Next Step STORM

Today I wanted to share with you about our health care. Our family uses Samaritan Ministries and has since we went into full time disaster relief in 2007. We've had several medical related incidents where we've had to present our needs to other members and we've had nothing but positive experiences every time! I'll admit, it was scary at first, mostly overcoming our "gotta have insurance" mindset that the world teaches us. As is often the case, the Lord has a better way; in this case being this ministry based on scripture found in Galatians 2:6 to "bear ye one another's burdens." 
After looking at several other share ministries, there are several reasons why we chose Samaritan's. Probably the thing we like the most is that we send our check, or "share", to a different and actual person every month who has a need. The administration is performed by Samaritans but we only send our "share" to them once a year for administration costs. Each month they send you a person to whom you can share and what the condition is so you can pray for them and maybe send a card of encouragement.You see, when the Bible talks about bearing another's burden, it's saying to actually pick up some of the load to relieve them, to walk beside them. 
I could go on with other reasons, (feel free to call if you want to hear more first hand) but I'll cut it short and let you research it yourself if you like. You can click on the logo above to go to their website or learn more at My Samaritan Story.
I am sharing this with you because I want Christians to know that there are alternatives to government mandated insurance and government mandated spending of what your insurance money pays for (health problems as a result of sin). All of Samaritans guidelines have been voted on and instituted by the members. And all members are born again Christians, or at least much effort is made by Samaritans to prove such. 
With all that said, please note that members (of which I am one) are entitled to a $180 credit for each household that we tell about the ministry that becomes a member. So if you're gonna become a member, please put us down as a referral! 



**From the Samaritan Ministries monthly newsletter:
Claim your health insurance exemption on your tax return, not a government exchange.
During the open enrollment periods for the Affordable Care Act, you will see many news stories about the federal health insurance requirement. You may also receive information from tax preparers about tax implications of the "individual mandate". Remember that there is no reason for members of Samaritan Ministries to use the government exchanges. Members of health care sharing ministries are exempt from the federal health care law's requirement to have insurance. You will demonstrate your qualification for this exemption by completing Form 8965, a simple one-page form, when you file your 2015 federal income tax return. Visit samaritanministries.org/tax for the form and instructions.