President of Solid Rock Retirement Strategies and Samaritan Ministries member, Jim Kreid, recently shared his powerful family testimony. Initially drawn to healthcare sharing for the significant cost savings, Jim quickly discovered the benefits went far beyond finances.
Read The Interview Below Below ↓June 12, 2025
For many, the decision to switch from traditional health insurance to a healthcare sharing ministry begins with a look at the numbers. That was the case for Jim Kreid, a financial professional and President of Solid Rock Retirement Strategies right here in Peoria. But as he recently shared, what started as a practical financial choice for his family soon transformed into a profound journey of faith.
"I wish I could tell you that my motives were pure when I came to Samaritan, but it was really about the cost saving," Jim admitted with a laugh.
As a believer for over 40 years and a fellow Peoria resident—the hometown of Samaritan Ministries—the connection was natural. However, the concept was still a leap of faith, especially for his wife, a former dental hygienist familiar with the traditional insurance system. The idea of something that "is not traditional insurance" felt scary.
That fear was met with a moment of divine clarity. "I remember God distinctly telling me," Jim recalled, "'If you say you trust me with everything, are you not going to trust me with this?'" With that spiritual nudge, the Kreid family moved forward.
That faith would soon be tested. While on a ski trip in Colorado, Jim’s appendix burst, requiring emergency surgery at the highest elevation hospital in the United States. In a moment of crisis, the last thing they had to worry about was whether the hospital was "in-network."
The blessing didn’t stop there. Jim remembers the hospital offering a 50% discount for a small upfront payment and the incredible experience that followed. "I remember getting those checks. I remember getting about 80 or 90 checks from different people and having the scriptures and the prayers written on there. It was just very meaningful," he said.
A few years later, crisis struck again when Jim suffered an unexpected stroke. Fortunately, he recovered with no lasting deficits. Through it all, he says he "never worried about it," knowing that his fellow Samaritan members and God would be there for them. The financial needs for two major medical events were fully met by the community.
Today, Jim is one of the biggest advocates for the ministry, telling all his clients about the experience. His journey reveals that the true value of healthcare sharing isn't just in the shared costs, but in the shared community, prayers, and burdens.
When asked what he would tell someone on the fence about joining, his advice was simple and direct, echoing the conversation he had with God years ago.
"I would just say, you know what, trust God. If God's calling you to do this, you should do it and you will not regret it. You will just be blessed."
.png)
