The hearts of the Bajda family were captured by a song. When Andrew Bajda’s mother was in hospice care, Pastor John Jackson sang “You Are My Sunshine.” The sweet melody put a smile on his mother’s face and soothed Andrew’s soul. It was all thanks to donor gifts to support pastoral and spiritual care services.

For Andrew, coming from a small family who’d been blessed with good health made his mother’s illness and passing a new experience. He admits that he wasn’t sure how to deal with death. But the pastoral and spiritual care that was provided helped tremendously.

“My mother loved to sing. I just sat and watched her, you know, just the joy on her face, the peace that was on her face. And Pastor JJ proceeded to sing about three or four more songs for her, and every one was just perfect.”

Andrew’s family began to look forward to Pastor Jackson’s visits for the way they comforted his mother.

“It was almost like we had a lifetime friend coming to visit,” he says. “It didn’t feel at all like an external service. You know where somebody was coming to a job. It really felt more like it was family coming over.”

Andrew recently also lost his father and a sister. He was consoled knowing he could still reach out for help.

“They were there for us again, and they remain friends to this day,” he says. “I have all of their phone numbers. Your contribution is invaluable in the peace and comfort you bring to families going through difficult times.”