Nursing Home Ministry

Jesus – Friend of Sinners

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Luke 7:34 NIV

Several years ago I wrote an article on encouraging aging voices to sing. Little did I realize at the time how much I would need my own advice today. It has been discouraging to me this year to realize I am slowly losing my voice. At first I just chalked it up to a bad day or overuse but it is beginning to be clear that I cannot sing as I once did. Now I have a choice to either, quit, deny the change or make the best of the situation. It is a bit like working through the stages of grief. It hasn’t been an easy thing, but I have accepted the weakness as real and will just do the best I can because in my heart the melodies are still ringing.

This week I share, Jesus What a Friend For Sinners, which is one of my favorite hymns. In the words of John Newton, “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” May you also be blessed as you remember what a great Savior this Jesus – the Friend of sinners has been for you!

Taking Care of Mom!

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Today I am praying for another person serving in long term care ministry who is facing difficulties in continuing their ministry. The way we all serve has been challenged because-we have not only seen homes closed without notice and restrictions placed on how we can serve but also the lack of understanding in the church of how to help in practical ways.

If you are involved as a caregiver, chaplain, family member or friend,don’t give up whatever the difficulties. Jesus loves widows and orphans and their care has been entrusted us since the moment He gave Mary to John to take care of. She was not given to John as a problem to solve or a burden to carry but as a mother to love and provide for. Our calling as long term care workers is to keep on loving them in every way possible and through every opportunity that God puts in our hands. Notice also that none of the other 10 disciples ever understood or helped John out. While Peter and Paul had big public ministries, John stayed close to home. He was taking care of Mary as a life long commitment. That is our call. It is a life long trust. Some people “get it and others will not but Jesus knows and will give us strength and help and provision because after all- we are taking care of His mom!

Where Does Faith Begin?

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Sadly, due to the Delta Variant some of our facilities are closing down again regardless of the vaccine status of volunteers, friends or family members. It is frustrating but understandable as nothing is more important than the well being of the residents whom I visit. Those of you who follow my blog probably know of the visitation side of the ministry but may not be aware that I along with two other volunteers have been producing a weekly newsletter which goes directly to about 7 facilities in Florida and Western New York State. If anyone is interested to sign up to receive this free resource please let me know. Also please be praying for God to use our simple videos and newsletters. More than ever they are the only point of contact we have to share the hope and love of Jesus with our friends in long term care. Thank you for your partnership in this outreach. Let me know if you have any special prayer requests. God knows the answers to how this ends. So here is the video for this week in which I ask the question of where our faith begins. The hymn is one of my favorites, “Are You Washed in the Blood!”  Have a blessed week all!