Nursing Homes

The Hem of His Garment

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Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. Mark 6:56 NKJV

My Maundy Thursday offering is a video with three of the most loved songs which we normally sing at the nursing homes that I visit. This year the only melodies that can penetrate those walls are these You Tube videos which I have been making each week. Each session carries a short devotion and includes sub-titles for people to be able to sing along with the hymns.  Just think of it like sending flowers. If you could share these with someone in long term care, then just as God used the hem of His garment to bring grace and healing He can use these simple videos to be a blessing to those now locked in nursing homes this Easter. God bless!

 

Prayers for Allied Services

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The news that I had been praying I would never read showed up today in the middle of Holy Week. Some of the resident and staff at Allied Services in Scranton have tested positive for the Corona virus. Not only does this matter because it is by far and away the largest long term care facility in Northeast Pennsylvania but it is dear to my heart from the many years that I volunteered there and was blessed to know and sing for hundreds of its residents. Let’s pray earnestly and ask for our Lord Jesus for His grace and strength for everyone effected including staff, residents and family.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 ESV

Here is the link to the article from Channel 16 News

https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/residents-at-allied-services-in-scranton-test-positive-for-covid-19/523-dcc5d873-de0c-45c0-a364-b62adb7f63ce

Memories and Prayers

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If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified that you bring forth much fruit. John 15:7-8 ESV

Since 1998 when God first called me into Nursing Home Ministry I have felt a love, an energy and an urgency to walk through every door that God opened. Today as I look back I have nothing but gratitude and amazement remembering thousands of handshakes, hugs, songs and prayers. But today I would ask again for your prayers for these precious ones who no one can any longer visit during this health care crisis.

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You and I on the outside may be able to watch a live service from our home computer and live in relative safety. But in most nursing homes no one except a nurse or a doctor will be able to stand by their side and pray. No one will have an opportunity to serve them communion. No worship leader will be able to bring them music unless it is on the radio or television. But God is greater. Jesus has not lost the address of even one person who sits in assisted living; He has not abandoned those in long term nursing and has He forgotten those in memory care. God has a way forward.

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It is hard when we just turn on the television and see the statistics of infections and deaths to put a face on their story. So here are just a few photos of special friends some of whom have gone on to glory. Their smiles, their voices and love have been my best reward on earth for the simple acts of service I have been privileged to give them.

 

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