real i2U

Cheryl Clark heard Phil Thompson speak about the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute one Sunday morning here at SOCC. He talked about the type of person that comes to get treatment at MPRI: a child or adult who has a cancerous tumor and other options haven’t worked.

Patients of MPRI usually stay in Bloomington from 3-9 weeks for treatment and housing can get expensive while they’re here. After hearing Phil speak, Cheryl thought, “I have a room, a place for these people to stay.” After learning more about how Sherwood Oaks planned to help, Cheryl became a face of welcome and warmth for many scared patients. “I’ve turned into a sort of hostess at the SOCC sponsored condos that patients stay at. I like to make sure there are fresh flowers and homemade cookies at the condo when they arrive.”

Flowers and cookies are only the beginning of Cheryl’s ministry. She makes it a priority to develop friendships with the people God has put in her path. Cheryl says, “Each patient has something special. They come here scared and anxious. God brought them here, they leave here changed, and go back to effect their community.”

Cheryl often visits MPRI to sit with patients as they await treatment. They go to the park and eat meals together. Cheryl has been blessed by these patients, too. “I see how Christ uses everybody. They minister to me more than I minister to them.”

It isn’t required that a patient be a Christian or attend church to get help from the people here like Cheryl. “A lot do go to church, but they don’t have to attend to stay with us. The ones that don’t attend church interest me the most. They’re watching us and they’re thinking “I haven’t seen this before.” They can’t believe how nice the people in Bloomington are.”

Cheryl keeps a special quote in the back of her mind as she serves: Serving God in ordinary situations is an extreme privilege. “I don’t have money to give,” Cheryl said, “but I’m a good listener. I have a shoulder. That’s what they want.”