Often when we spoke in many churches over the years, we would go to dinner with the leadership, and Diane would share her nursing home stories around the table. People were often spellbound and in tears by her testimonies, and it was clear that she had to write this book.

I’ve often seen Diane so overworked in nursing homes that she was physically exhausted, after giving everything she had to love those she served. Over the years, she often brought me into the facilities where she worked to visit all her adopted grandmas and grandpas. I saw firsthand how much they all loved her. I watched her hug and love on those dear people, comforting them with a sincere heart. I’ve even seen her eyes fill with tears when someone would graduate to heaven. Those she served weren’t just nameless numbers, but close, dear friends she referred to as her family. 

In our travels, the elderly always seemed to flock toward her, surrounding her, and these days you’ll often find her sitting and holding someone’s hand or trying to meet their needs, even on the evangelistic trail. Through Diane’s new book, His Hands Extended readers will be inspired to minister to the broken, looking for opportunities to serve, and love even the hardest cases. I have had a vision I have revisited many times. When Diane goes to heaven one day, there will be a vast number of beautiful faces excited to welcome her home. Many were there because she showed them the way; she loved them straight to heaven.

In His Presence,

Steve Porter

Diane Porter has been a nursing assistant for over 25 years, working in several nursing homes. She co-founded Refuge Ministries and Deeper Life Press with her husband, Steve. Diane believes that, in the presence of God, healing takes place. She has a passion for conducting presence-driven intimacy conferences, leading women’s ministry and mission events, and working with those who need to be restored. Steve and Diane Porter have been married 25 years and have two adult daughters and a dearly beloved son-in-law. They reside near Rochester, NY