Ministry From a Distance

As I sit in my wife's hospital room, I am struggling with the many different circumstances of ministry from a distance. I am seven hours away from my flock and I miss them greatly. I struggle with questions about how to encourage and help them in this time of personal struggle. I wrestle with how I can demonstrate to them the love and affection I feel for them from the other side of the moon.
I believe that many ministers struggle with these questions. How do we fulfill our calling when the circumstances of life have driven us away. Here are a few of my suggestions.
1. The telephone still works and people do like to hear from their pastor.
2. Notes and cards to thank and encourage others are always a way to express your care, concern, and thanks.
3. Pray for your people by name often and let them know that you are praying for them.
Nothing beats the personal contact that comes from ministry on the field, but my people have taught me quite a bit about ministry from a distance. As they have reached out to me, I have discovered how I can reach out and minister to them.