25 years of emergency pastoral care: a festival of hope and consolation!

25 years of emergency pastoral care: a festival of hope and consolation!

An emotional festival in the Gnadentaler Kreuzkirche! Pastor Angelika Ludwig, the founder of emergency pastoral care in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss, celebrated 25 years of tireless efforts with her colleagues. On Friday evening they were honored with the Order of Merit in silver and gold. Ludwig, who is now also a firefighter, remembered the beginnings: "Back then, employees of the German Red Cross came up to me and said that they wanted to build an emergency pastoral.

The evening was a feast of the community! Fire brigade, DRK, DLRG and the police were represented, as were political representatives who support the important work of the pastor. These approximately 25 pastors are available in difficult times to donate consolation after the loss of relatives. In his sermon, Pastor Sebastian Appelfeller emphasized the importance of joy and consolation: "Blessed, who wear sorry, because they should be comforted."

a new emergency vehicle for emergency pastoral care

A highlight of the evening was the blessing of a new emergency vehicle! The minibus, equipped with space for six people, enables the pastors to communicate directly with those affected in crisis situations. Emergency assistant Reinhard Pahl explained: "The special thing about this car is that people can sit opposite. In addition, the windows are tinted so that outsiders cannot look into or photograph." This is particularly important to protect the privacy of those affected.

The celebrations were accompanied by the pastor Bianca van der Heyden, who honored the jubilees with merit medals. "So that you don't get back to rest," said the clergy to award the silver medal. The golden medal from the Association of Fire Brigades will be awarded later in the evening. An evening full of emotions, gratitude and tireless willingness to help in emergencies!