Despite having written many articles and creating several videos over the years about how to begin nursing home ministry, I was recently asked this question by someone who has volunteered their time and talents to help our outreach. That got me to thinking that it is a good idea to refresh all of our memories on the basics of what it means to be a volunteer at a long-term care facility. So – let’s start at the beginning.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8

I wrote the original post for this a few years ago, but with the recent favorable Supreme Court decision shaking the political landscape, I thought it was worth a second look. Our nation has so become deeply divided on the issue of when life begins, that some of us who are pro-life have become afraid to voice our opinions or even ashamed to state our belief. We begin with quite a different value system than the world around us, because we believe that life has value, because it is the gift of God. Every life matters. Every mentally disadvantaged child, physically disabled adult, or Alzheimer’s resident in a nursing home is precious to Jesus. Though debating the value of these lives may not change our neighbor’s mind, we must never be ashamed to stand with Jesus. On the contrary we must lovingly stand our ground, while still loving those who…