(Spiritual) Adopt a Nursing Home Resident Program

“Utilizing Christian resources in a way that pleases God”

Purpose: To provide a means of connection between the often lonely and forgotten resident with a local (or long distance ministry) Christian who is interested in a very personal, fulfilling and rewarding ministry work.

Objective: To draw more mainline local church members (and long distance Christian ministry partners) into active participation within the nursing home ministry

Parameters:

1. Promotional efforts are instituted between Sounds of Joy and local churches (or long distance ministry partners).

2. Contact between the Spirit led individual and Sounds of Joy are established.

3. A Representative of Sounds of Joy will sit down (or make phone contact) with the potential adopter and:

    A) Attempt to discern personality type of adopter!

    B) Explain the potentiality of the adoption process.

    C) Help adopter select an adoptee that would be compatible.

         1. This can be simplified by inviting the adopter to one of our nursing home ministry services (if local) STRICTLY as an onlooker for the following reason:

              a. The adopter will have an opportunity to see various residents and feel led towards one particular individual.

    D) A selection is made and guidance in beginning the contact is started.

          1. Initial contact is made and SOJ will assist the first meeting (if local) between adopter and adoptee to go smoothly.

4. Here are some suggestions as to what the adoptee’s needs are and how they might be fulfilled by the adopter.

     A) Fellowship - (Primary Need) This can be fulfilled in several ways

          1. A personal weekly/bi-weekly 15 minute room visit

          2. Send a card (special occasions: Easter, Veterans, Thanksgiving, Christmas etc.) and let the adoptee know you are praying for them daily and that you and Jesus love and care for them!

          3. Learn more about the adoptee (likes, hobbies, history) and try to meet those needs (Birthdays and anniversaries)

    B) Provide basic clothing and hygiene items, books etc.

    C) Hospital Visits (if it becomes warranted)

         1. Many spend their last few days ALONE and in a HOSPITAL. Maybe you cannot make it , let us know and we will try (many times the Nursing Home will not make us aware)

    D) Attending special nursing home/SOJ ministry events as a special visitor (for your adopted person).  This means so much to them!

Benefits:    (This is a win/win situation for all involved)

1. A feeling of self worth (for you, AS WELL as for them)

2. Enhanced life (for you, AS WELL as for them)

3. Christian growth and blessings (for you, AS WELL as for them)

4. Temporal and eternal increases (for you, AS WELL as for them)

Barriers

1. Time - We live in a fast paced society.  SLOW down and a blessing to one who needs it DRASTICALLY!

2. Money - As earlier stated, it is not the external gifts they crave; it’s YOU! This is a very cost effective ministry.

3. FEAR - God has not given a spirit of fear, conquer through CHRIST.  We can help you!

4. Callousness - God tells us, as we have done a deed to one of His, we have done it unto Him

5. Witnessing - Perhaps they are in need of Christ.  If so, the door of opportunity may open up.  If you like, we can help!

CONGRATULATIONS:

     You have made a great decision, please keep us informed (perhaps monthly) as to how things are going!  We would like to follow your ministry (and work with you as we go into the nursing home and minister to the residents).  If there is anything else we can do to help or assist you, don’t hesitate to contact us!!

God bless you for taking the time to be a blessing

His servant,

Pastor, Dave Tack