Welcome...

Welcome to the North Alabama While We’re Waiting support group for bereaved parents. We are part of the national While We're Waiting organization based in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  


We are so sorry for the circumstances that bring you here, but we are thankful you are considering being a part of this community of support and encouragement. The path of child loss is indescribably painful and oftentimes terribly lonely.


There is something precious about being with other parents who know and understand what we are experiencing.  We would love the opportunity to listen to you and to walk with you in the days ahead.


In this group you can expect candid and transparent conversations about the deep sorrow of our children's physical deaths, but also opportunities to hear testimonies of hope and encouragement from others further along on the path of child loss. 


Our desire is to always point grieving parents to the Hope we have found. The Hope freely available in Jesus Christ. 


With Hope it is possible for us to live well while we’re waiting to be reunited with our children in Heaven.


"But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it." 

Romans 8:25

Facilitators:

Scott and Karen Harmening lost their daughter, Sarah Harmening, at the age of seventeen in a bus crash while en route to a mission trip in Botswana on June 8, 2017. Scott and Karen have three remaining daughters, Katelyn, Kristen and Sophie.


Scott and Karen have been facilitating The North Alabama While We're Waiting Support Group since January of 2019.  They also host free weekend retreats for bereaved parents through While We're Waiting.


The Harmenings are not professional grief counselors, but they are parents who understand the pain and challenges of being separated from their child for the remainder of their earthly lives. Their hearts' desire is to share the Hope and comfort they have received with others journeying this same painful path. 


Meetings:

First Thursday of each month

6:00-8:00 PM

Mount Zion Baptist Church

Chapel Commons 


If you are planning to visit this group for the first time please contact the facilitators to verify the next meeting time and for directions to the meeting room. 


HOPE MINISTRY SUPPORT GROUP VALUES AND GUIDELINES