As Liaison between the AAFCN Membership and its Board of Directors, I am pleased to share the journey of Adventist Faith Community Nurse Christine Boyd, RN, who was commissioned in Lexington, KY, in Spring 2023. This is her story.

I studied hard at all levels of my education. My parents instilled in my siblings and me the belief that God had a plan for our lives. My brother became an SDA pastor, and my sister a church school teacher. Nursing was an easy choice for me, as I was always told that I was a caring person.

I was born in NY and graduated from Pace University in NYC, with my clinicals primarily done at NYU Hospital. I have work experience in many areas of nursing; however, E.R. and O.R. were never my choices.

I had known about Parish Nursing for several years, but it was in 2022-2023 that an AFCN told me about this organization. I agreed with her that nursing is definitely a calling, not just a career or profession.

I served as Health Leader for my church for 15 years and organized many Health Fairs for our community. In 2013, the Holy Spirit led our church’s health team, and the Lord blessed my leadership to organize a large HEALTH EXPO at the West End Mall near our church in Atlanta. We had screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, sickle cell, hearing, eye exams, HIV testing, dental, foot, and prostate screenings.

Sections were set up for Children’s Health and Nutrition, and we offered Bible Studies, smoking cessation, and a prayer station. . A total of 120 health professionals and numerous city, county, and national health organizations were involved. This event grew to be an annual occurrence through 2019 with great media coverage each year. My pastor announced to my church that I am now an FCN beginning a Grief Recovery Ministry. The interest has been somewhat overwhelming. We began in Fall 2023, and now each 3rd Sabbath brings new members. The bonding and support among attendees are heartwarming. There are many tears as individuals share their personal stories, and I weep along with them, feeling blessed to be used by the Lord for this healing ministry.