"Cast me not off in the time of old age, forsake me not when my strength faileth" Psalm 71:9

DAVID'S TESTIMONY       Though I had some background Church affiliation in my life as a child, I rejected Jesus and His love until I had served 3 years in the U.S. Navy. Receiving an honorable discharge in 1982, I became very distraught and disgruntled with my life. I knew that I had reached rock bottom and remember sharing my miserable condition with my Mom. Praise God, for my Mother's wisdom, she invited me to attend Church with her on the following Sunday. I heard the Pastor as he spoke of man's sinful nature and of man's need for a savior (Jesus Christ). God pricked my stony heart and I came to a realization that He was speaking to me. On that day, May 29, 1983, I walked forward and accepted Jesus as my personal Savior! Though saved, I now rejected God's invitation to grow and become a vessel, set apart for His service. In 1984, I went back into the U.S. Navy and was still wandering through the deserts of life, similar to the prodigal son. Later, I would understand the great need for our young service men and women to hear of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and God began to use me as His spokesperson within the ranks of the US Navy. God allowed me to see many other countries and the tremendous need for God's missionaries overseas. I was able to make contact with several missionary families (on the field) where I actively became involved in the propagation of the gospel overseas.        In 1985 God blessed me with a wonderful wife (Pat) who also got saved in 1985. In 1988 I was introduced, by a dear Christian brother, into the world of nursing home ministry. I saw dear precious saints of God, though physically and mentally diminished in age, striving to sing and praise to God with what little energies they possessed. What a tremendous blessing!       In 1990 I started attending college, using distance learning, studying Christian Ministries at Liberty University, (eventually receiving my Bachelor of Science Degree in Religion in January 2002). The Lord laid on my heart to start a Nursing Home Ministry in Arkansas Pass, TX. In 1994, being transferred to Charleston SC, we began a Nursing Home Ministry in Goose Creek, SC. In 1996, my ship, the USS Frank Cable, was transferred to Guam where God permitted us to start a Nursing Home Ministry right there in Guam!       In 1999 we were transferred to Jacksonville, FL where God laid on my heart to go into full time ministry work within the nursing home mission field. God revealed to me that many churches are going into the nursing homes, providing services and then leaving until next month. God put into my heart to provide that as well as a closer and deeper Pastoral care to these dear warriors of God.       Scheduled to retire from the U.S. Navy, we began to make preparations for our transition. Sept 11, 2001; the terrorist attacks on American soil, it affected all of us; for our family, my retirement was cancelled and I was thrown into heightened security measures. My days went form normal to insane. Satan was already on the move and attacking our call to ministry! Determined to remain faithful to God; we initiated 3 new Nursing Home Ministries on the West Side of Jacksonville. God laid on my heart to start a “Not For Profit:, charitable organization called Sounds of Joy Ministries Inc., that was primarily designed for those who are residing within the confines of the nursing home communities. We are now retired, with 21 years of honorable military service. We are now gearing up to increase our commitment towards God's call in our lives, to be His bond Servant's within the nursing home community Sounds of Joy Ministries Ministry Family 446 Halsema Rd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32220