Nursing Home Ministry Year-End Thank You

Dear Friends,
We are so grateful for each and every one of you who make this ministry possible. 2017 has been a tremendous year in the nursing homes. I have been looking at the figures for 2017 and have had the opportunity to minister 423 times to approx. 3,500 residents on a continual basis. It's like a circuit. (My pastor calls me "The Circuit Ridin' Preacher.") It is difficult to calculate the exact number of salvations, healings, and changed lives because the situations and environments I minister in are so varied. But, I can say, we have seen many, many changed lives and we give all the glory to Him. There are also families, friends, and staff who attend these services from time to time. This also provides more opportunity for ministry. This year we have expanded into 4 different types of facilities: Nursing Homes, Assisted Care facilities, Alzheimer facilities, and Intelligent Deficient facilities. Each type of facility has its own unique ministry.

The Lord said back in 2009 there would be many individuals - "Life Senders" - who would help send the Word into the nursing homes. If you are praying and/or giving financially to this ministry, we call you a Life Sender and part of this ministry. Jesus said in John 10:10, "I am come that you might have LIFE." We pray for you and believe God will multiply your giving back to you in many ways.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR

Muskogee/McAlester

There are very few nursing homes that have as many excited people as Brentwood. They are excited about celebrating the birth of Jesus. We sang all the carols we had and then sang some of them again. There were many shouts during the music; shouts of, "Praise the Lord", "Thank you Jesus", "Hallelujah". I guess you can tell we got a little excited. That's because JESUS IS LORD.

Claremore/Nowata

The activities director was at the front door, waiting for me. The residents were all gathered and ready to sing the Christmas Carols. There was expectation in the air. As we celebrated the birth of Jesus some of the residents shouted out, "Hallelujah." I can't imagine being anywhere else but here.

I continue to think about those of you who are supporting this ministry. Together we are touching many, many lives. Blessings to you and thank you!

Pryor/Jay

As I looked around the room I realized; If we were not here It would certainly be quiet and lonely. We are bringing the joy of the Lord through Christmas carols and the Christmas story. Many of these residents do not have family and would be left alone. We emphasis that WE are family, the family of God. And, if you're not, come into the family now. Jesus Loves You!

Tulsa/Stillwater

We are heading into the home stretch of the Christmas season. The closer we get to Christmas, and new year, the more weary I see the residents. They love the season but there are more activities in the nursing homes than any other time of the year. We are keeping Jesus as the focus. He is the reason for the season. We raised our voices and our hands in praise.

Henryetta/Okmulgee

When I look into the faces of residents; I am so glad to be with them and ministering to them. The Christmas season and really any holiday season becomes overwhelming to many of them. We are bringing peace and joy to a very busy time. It's wonderful to see smiles come to their faces as they realize someone cares.

I think of all our supporters who make this possible. It is through their prayers and financial support that makes this ministry work. The Lord, said many years ago, there would be many people who would be hooking up with this ministry, following the direction of the Lord. His desire is to care for the widows and orphans who cannot care for themselves. (James 1:27) Then, through the laws of obedience, sowing, and reaping. everyone is blessed.

Muskogee/Muskogee

The room was full and the residents were ready to worship their Lord and Savior. It's the Christmas season and Jesus Is The Reason For The Season. This is a special time of the year. A time to remember the most important thing - Salvation. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father except by me."

Muskogee/Wilburton

As we get closer to Christmas, many residents put on a face of happiness but are lonely inside. We are changing that. Many are alone and have no family around. We are focusing on the family of God. There is a big spiritual family around us we are not thinking about. Jesus is the reason for the season and He is also the reason for the big family. Many of the residents have neighbors and friends living down the hall who they have never considered family. Welcome to the family of God! Yes, Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!

Tulsa/Bartlesville

Life in a nursing home can be lonely. We are focusing on family, the Family of God. Even though our natural family may not be around, the family of God is all around us. As we confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior our spiritual family becomes huge. We are never alone and heaven is our home.

Wagoner/Sallisaw

As I entered the Wagoner facility I could hear a resident say, "Help me, help me," over and over again. I struck up a conversation with her and told her we were going to start singing Christmas carols. She stayed and by the end of the service her hands were in the air and she was shouting, "Praise the Lord!". I love to see lives changed. She will never, never be the same!

Muskogee/Tahlequah

Christmas is a time for family. In the nursing homes it's a good time to emphasis the family of God. We sang many of the old Christmas carols this morning. They put a lot of smiles on the residents faces. Then we looked at Luke 1:37
where the angel Gabriel said, "With God nothing is impossible".

