Rescue work within Spiritualism has a long history but perhaps the best known rescue medium within the movement was Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding, head of the RAF's fighter command during WWII.
His involvement with his airmen extended towards conducting rescue circles for those who had died, and considering the often horrific circumstances in which many of these young men passed, it is fortunate indeed that someone was doing so, particularly someone with which they would all have been familiar too.

Sadly I find myself at a point where rescue work today finds itself very much at the back of the store in comparison to the shop window mediumship of our churches, even to the point where it is brushed under the carpet as something undesirable, a blemish on the acceptable and rosy face of Spiritualism presented to all.

The living are naturally well catered for in the support and comfort we can offer the bereaved, particularly through the continuing efforts made in providing proof of survival, healing too is a mainstay of our churches and again provides wonderful assistance to those suffering the many afflictions of this life.
But where is the assistance for those in spirit who are equally in need? the problem then manifests itself in one of quite universal ignorance in regards to what rescue is and why it's necessary.

Some don't believe in it at all, they may have been active as a medium within Spiritualism for decades, yet have never come across rescue work, why then should they deduce that it doesn't exist? does our length of service dictate that we have experienced every facet of mediumship, is there some point where we find we know it all?
I know of experienced mediums who have never been presented with rescue work, and I have to ask the question that given their obvious competence as mediums, why guides have decided not to engage them in this aspect of spiritual work?
Unfortunately it's something I have no answer to, even some mediums who have had the opportunity of exposure to rescue work have decided it's not for them, and I respect their choice as I would in any aspect of spiritual work.
I have recognised however, that unless it's blatantly obvious, many mediums won't recognise a rescue situation when it is presented, but if there's little or no teaching available then that's a situation that is likely to continue.

There is however a broader problem in that many within the Spiritualist movement have little if any insight as to what is involved, some believe we're recreating scenes from 'The Exorcist' and casting out demons from the possessed, while some are happy for the work to take place, just not on their doorstep as if the work is a beacon for negativity in who it will attract.
Others cannot see any reason why rescue should be necessary, after all when we pass over we're spirit side so why would they need our help at all? isn't that a problem for our guides? see States of Consciousness.

For many it's a bitter pill to swallow to think that the death process and our transition to the spirit realms should be in any way fallible. It therefore begs the question "will it happen to me?" and for many that's a scary thought and certainly not something many like to contemplate.
Better for them that rescue work is kept right at the back of the store, though given that it is a generally accepted part of Spiritualism, (though as I found out opinions differ) wouldn't it be a comfort to all to know that there was readily available assistance to hand should anyone require it?

Having been involved with this work for some time now, I can't quite grasp why people have negative opinions towards it? if someone was knocked down in front of you would you step over them and leave it to someone else? would you turn your nose up at the mess it was making in spoiling the normally pleasant view?
Personally I don't mind getting my hands dirty when someone needs help, but it obviously helps if you can see why they need it.
One of my goals has always been to train mediums with a broad range of experience, such that they will at least recognise when a spirit needs help, rather than banging their head against a wall in trying to present them as a communicator, which is usually a pretty futile task.

Rescue work for me is deeply rewarding, uplifting and a very positive experience. In comparison to giving someone a reading if you're lucky you'll give them something that will perhaps make a difference in their life, with rescue work you help turn that spirit's life around, in effect you give it back to them, now isn't that something worthwhile? isn't that truly within the 'spirit' of our movement?
 

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

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