




HopeKeepers is a nondenominational Christian encouragement support group for those living with chronic pain. It is affiliated with a national group, Rest Ministries of San Diego. Rest Ministries currently serves individuals through 130 support groups called HopeKeepers,
based within churches and communities in 30 states and 3 countries (U.S., Africa and Australia).
The Odessa chapter began meeting in June of 2003 at Lutheran Church of the Risen Lord and started with 10 members. The membership continues to rise today. HopeKeepers meets every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Risen Lord. There is no charge for attending these meetings and we highly encourage you to attend.
Donna Brown is the leader of the Odessa group and is available for speaking
engagements. For more information, call (432) 362-
About Chronic Illness:
Those who use their religious faith to cope are significantly less depressed, even when taking into account the severity of their physical illness. In fact, the clinical effects of religious coping showed the strongest benefit among those with severe physical disability. Some 87 patients hospitalized with serious illness who also then suffered depression were followed over time in another study. The patients with a deep, internalized faith recovered faster from the depression, even when their physical condition wasn’t improving.
Feel free to attend any of our meetings which should resume early on the Fall. To
find out more call Donna Brown or the LCRL Office -
(432) 362-
Rest Ministries -
HopeKeepers -
The Sunroom -