Warner/Fort Gibson

I was a little surprised at the turnout this morning. We had more residents than normal. It was great. This facility is designed to handle a wide variety of physical needs. During the Christmas season there can also be a variety of emotion needs. Loneliness is one of the big ones. We sang many of the traditional Christmas carols and then looked at the importance of family, the Christian family. Many times our Christian family becomes closer to us than our natural family. In the nursing homes that can be even more so. Then, after the service, I laid hands on the sick. (Virtually everyone in the room.) The angel Gabriel said to Mary, "With God nothing is impossible." We believe that!

Tahlequah/Stilwell

Tahlequah
Christmas is a time when residents in nursing care facilities can feel very lonely. This morning I had many residents asking me about their families; (as though I new something about them). As a result of that everyone in the room got a hug. I treated them as part of my family because they are! It was a wake up call for me. Many of these residents were Christians before I started coming and the rest came into the family since I arrived. We are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is our elder brother, our Savior and Lord, our soon coming King. Now it's on to Stilwell.

Stilwell
This afternoon I saw residents speak whom I had never heard speak before. As we praised and lifted up the name of Jesus, faces with no emotion began to smile and sing. God continues to do a mighty work in the nursing homes. Praise The Lord.

Jenks/Chandler

I am so thrilled to be ministering at Grace in Jenks. This was only my second time there but we had more residents today than before. We are growing. Before the service ever started there were residents wanting prayer for friends and family. We prayed and believed. I ministered from Luke 1, the angel Gabriel said to Mary, "With God nothing is impossible." Many time, in the natural, we face things that seem impossible. It's so encouraging to know that in Christ nothing is impossible.

Eufaula/Holdenville

It's December and we are full tilt CHRISTMAS. Jesus Is The Reason For The Season. We gathered together and sang Christmas carols. It was fun to watch their eyes light up as they heard the Christmas tunes begin to play. We gave thanks that God was willing to send His son. And, Jesus was willing to come. After the service there were many requests for healing.

Matthew 15:23But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.

Thank God, healing is the children's bread.

Nursing Home Ministry Update - November 2017

Inola/Vinita

This is my last day of the month. (For consistent monthly scheduling, every month has 28 days and this is the 28th.) We are changing from Thanksgiving to Christmas. "Jesus Is The Reason For The Season" will be my theme. This is a great time to share to love of Jesus to those who don't know. He is "the way, the truth, and the life."

Okemah/Wewoka

The residents and staff at Colonial Park Nursing Home love the Lord. I mentioned how wonderful it was to see everyone come out. One of the staff said, "We need this. We are so glad you come." It reminded me, once again, of all the people who are behind me and helping me go to these 38 facilities - THANK YOU! We are still focusing on "Being Thankful". At the close of the service there were many who wanted prayer. It is an honor to pray in the name of Jesus and watch the Word of God come alive. Back on the road: Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost.

Barnsdall/Pawhuska

Today is a very special day for me. Ann is off work and able to travel with me. We were in Barnsdall this morning and had a wonderful time. Ever since I've been in this facility the room has been ready and filled with residents. You can tell they love the Lord. We raised our hands and our voices to the Lord and gave thanks. We continue to travel with the mandate of: Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost.

Broken Arrow/Pawnee

We are sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Many times the residents in nursing care facilities can be overlooked during the Holidays. I'm eating lunch at a McDonald's on the 412 turnpike, West of Tulsa. I don't think I've ever seen so many people. The employees say this could be their biggest day of the year. If your traveling be safe out there.

Pryor/Jay

We certainly had the joy of the Lord this morning. (I'd like to show pictures but I'd better not.) There was one gal in particular who just sang at the top of her lungs. Not a pretty voice, and out of tune, but beautiful unto the Lord. Many of the staff came to watch her sing. "Jesus is the sweetest name I know. . ." We continue to travel: Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost

Tulsa/Stillwater

Tulsa
This morning we had the largest group to date. We sang some of the faith filled hymns of the church and then thanked God as we enter this Thanksgiving Season. We had residents, family, and staff. What a great time in the Lord!

Stillwater
This afternoon we had several residents. However, we also had some visitors who have been wanting to minister in nursing homes. They asked if they could have copies of the song sheets I use. They said, "These are the songs we want to sing!" So, I loaded them up. We are multiplying!

Muskogee/McAlester

We looked at a verse we found in the book of Jeremiah. Jer 29:11-12 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV) After that we had REVIVAL. I wish I could show you pictures but I'd better not. (HIPA regulations.) Hands were in the air and I had a lot of help preaching. Residents and staff watched from the halls because there was no room to get in. We are: Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost in Muskogee and McAlester today.

Claremore/Nowata

We had a tremendous time this morning. There are several "communities" of residents in this facility. Many of those "communities" came together to sing the great hymns of the church. They may not know their name but they know these hymns.

Tulsa/Bartlesville

The activities director in Tulsa is amazing. She loves the Lord and she loves her residents. It becomes very evident as she brings them into the service. This is the Holiday Season and we are giving thanks to the Lord. He is worthy to be praised! Many residents requested prayer after the service. What an honor. He is our Savior, our Healer, and our Deliverer.

