For those suffering terminal or life threatening illnesses, sometimes hope and faith are hard to reach for. One ministry is there to help inspire you and remind you of the angels watching over you because of the care of God. This is the Angels of Destiny Ministry found at www.angelsofdestiny.net. Found in 2001 by Linda Richard, a single parent in Beaumont, Texas, the ministry has one purpose: To let people know that someone cares and they are loved by God, especially during their battle with a serious illness. They are a non-profit organization that gives the gift of a small ceramic angel to people who are living with life threatening illnesses. There is no cost to the recipients. The angels are hand-painted to match all ethnic groups, including skin, eye and hair color. Each angel is anointed with oil and prayed over with the recipient's specific needs in mind.

Children are top priority and are always placed first on the list. The angels are hand delivered, locally in Southeast Texas, as well as shipped all over the United States, at no cost to the recipients. Some recipients are at home and many more are in hospitals, children's hospitals, burn units, hospices, and cancer centers.

For the recipients that receive a hand delivered angel, the personal visit to their bedside gently reminds them that they are not alone. The visits are usually cheerful and bright, including plenty of smiles to go around from both, the volunteers delivering the angels, as well as from the recipients and their families.

If you or someone you love would benefit from an angel, contact them today to request a special encouragement and prayers. Please also contact the ministry if you are interested in supporting by volunteering or financially. In addition to finding them on the web, you can reach Angels of Destiny at Angels of Destiny; P.O. Box 2404; Beaumont, TX 77704; 409-892-1604.

Article Copyright 2006 by Michelle Blackmon