoods and in the lives of people.”
Rick Velich, LifeLine Toledo: “Did you get some food this morning?”
Lisa Craig, LifeLine Toledo: “These people come to you and it’s not just food that they hunger for, they hunger for things other than food. They hunger for compassion and respect.”
Client: “Thank you so much.” Rich Velich: “Thank you.”
Lifeline volunteer Rick Velich says the conversation and compassion that happens while checking vital signs is where the real healing happens. And the love flows both ways.
Rick Velich: “Do you want your blood sugar checked?” Yvonne: “Yes.”
Rick Velich, LifeLine Toledo: “It’s just important to be the hands and feet of Jesus. My devotion this morning was about giving, not just financially but giving of your time. And sadly, I’ve been lacking in doing that.”
Rick Velich: “Is there anything else I can do for you, Yvonne?”
Yvonne: “Pray that the siezures stop.”
Rick Velich: “I will do that. You want me to do that right now? ‘Lord God, we just thank you for Yvonne. We thank you that she’s here with us…’” (pats Yvonne on arm)
Rick Velich: “I’m way more blessed after I leave here than these people are for anything I’ve done for them. To me, this is the best kind of church that there is.”
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LifeLine Toledo also hosts a free community dinner at Rev. Steve North’s house on the first Saturday of every month. LifeLine Toledo is a ministry of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN.
Media contact is Joe Iovino, jiovino@umcom.org.
This video was first posted on September 17, 2019.