Wagoner/Sallisaw

It was an interesting morning. There must be flexibility in a nursing home ministry. I was not on the calendar for this morning, the activities director was not in today, and the gal at the front desk just started 3 weeks ago. I set up and started singing anyway. There were no residents in the meeting room however as the music went down the halls, residents began to come. By the end of our time together residents and staff were in the room and singing. The Gospel is like cool water in a dry, hot desert. Now, it's on to Sallisaw.

Stigler/Quinton

Today was a big day. Not only are we giving thanks to God but we gave thanks to veterans today. We find many veterans in nursing homes. We thanked the Lord for salvation, for protection, and for provision. We also thanked all the veterans for giving of there time and for putting their lives on the line for our safety, protection, and freedom.

Muskogee/Muskogee

I remember hearing someone say, "If you find something you enjoy doing, you'll never work another day in your life." Now, I'm not saying things are always easy or it's just "a bed of roses" but, I sure am having fun. It's fun to usher people into the presence of the Lord. It's fun to bring people into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It's fun to see people receive their healing from the Lord. It's also very rewarding. And, that's what we did this morning. We are giving thanks to an awesome God!

Muskogee/Wilburton

It's been quite the day. I started out in Muskogee this morning. I must say, It's amazing to watch residents, with several forms of dementia, worship the Lord. The more they press in to God, the clearer their minds become. God is so good. Then, I headed to Wilburton. One of the nursing homes was have a volunteers appreciation day. I spent a little time there and then went to another nursing home for a 2pm service. After that service was over I returned back to the first nursing home for a 3pm service. 3 services in all today. Both residents, staff, family, and friend are very appreciative of these services. God's Word is so faithful and true. When people see the love of God in demonstration they are drawn. Many lives are changed in these services - salvations, healings, family relations, etc. We continue to travel the roads of eastern Oklahoma: Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost.

(The days are long but well worth it. Up at 6am getting ready for the day and on the road. It's 6pm now and I'm sitting in a McDonald's, on the Muskogee turnpike, writing in my blog. It will be a while before I get home. God Is Good!)

Tahlequah/Stilwell

It is a wonderful thing to see that, wherever I go, hands are lifted to the Lord. We are rejoicing in the Lord and giving Him all the praise. Some of the residents were asked to leave during the service in order to shower, etc. They said, "No!" These types of services don't happen that often. The residents do not want to leave. The staff is readjusting their schedule.

Jenks/Chandler

Jenks
This was my first service in Jenks. It was wonderful. Residents continued to come in throughout the service. After the service one of the long-time residents said, "You got a real crowd!" That's always Good News. We are giving thanks this time of year. It's good to know that we have a loving God who never leaves us and never forsakes us. I am on the nursing homes long term schedule now. First Monday of every month. Praise The Lord!


Chandler

It's quit a drive from Jenks to Chandler but when the Lord is in it, it works. We filled up the nursing homes activities room and worshiped the Lord. There were many residents who were so glad we took the time to press in to God. Both family, friends, and staff came in. There's just nothing like the corporate anointing.

Muskogee/Tahlequah

As I was leaving yesterdays service in Fort Gibson, a resident followed me to the door. She was very intent on telling me how important it was to the residents that I continue to come and "bring church". She said, "For those of us who went to church we miss it, and for those who didn't, they need it." That conversation was on my mind this morning as I entered and began this mornings service - some miss it and others need it. The reality is everyone needs it! We are focusing on thanksgiving this month. We should all be thankful to God. However, there are some who don't even think about God. Let's remember to be a living witness of a loving God. So that when people see our lives they can see that 1) we love Him and 2) He is good.

Warner/Fort Gibson

This is November 1st and the 8 year anniversary of the Nursing Home Ministry. It was 8 years ago today that I went to the Warner nursing home and began this ministry. Today I will be going back to Warner and Fort Gibson. Very fitting for today. We have traveled many miles, witnessed many salvations, many healings, and ministered over 3 thousand times. God has been faithful to His Word!


It was very good to be back in Warner today. It certainly brought back a lot of memories, from the first time I went, 8 years ago. I remember how nerves I was and hoping I would say the right things. Today there were many who were wheeled in to the service. Many needs both physically and spiritually. We sang the wonderful hymns filled with Faith and power. Then, I ministered the Word and laid hands on the sick. God has been so good and continues to be faithful to His Word. Now, it's on to Fort Gibson: Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost.

Nursing Home Ministry Update - October 2017

Jenks

I've just acquired another facility - Grace Living Center in Jenks. I start in November. I'm excited.

