December NewsLetter

Dear Prayer Partners,

David & I would like to thank all of you for your faithful support towards the ministry in which God has called us to do. Whether you are supporting us through prayer, finances, or co laboring with us at the nursing homes, it is much appreciated! Without the Lord and your support, we would not be in the ministry.

December has arrived. This year, in case you haven't heard, David incorporated, "Adopt a Resident Christmas Program." This is a wonderful time of the year when we celebrate Christ's Birth. It would be a wonderful blessing if someone in our services would get saved. Though most of the residents profess salvation, it is only truly know by them and the Lord Jesus. We are however told by several of the residents that our ministry is a blessing to them; and we feel a spiritual lifeline to them.. Praise the Lord!

Dec. 2-Cedar Hills- Upon entering the nursing home, I met Ralph first. He went on to tell me about them Gators and how upset he was that they lost to FSU. I agreed with him. He just had to tell somebody, somebody who will take the time to stop and listen to him. That's all most residents want is our TIME to listen and converse with them. The service was good and all the ladies were there to help us. Sister Betty sang a special and Sis Teresa & Susan sang a special. Praise the Lord for the singing! As we sang Amazing Grace where it says "when we've been there 10,000 years," Ralph says that's just a drop in the bucket." As we sang the last verse, Praise God, Praise God, the residents hands began to lift up in the air praising the Lord!! I'm so thankful God put us in this ministry. Also we had a birthday, Mrs. Hilton turned 89. Her daughter came in with a cake and boy was it good. As we sang happy birthday, I gave her a card and some Avon hand lotion, she looked as if she was starting to weep. Also I would like to update you on Harriet Cooney.. Harriet received a large amount of books to send to the Lake City Prison. Her ministry is up and running. If you all have books you would like to donate, let us know and we would be happy to deliver them to Mrs. Cooney. One last item, when we were singing Amazing Grace (what a tremendous song) David tells me that one lady, who usually just lies in a bed staring up at the ceiling, whose lips were barley moving as she struggled to follow along to the words "Amazing Grace," God bless her efforts to sing to her God!

Dec 4-Alterra -The residents here at this assisted care facility don't respond as well as Cedar Hills....

We generally pick most of the songs because no one request's any particular songs. We average 5-10 residents at the services, since the facility is quite small. David is teaching about how the world is trying to discredit the virgin birth of Christ and its really interesting how the Bible proves (beyond doubt) that the virgin birth is true. I'm so thankful for the ladies in the church who volunteer to help us.

Dec. 11-Life Care Center- David had Radar school all this week. The ladies from the church and my brother (Kenny) had a great time at the services. We sang Christmas songs and the residents seemed to enjoy the singing. At the end of the services we passed out Christmas gifts to the residents. You should have seen the happy faces. Mr. Watkins was there and he received a pair of gloves. He stated, "What about that!" That is his saying when he is amazed. He needed the gloves because his hands get really cold and he didn't have a warm pair. Only a few days after our services we received a thank you card for one of the several lap blankets we were able to distribute. The card said that her Mom was using it when she came to see her. You may ask, what does this have to do with me; well, your concern for the welfare of these dear folks does not go un-noticed (Matt 25:40). Pray for Mr. Watkins, he still has pneumonia and the doctors wanted to operate because of something on his lung. Mr. Watkins said well I think I have 2 good years (Lord willing he will be 102 years old) left and he prayed about it and said he wasn't going to have the surgery.

Dec. 18-Alterra- Praise the Lord David was back today with his guitar and leading the services! It makes a great difference when he is there. We sang Christmas songs (and even had many requests today) and in between every few songs David read out of a Christmas book. The residents seem to enjoy the Christmas singing. After the services Christmas bags were distributed to everyone and with all the smiles, it enforces the worth of our/your labors! As we left we came to where Mr. Bryant lived. David and I stopped to talk to Mr. Bryant for a few minutes. We learned that he used to be the superintendent of the Post office here in Jacksonville. I asked if his family came to visit him and he said, "my son died and my wife has died and I have ." His countenance turned sad when he said this. I said but you have another son, then is countenance turned to happiness (pray for the many Mr. Bryant's who face similar obstacles).

Dec. 23-Cedar Hills- Today we handed out Christmas gifts. We had a nice service singing Christmas songs. Little Kim Creamer was there to sing us a couple of songs. The residents really enjoy the children. Rachel was there also, she took the pictures as Ms. Betty and I handed out the gifts. When a few of the residents opened their gifts, they were delighted and smiles filled every face! It is such a blessing to see their faces.

Thanks to all of you who donated money, made the blankets, gave gift bags and volunteered in this years Adopt a resident Christmas program! The Lord bless and keep you.

Prayer Request: Our family; Lost souls in the nursing homes; Families of those residents who passed away this year; Our ministry finances.

In Christ,

Love in Christ,

David, Pat & Rachel

Sounds of Joy Ministries
Ministry Family
446 Halsema Rd. N.
Jacksonville, Fla. 32220