Ministry Looks To Expand Offerings
BASIS, a Christian support group for grieving parents, is currently operating in six locations in Lebanon, Chester, and Lancaster counties and the state of Delaware. The decades-old ministry is part of Handi-Vangelism Ministries International in Ephrata. BASIS stands for Brothers And Sisters In Support, and the ministry provides resources, educational workshops, structured gatherings, and more for bereaved couples and single parents.
In July of 2020, Dan Steinman, who is now a BASIS ministry assistant, retired from his job as a maintenance mechanic to become a representative for the ministry. "Never did I picture I would be doing anything like this when I retired," said Dan. In fact, after Dan and his wife, Phyllis, lost their son, Andy, in an auto accident four years ago, Dan did not initially attend BASIS meetings. But when Phyllis came home from meetings she attended in Akron, Dan had questions for her. "Nobody ever pictures losing a child," stated Dan.
Now, Dan wants to let those who have shared his experience of losing a child know that BASIS is there for them. "Your heart just goes out to people," said Dan, who added that the loss of a child can lead to a shift in a parent's social network. "Everyone is there at the beginning, but the friendship circle changes (in time)," explained Dan, who noted that BASIS brings grieving people together to walk beside each other.
When Dan felt God calling him to join the ministry, he trained to become an associate. "(The training) changed the way I looked at things," he said, noting that he learned about different ways individuals handle grief. Dan acknowledged that because men and women often grieve differently, BASIS has styled the support group atmosphere to be comfortable for all involved. Speaking is not required, but those who wish to are encouraged to share their feelings.
The pandemic and consequent mitigation efforts have spurred the ministry to expand its offerings. Citing rising suicide rates and COVID-19 losses, Dan noted, "Families need to connect, and we are looking to branch out to other churches throughout the county." Dan is meeting with pastors and heads of ministries to find ways to bring the support BASIS offers to new places in Lancaster County and beyond. Currently, two meetings are held monthly in Lancaster County - one in Paradise and the other in Akron. Masking and social distancing measures are used to promote safety during the meetings.
Readers who are interested in joining or forming a BASIS group may call Dan at 717-859-4777 or email dsteinman@hvmi.org. More information about BASIS may be found at http://www.hvmi.org.
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