Nursing Home Ministry Update - January 2018

Barnsdall

We had quit a time in Barnsdall this morning. These residents really love the Lord. (We had us a shoutin' time.) I saw several residents who had been moved from another facility that just closed it's doors. It's hard to move to a new location when it's unexpected. We looked into the Word and saw that when we follow the direction of the Lord life becomes more rewarding. Yes Lord, we want to follow you!

Muskogee/Muskogee

The residents in the two facilities I was in today were like sponges. They are hungry for the Word of God. This afternoon I ministered for 1 1/2 hours and they didn't want me to stop. I ministered on my favorite subject - Following the plan of God for your life. Let's get on that path that God has planned for us and live the good life. Eph. 2:10 amp.

Broken Arrow/Stillwater

Many times there are more things going on during a service than we realize. This afternoon I noticed a resident in a geri chair who seemed to know all the hymns we were singing. (She very rarely opened her eyes but she was singing.) I found out latter that she had been the organist in her church for years. She new all the hymns but had not sung or been responsive to anything for months. The staff was excited to hear she had been singing.

Inola/Vinita

What a tremendous morning. The residents and staff are beginning to realize the power of God's Word. Our hands were raised to the Lord as we magnified Him. One month ago today Ann and I were on a Christmas trip. It's been two months since I've been here. They are beginning to experience the need for a regular service. WE ARE FAMILY.

Okemah/Wewoka

One month ago, Ann and I were on a Christmas trip to see family. I was not available to be in the nursing homes I am going to this week. It was like old home week this morning. There were many smiles on our faces as we hugged each other once again. We raised our hands to the Lord as we sang and recognized His presence with us. This is truly our church and when we don't get together on a regular basis it is missed. Now it's on to Wewoka and I am sure I will find the same attitude there.

Henryetta/Okmulgee

In many ways residents in nursing homes are no different than you and me. We live a day at a time and we wonder what the future will bring. today we looked at the topic, "Being led by the Spirit of God." We can live the best life possible when we know we are doing what God wants us to do. Hands were in the air, once again, as we worshiped our Lord and Savior.

Muskogee/McAlester

Muskogee
This morning the residents helped me preach my message. Every time I read a verse, they were saying it right along with me. They have learned so much. At the close of the service many of the residents were asking for prayer for others. Some of them actually guided me around the room to those who needed prayer. We have become family and truly care for one another.

McAlester
We had a great group this afternoon. I continue to be amazed at the lack of ministry in nursing care facilities. I don't think about it a lot because I'm doing it all the time. I was reminded again as a resident thanked me for coming and mentioned I'm the only minister they see. They just cling to the Good News.

There were several Bibles needed this afternoon but I only had 1 in the car. It's time to get more Bibles. No-one should ever be without a Bible who wants one.

Claremore/Nowata

Claremore
There are many residents here in Claremore that love to sing. When we sing the hymns of the church it brings back many memories. In an Alzheimer unit it's great to work on the memory. The Bible says, we are to renew our minds to the Word of God. It also says, let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. It's a great way to minister in these facilities. There were so many smiles this morning. It was wonderful to see the power of God at work.

Nowata
As I looked around the room my first thought was, there are needs everywhere: cancer, epilepsy, dementia, etc. The Bible says, believers will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. We began to sing. Between songs I laid my hands on everyone in the room and prayed God's healing power to flow. God is so good!

Pryor

On these cold days, life goes on in nursing homes just like any other day. What a thrill to experience the "New Birth". This morning a young resident confessed Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Even though she had gone to church she had not accepted Christ. Then, we sang a song together. Have a listen.

Tulsa/Pawnee

We can all use encouragement. Encouragement is absolutely necessary in nursing care facilities. What better way to encourage others but to minister the Word of God. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the father except by Me." We focused on, "I am the way." It's good to know that Jesus can lead us and guide us through all of our circumstances. He is the way! I saw more smiles today than I have seen in a long time. We were encouraged by the Word.

Tulsa/Bartlesville

We had a great service this morning. We went from 0 residents in the room to approx. 20 in a very short time. (The carpet was being cleaned.) Hands were raised as we started to praise the Lord.

It seems that residents in nursing care facilities are very grateful to have the opportunity to worship their Lord. They worship more freely when the service is familiar. I think everyone is that way no matter where you live. Most of the residents know and like the old hymns. So, that's what we use. They love it. The word is spreading about the services and we are growing.

Now it's on to Bartlesville :)

Wagoner/Sallisaw

This morning we had more residents and staff in the service than we have had in a long time. Some of the staff made comments like, "We need to get more residents in here", and they did. We are excited about 2018. Here is the question we've been asking, "How are we going to make it through?" And here is the answer. Jesus said, "I am the way . . ." He IS the answer to anything we could ever ask or need. We raised our hands and shouted about that for a while. GOD IS GOOD.

Eufaula/Wetumka

It seems as though residents are still tired from the holidays. (There are more activities during the Christmas season than any other time of the year.) This morning the room was full but very quiet. Some of the residents even mentioned how quiet they were. They said, "We'll get over it." We settled into the peace and joy of the Lord. He is our strength!

Muskogee/Tahlequah

This morning, in a Facebook post, I made a comment about nursing home residents something like, "we need them and they need us."
As I was handing out song sheets this morning, a woman laying in a geri chair called me over to her side. She wanted me to see her newly received engagement ring. He is also in the nursing home. She was very excited and then asked me if I would preside over their wedding. That's when it hit me again, "They really do consider me as their pastor." These are lives that, to many times, disappear and are forgotten behind the closed doors of nursing homes. I am committed to provide a Christian atmosphere for residents to continue to grow and prosper in the Lord. When the Lord asked me to go into nursing homes to: "Strengthen The Saved - Save The Lost", He new what He was talking about!
Now, it's on to Tahlequah.

Warner/Fort Gibson

Warner
This is only the second ministry day of the new year but I can already tell that we are ministering on a higher level. I'm not sure how to explain that. There is a greater ease and flow that I have not experienced before. Considering the mix of residents in the service this morning, you might ask the question, "What are we going to do with this?" It was light and easy. That is taking on the yoke of Christ. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I laid my hands on everyone in the room and sensed the healing power of God flowing.

Fort Gibson
This afternoon the same thing happened. There was an ease about the service that was supernatural. The presence of the Lord calming. We were family and didn't want to leave.

Tahlequah/Stilwell

Here we are - 2018. How do we make it through another year? Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." That's how we make it through - In Him!

That seems to be the question on most residents minds, "How are we going to make it through?" This morning we talked about being in Christ and what that means. God has already prepared a customized plan for each one of our lives. Then, He leaves it up to us to do with it whatever we want. Many are not even aware of the abundance that can be ours by simply saying "Yes!" and following Him. When we do things our own way it can be frustrating and confusing. But, if we follow Him it can be light and easy. I choose Him!