February NewsLetter

Hello Ministry Partners

Please pray that God would move on our “Adopt a Resident Program.” I really believe that if our Churches and membership would get a hold of this program it would be something BIG! We do have a few folks who are contemplating an adoption! Remember, this is not a legal adoption; but one of well being and of spiritual emphasis. It’s simply being a good friend and looking after a child of God in need. If you can help, please let us know, or refer to our web page for the program’s information.

West Jax - Feb. 4 - God really blessed and encouraged my soul today. We had a very good crowd and some visitors as well. Jeremy and Sonya (from Crystal Springs Baptist) came to our services and we are hoping to put something together involving their youth group. This would be fantastic because the residents love to see the youth and it is a great opportunity for young folks to be actively involved in ministry work. Sis Betty and Joan sang a special for us and Sis Gracie was also helping us sing today. I really appreciate these ladies and their help! As I looked out I saw many of the residents singing out vibrantly. The staff did a great job in assisting us throughout the services. We preached on, “You Are Important To God” and I pray it was a blessing and help to the hearers.

Cedar Hills -11 - We had a good time and to God be the glory. We had a numerous amount of volunteers this morning and wonderful services. The ladies came and Sis Harriet and Gloria were glad to see them. The new TV/DVD-VCR is now installed upstairs and the upper floor residents no longer have to take an elevator downstairs to watch TV. We had Jeremy and Sonia with us today and Jeremy closed us in prayer. Maybe you would like to help us minister, you will leave blessed; I guarantee it!!

Life Care Center - Feb. 18 - We had some terrific services and we got to meet LCC new Activities Director (the 4th one since we’ve been going). We got to see the new sound system we purchased for Christmas. Apparently, they are using it for their resident council meetings. Diane, a former Assistant Activities Director, was there and I really enjoyed seeing her. We preached on “Justification” out of Romans 3 and God gave me great liberty this morning. The ladies and I had a very nice time of fellowship after the services. I also had the opportunity to make contact with 4 of the 5 churches we visited this past year. All of the pastors told me that they really enjoyed our monthly newsletters and encouraged us to continue our ministry. Two of the pastors told me that they have since started either an “Inbound/Shut In Ministry” or “Nursing Home Visitation Ministry” within their churches. Great news, and I truly believe God blesses those who are taking time for the orphans and the widows!! One of the residents “Dallas” helped us sing a special and it was just an all around good time blessing this morning. I feel encouraged today and know that Satan is not too happy about that! But praise God; I serve a all-powerful God who is able! I trust that you are trusting and leaning on Him!

Feb 25 - Today I got to meet with Chaplin Bill and Maryann Goodrich from Avon Lake, Ohio. Bill and Maryann are very active in regionalizing all the nursing home ministry directors within the US (and some other countries). Bill and Maryann also head up an organization called "God Cares Ministry." These folks have done what many of us are unable to do (full time missionary specializing in Nursing Home Ministry exclusively. I truly believe within the next 10 years you will see more folks like the Goodrich’s as our Nursing Home population continues to grow! Folks, they are a wealth of information and you can really tell that God has led them within this particular area of ministry. If you have any questions about nursing home ministry (I mean any questions) I would strongly suggest you contact Bill: (email) or (phone) 440-930-2173. I look forward to meeting and speaking to Bill and Maryann again. It was so productive and blessed.

Thanks Bill and Maryann, may God continue to bless your efforts!

Cedar Hills - Feb 26 - Giving God the glory. That’s what it’s all about! We had a good time in Jesus today. The staff had a real good crowd on hand, and we had a great number of volunteers! Bro. Charles and Sis Betty sang two very blessed specials and Teresa picked up some Dunkin Donuts and coffee for our “Staff Appreciation Day.”

I am excited that we were able to secure a Christian couple to come in and sing in our April 2nd Quarterly Gospel Sing at 2 PM, Cedar Hills Nursing Home. This would be a great time to come out and be a part of our ministry and be blessed by a great “Gospel Sing” at the same time. You won’t have to do anything but show up and show your concern and support towards our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! The services went well and many residents helped us in the singing services. Today (25FEB05) I was able to contact and secure 50 Large Print “Daily Bread Devotionals” starting in April. We look forward to being able to increase our distribution of these to the 3 facilities we are currently ministering in.

Until next month.....................

David, Pat & Rachel