Self-employed members get heartfelt help with heart-related costs, By members Jason Horst, Manhiem, Penn., and Lynda Duncan, Gurdon, Ariz.

*Editor’s note: This information was published in the February 2022 issue of Heartfelt Magazine, CHM’s monthly magazine that provides CHM membership-related tips and tricks, medical advice from doctors, testimonies from CHM members, and more. Please refer to the CHM Guidelines and applicable web pages for the most up-to-date information regarding CHM membership, sharing eligibility, and ministry news.*

Father of two receives help through the Prayer Page

Jason Horst, Manhiem, Penn.

My wife and I decided to join CHM at the start of 2018. We’re self-employed and were looking for an effective way to manage our healthcare costs.

I had been diagnosed with a slight heart murmur a couple years earlier and was told this was common. But then, I started experiencing heart palpitations and irregularities. Suddenly, my condition was severe and I needed open heart surgery to repair a valve. Plus, I’d just joined CHM and this was a pre-existing condition.

The thought of submitting bills was daunting, but once I dove in, it was really quite simple. My total expenses would have been over $150,000. But CHM walked me through applying for hospital financial aid and self-pay discounts. With those in place, the total amount decreased dramatically to $27,400.

Thankfully, I had signed up for the Gold program. The first $15,000 of my expenses were shared through the Gold Schedule, and the remaining amount was eligible on the Prayer Page. It took a few months, but every dollar for my eligible surgery and rehabilitation costs were provided.

After a successful heart valve repair surgery, I’m living my normal life again. I can play with my kids and workout at the gym. God is gracious!

A highlight for me was seeing the names and addresses of CHM members—brothers and sisters in Christ—who contributed to my need. A few friends who I didn't even realize were CHM members told me they saw me listed on the Prayer Page and had been praying for me as a result.

I would definitely recommend CHM (especially the Gold program) to others. Thank you to everyone who gave to my need and lifted me up in prayer!

God’s gentle nudge prompts member with 99 percent blockage to seek care

Lynda Duncan, Gurdon, Ariz.

My symptoms came randomly. I’m self-employed and work trade shows. I was pulling my wagon up a hill when my chest tightened and I felt a burning sensation down my left arm. Since it wasn't consistent, I wasn’t too concerned. It happened off and on for months, but I only became worried after the discomfort woke me up several times a night.

I've been a Christian for 10 years and He has taught me so much during this time. But through this, He taught me to listen to His warning signs. I look back now and realize had He not awakened me while I slept, I wouldn’t be here today.

I went to the doctor, who found a 99 percent blockage in my widow maker artery. They quickly scheduled surgery for me to get it cleared.

While I was still laying on the procedure table, I asked the doctor what would have happened if I had kept ignoring symptoms. He informed me that I most likely would have passed away in my sleep within weeks.

God is not through with me and I’m excited to see what He has planned for me the remainder of my life. 

I’ve had nothing but pleasant experiences with CHM, and recommend the ministry to everyone I can. As a devout Christian, I really appreciate the prayers from CHM staff and members. We as Christians are to share each other’s burdens and support our brothers and sisters. Sometimes, it’s a rare thing to see these days, but it’s a clear part of CHM.