Nursing Home Ministry

Praying For America

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Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT

This Saturday we had a great meeting at Sunshine Village but our hearts are heavy for America. With young soldiers dying in Afghanistan and a storm of a lifetime threatening Louisiana we need God more than ever. 75 years ago Dr. Peter Marshall spoke on the American dream. “For freedom is not the right to do as one pleases, but the opportunity to please to do what is right. The founding fathers sought freedom…not from the law but in law;not freedom from government but freedom in government; not freedom from speech- but freedom in speech; not freedom from the press- but freedom in the press. Not freedom from religion- but freedom in religion.

How strange that after so many years that the struggle remains the same. We must hold our freedom firmly and our personal responsibility to use it well as a holy trust from God. How America needs our humble prayers today. Who will take the time to not only have a little talk with Jesus but be ready to hear what Jesus has to say!

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!