Fresh Air 2011
A Road Less Traveled
There are perhaps few higher words of praise for a man of God than those Rockcastle Regional resident Vivian Hensley heaped on the chaplain during a recent visit with him.
"Brother Luther brings out the best in me," said Vivian, with a twinkle in her brilliant blue eyes.
"Brother Luther" is Luther Allen, who joined Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center in February as its first full-time chaplain.
Brother Luther's ministry in the Southern Baptist Church started 26 years ago when he became a youth and music minister. He followed the traditional path and was promoted to senior pastor before taking a road less traveled - ministering to a touring group of motorcycle racers.
"I participated in motorcycle racing as a hobby, so when the American Motorcyclist Association Pro Racing Grand National Flat Track Racing Series was looking for a chaplain, it was a good fit," said Brother Luther.
The touring group formed its own culture, sort of a traveling community or family, he said. Ministering to them was a calling he enjoyed, but when he wanted to devote more time to his own family, Brother Luther realized it was time for a change.
In taking his next path, he switched from ministering to young people who race along at 140 miles-per-hour, to working with mostly older folks who move at a much slower pace: residents of the Rockcastle Health & Rehabilitation Center in Brodhead, Kentucky.
Brother Luther next was lured to join Rockcastle Regional's staff when a position dedicated to chaplaincy duties was added.
"We have a wonderful, supportive community, and that is especially true for the faith community," said Rockcastle Regional Hospital president and CEO Stephen A. Estes. "They give of their time and resources to help our patients and residents day in and day out. In addition, we wanted to make sure our patients and staff have the spiritual and emotional support they need 24/7."
Brother Luther understands that his purpose is to provide a regular presence and to supplement the spiritual support people receive elsewhere rather than replace it. "My role is to show unconditional love and to meet them at their need. I want to extend friendship and show God's love in a practical way," he said.
Local ministers hold Sunday services, so that's not something he plans to do. He recently held a memorial service and was thrilled to conduct the first Easter celebration at the hospital with the Lord's Supper.
Looking back over his varied career, he sees similarities and differences in how he interacts with Respiratory Care Center residents compared with others he has served. One of the starkest differences is the communication challenges some residents have.
"When someone can only blink their eyes to communicate with you, it takes more effort to have an exchange. Learning the best ways to share is a work in progress," said Brother Luther. "I've noticed residents will listen to a Bible being read, so I have started a Bible Study program and we use the letter board so they can talk with me. It's been great to get to know residents and see their passion for the Word."
He describes the hospital's atmosphere and personnel as extraordinary, and said they really care for one another. It's made the transition into his new role easier.
One thing that's remained consistent throughout his work is how people minister to him.
"I always get a blessing back," he said.
And for Brother Luther, who was brought into a personal encounter with Christ at age nine and called to lifetime of service in the ministry at 18, that is what makes life's road worth traveling.
Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center Copyright © 2009
145 Newcomb Avenue - Mt. Vernon, Kentucky 40456 Ph: (606) 256-2195 E: info@rhrcc.org
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