Barnsdall/Sapulpa

It sure was good to be back in Barnsdall this morning. (This time last month we were in Minnesota celebrating my mom's 100 birthday.) The meeting room was already lined with residents and staff as they were  preparing to praise and worship the Lord. And, what a time we had. We are looking at the 3 B's of the Bible. 1-Be Saved 2-Be-Filled 3-Be Led. People are really getting excited about this!

Muskogee/Muskogee

This morning we were family. There were probably 45 - 50 of us. There was lots of activity with staff busy doing what they do and 2 emergency vehicles with gurneys. Yet, we focused on Jesus and His Word. With all the activity, there was much opportunity for prayer, and we did. It's easy to feel alone, even in the middle of a crowd. I make sure I touch and make eye contact with each resident in the room. Then, we pray. God is soooo Good!


I hardly know where to begin. We started looking at what I refer to as the 3 B's of the Bible. 1) Be Saved 2) Be Filled 3) Be Led. We got to the "Be Filled" and camped there for the next 1 1/2 hours. The residents are very, very hungry. We will pick up on that the next time I come.

Broken Arrow/Pawnee

Forest Hills care facility is going through some building renovations. The room we normally meet in was not available. That can cause a little confusion for the residents. We ended up meeting in a room that is larger. It was great. I hope we can meet there again. Any time we can get together, praise the Lord, and look in the Word it's a good day. I continue to travel the roads of eastern Oklahoma: Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost.

Inola/Vinita

Inola
There are times when I have to remind myself this is not always about numbers. It is about results; no matter how many or how few residents come. Several years ago the Lord said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men." Then, the results come from preaching God's Word. The Bible says, His Word will not return void. So, I had to remind myself: 1) Be led by the Spirit. 2) Preach the Word.

(Oh, by the way, we started out with a few but ended up with a lot. :))

On the road: Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost

Vinita

Residents, Staff, and Family filled the room this afternoon. These people were hungry for the Word. Prayer becomes a very vital part of this ministry. After the service there are many who want prayer. Many times it is for some form of sickness or disease. We can be healed in the name of Jesus!

Okema/Wewoka

We had one of the largest groups this afternoon. Many of the staff brought in many of the residents. We had a wonderful time in the Lord. The last time I was scheduled to be here we were in Minnesota celebrating my mom's 100 birthday. They didn't like me to miss, but they understood. Now I'm off to Wewoka. (2 services in the same afternoon.)

Claremore/Nowata

There had been some changes to some of the living areas at this facility so I was ushered to a new location. The residents were waiting and ready to sing. It's always a thrill to watch the power of God work with Alzheimer's residents. The more we pressed into the Word the more they responded. Now it's on to Nowata.

Pryor/Jay

There are some residents in nursing homes that look repulsive. I know that may sound cold. But, it is the very reason many people do not come to visit. Residents are in nursing homes because they are not able to care for themselves. Sometimes the love of God, the compassion of God, is so strong I just want to hug them and not let them go. This morning there was a young resident in the room. She comes as often as she can. She appears to have birth defects that have caused her to be in a nursing home her whole life. I put my hand on her shoulder and hugged her as we were singing. She is in a wheel chair so she put her head on my waist. We just staid there for a while as we were singing. Then, we both began to cry at the same time. The compassion of the Lord was overwhelming. At that moment I was her dad and she was my daughter. This is the family of God. This is who we are. And, this is what we do.

Strengthening The Saved - Saving The Lost

Tulsa/Stillwater

There were many smiles this morning. Smiles are a good thing, especially in nursing homes. As we started to sing there were smiles. Then, when we looked into the Word there were even more smiles. Jesus said in John 4, "In my Fathers house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you." As Christians we have more of a future than we do a past. That is very good news!




There was a staff meeting this afternoon which included the activities director. I was asked if I would be comfortable taking the group with no supervision. I said, Yes. (I guess I have earned their trust.) We had a great time in the Lord.

Stigler

This morning we had revival! There was an excitement in the air. We were all ready to lift our hands and praise the Lord. When you live in a nursing home it's good to know you still have a future, you have a purpose in this life and the next. Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you. . ." That is really Great News!

Muskogee

This morning, when I walked into the nursing home, there were no residents anywhere to be found. I wondered what was going on? The front room, where we normally meet, was being prepared for fresh paint on the walls. All of the residents were in the cafeteria. So, that's were we had our service. (Flexibility is a key to successful ministry.) It really was a wonderful service. We have become family at this facility. We sang, we prayed, we looked into the Word of God, and we were blessed this morning. Jesus said, He is coming back for His church and we are getting ready.

Tulsa

I had several residents come to me, in tears, asking for prayer. It just re-reminded me of the need for Christians, who know how to pray, to come to nursing care facilities on a regular basis. The Lord is so gracious and loving. He wants to meet the needs of people. But, it requires people to ask in faith based on the Word. We had an amazing service and then prayed with many. I was very grateful to be here today. Lives were changed.