Original History
of
Christian Lifelines for Crisis
(1984 – 1994)
Compassion Helplines, Inc.
(1994-Present)
I had no special dream of beginning a line on which people could call in about their problems, real or perceived, however, my heart was always drawn to help people who came to me with their heartaches, and sometimes serious decisions they had to make. Since I was always concerned about what God said in His Word, I would go to the Bible to find the Scriptures that might apply in one way or another.
There were times earlier than that, when I went to ‘professionals’ about my problems, and had some unpleasant experiences. This made me all the more conscientious about searching the Scriptures for answers, and there were lots of answers for those who would seek God’s will and ways. Sometimes it seemed like looking for a ‘needle in the haystack’, when the problem wasn’t clearly defined as such in the Word. This drew me to be a student of the Word, spending hours upon hours, days, weeks, months and years to discover the important truths that God so meticulously provided for us by the inspiration of His Holy Spirit upon selected men for His chroniclers. It is of interest to me how God brings us to do exactly what He has for us to do; which was like ‘walking me right into’ several avenues of services for Him.
Many things that happen in our lives contribute greatly to our learning experiences, some being ‘refining fires’, and others becoming the greatest joys one could ever have on this earth. During one of the times of being in a ‘hardship valley’, the Lord counseled me to take one of the Gospels and walk with Jesus along the dusty roads, so I could observe the people following Him, listen to their conversations, and then hear Jesus’ answers. Oh, what an amazing journey that was!
I took the book of Matthew first. Because I truly desired to follow the Lord’s instructions, I sincerely wanted to listen as one on the journey with them. It was so magnificent to see more deeply into Jesus’ compassionate, merciful heart. This was so powerful. It just wasn’t like reading for any other purpose; I was part of the crowd. I don’t recall sensing like I was eating the bread and fish with the 5,000 and things like that, but mainly listening for the purpose of learning from the way that Jesus talked to and responded to the various personalities, right where they were experiencing life as it was, oftentimes in very crude and painful circumstances.
I’m sure this was a major thing in my life as the Lord’s preparation for ‘walking me into’ beginning a Christian Crisis Lifeline. In an indirect way he slipped me into crisis training for the Crisis and Suicide Intervention lines in Indianapolis, Indiana in March 1984. This was immediately followed by training for the Crisis Pregnancy Center that would be opening right after that.
In the midst of this, I was getting a picture of what the Lord was asking of me, especially because it became real to me that there was no Christian Crisis and Suicide Intervention phone line. Other programs do not have an answer that could give the callers some powerful guidelines along with peace, godly compassion and a rejoicing heart. I became keenly aware that secular agencies couldn’t offer the same security as the Christian perspective could give to them. God’s way is the best way, the right way, and the only way to find all that our Father in heaven desires for every person that would call in for our help.
My heavenly Father and I had some discussions, for I was sure something was absolutely wrong about my interpretation of what was happening. For every reason I provided for not being His choice, He came up with an answer that revealed HIS ADEQUACY! There was a point when I didn’t proceed any further, or I might well end up ‘on the back side of some desert’ as Moses did, and if that happened I would be in my 90s—a totally worn out vessel! No good!
I began with PRAYER AND PRAYER AND PRAYER! Then I added a cardboard box on a dining room chair for my files. Thus was the beginning of the Christian Lifelines for Crises.
Why would the Lord start anything in such a way? He just now reminded me of Jesus in the manger. I don’t think that ever came to my mind before.
There are so many details, which would be fun to share, but this might not necessarily be the time for that. So let me just say this—IF THE LORD IS WALKING YOU INTO A MINISTRY, your humble submission along with counting on your intimate prayer times is a wise way to begin your journey with HIM! God brings the people who need that ministry; He provides for every need and produces the harvest in His own special ways. We could never do it without Him, and when your time is complete, He will have someone to take your place. It all belongs to Him. The bottom line is in Proverbs 3:5-6—“TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS.”
Geraldine Alderink
Founder/President
Christian Lifelines for Crisis & Compassion Helplines, Inc.
Read History under new president, Dr.Joyce L. Brock under "About Us".