The Broken and Mended ministry was founded in 2018 by David Heflin to connect hurting people to Jesus and each other. Broken and Mended is a support group based ministry and features support groups in local communities utilizing technology to bring in those who can’t make the meetings due to distance or illness. Initial conversations have begun concerning beginning new support groups as early as 2
021 (post-pandemic). Currently, anyone in the world with internet can connect to the meetings in Woodward through Zoom video conferencing and/or through Broken and Mended group on Facebook Live. Broken and Mended became a registered non-for-profit organization on 2/23/21. David was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2012 and Crohn’s disease in 2013 along with other various complications from autoimmune diseases that prompted a visit to the Mayo Clinic in the fall of 2013. Though the Crohn’s proved manageable, the arthritic symptoms worsened and peaked in 2016. It was during this struggle that David began to envision the need for a Christian-based support group to minister to those in chronic pain. That vision became a reality after David and his family moved to Woodward, OK in 2017. He became the preacher for the Woodward Church of Christ, which has been supportive of this ministry since the beginning. The first meetings began in October of 2018. People who have been hurting for years found the support group they needed and an empathetic family, who understood their struggle. The name Broken and Mended was inspired by the Japanese art form, Kintsugi, broken pieces of pottery mended beautifully by precious metal (usually gold). The result is a piece that is more beautiful in the seams of brokenness than it was before. Chronically ill people find hope in this image. Chris Blair, a dear friend of David’s since 1998, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on July 12th, 2019. A part of his legacy remains with us, however, as he created the logo and associated artwork. Chris was not chronically ill, but he modeled how healthy people can walk alongside those who are in his friendship with David. All are welcome here. There is a Facebook group for those who are chronically ill or closely supporting those who are at https://www.facebook.com/groups/brokenandmended/. Also, our website is www.BrokenandMended.org.
