Nursing Home Music Ministry











To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, GREETINGS.
Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 110 Nursing Homes & 13
Churches. Thank You Jesus!
Monday July 4 th ~
Keith & Sherry treated me to breakfast, then asked me to join them for a Holiday
meal over at Sherry's parents house. Had a wonderful time visiting and
fellowshipping. Had a delicious lunch. Sherry's dad told a story of having a Bible
Study with a fella at work during a certain down time every day. Years later, in a
restaurant, a man came up to him and told how he was sitting around the corner
where he couldn't be seen, listening to their Bible Study. Because of what he
heard, he gave his heart to Jesus. The Lord Works IN Mysterious Ways!
Keith & I played guitars back at his place for a while. Watched a pretty good movie,
then called it a night.
Tuesday July 5 th ~
Had a little Bible Study with Keith during breakfast. Got a shower, did some email
business on their computer. To top it all off, they had packed me a sack lunch and
gave me a ten dollar bill. What Hospitality! What Love! What Brotherly Kindness!
May God Bless Them!
Drove over to the "Marysville Care Center" here in Marysville, Wa. Ministered to a
nice little group. Then went another mile or two thru the neighborhood to the
"Madeleine Villa Health Care Center". Sang to a subdued group that eventually
warmed up and started making request for their favorite hymns. Ended up with a
warm feeling.
Looked up some old friends (Rick & Hilda), I hadn't seen in about four years. Spent
the evening visiting and reminiscing.
Wednesday July 6 th ~
Had breakfast with Rick & Hilda's family. Did some email on their computer and got
a shower for the road. They sent me off with a hundred dollar contribution to the
ministry. Praise God! May God Bless Them!
Started south, stopping in Lake Stevens, Wa., I sang at "Ashley Pointe Retirement
& Assisted Living". A small group; there were several ladies singing along with
most the songs.
Further south I pulled over at Snoqualmie Falls. Spectacular View from above the
Falls looking down the cliff. Made the 1 mile (round trip), Hike down a steep trail to
the River and back up. Just about wore me out.
Thursday July 7 th ~
In McCleary, Wa., I found the "Beehive Retirement Center". A sweet spirit of
generosity & hospitality in this place. After singing for a fair size group; the owner
(Brandon) and Activity Director (Jeanie) along with the Staff, invited me to stay for
lunch. And very generously contributed forty dollars to the ministry. I enjoyed a
wonderful time of visiting with some residents and staff, as well as watching their
Parrot say Hello and Whistle at the Gal's as they walked by. On top of everything
else, they offered the use of a shower in an empty apartment. May God Bless
Them! A Refreshing & Uplifting Encounter!
Friday July 8 th ~
A Day Of Rest.
Saturday July 9 th ~
What A Day!!! Found the "Pacific Care Center" in Hoquiam, Wa. & sang for a nice
little group with good participation. As I was leaving, the Assistant Activity Director
(Pat), gave me a twenty dollar donation. May God Bless Her!
Then, on down the road a few blocks, to the Y.M.C.A., where I was allowed to get a
shower. In the locker room; I got to visiting with a fella (John), who expressed a
desire to help in the ministry. He had me follow him to a gas station, where he
filled my gas tank (over 23 dollars worth). Then, he had me follow him around the
corner to his house, where his wife (Janet), made lunch for us. We had some
Uplifting time of Fellowship, exchanged email addresses; then (going the extra
mile), they sent me on my way with a bag of groceries! May God Bless Them!
After spending some time in a library; I went to "Grays Harbor Health And
Rehabilitation Center" in Aberdeen, Wa. I was able to minister to a small group in
the main lobby. As I was finishing up, a lady in a wheelchair asked if I could come
to her mother's room (the mother being confined to her bed). I played a verse &
chorus of 5 or 6 songs, mother singing along with every one of them. We visited
for a bit, and she told me how, since she'd been in the Home, she'd periodically
been hearing Heavenly Host going up and down the hallways Singing Praise's &
Hymn's! Said it was Comforting!
As I was saying my goodbye's, her son Blessed me with a donation. A few minutes
later, when I was out by the van, he came out and said, "God told me to do Better".
And he handed me another 20 dollar bill. Praise The Lord! May God Bless Him!
Sunday July 10 th ~
Attended worship services in a church between Aberdeen and Cosmopolis. Found
out later it used to be a nursing home. They'd removed some walls in one section
to make an area big enough to gather everyone. A big crowd (maybe 150), with
half of them teenagers.
Seems they had a youth thing going on with sister congregations. The kids were
staying at the church for the week. They had already gone out and painted an
elderly lady's house. For the middle of the week, they had scheduled with the
city, a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. Which they were being allowed to Host. And
towards the end of the week they will man an Outreach Booth during a locale River
Festival. Looked to me like they were busy getting it done.
Headed south on Hwy 101. Ran across a picnic/hiking place with free camping.
Went for a nice Hike in a Rain Forest type envirement, with Douglas Fir & Sitka
Spruce (signs identified); Tall, Majestic Tree's with all kinds of Ferns, Ivy and Moss
underneath. A real Primeval Forest; Like something out of a Dark FairyTale. During
the night it was so dark, I literally couldn't see my hand in front of my face.
So, For Now.
May God Guard,
Guide And Direct You!
Yours In Christ, Larry
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another
with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude
in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in
the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 18 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far, I've had the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel In Song with 114 Nursing Homes and 13 Churches.
To God Be The Glory!
Monday July 11 th ~
Pulled into South Bend, Wa. & stopped at the library to send out UPDATE & answer
some email. Then ministered at "Alder House Assisted Living For Seniors". Great
reception; one lady had this Beautiful Smile the whole time I was playing. Later I
was told she'd been a Sunday School Teacher for 56 years.
Tuesday July 12 th ~
In Astoria, Or., I went to the "Astor House Licensed Assisted Living" N.H. A nice
little group with quite a few residents singing along. The Director asked me to stay
for lunch, presented me with a nice Greeting Card containing a Lovely compliment.
And, a fifteen dollar donation for the ministry! May God Bless Her!
After a little sight-seeing, and a shower at the Aquatic Center; I played at the
"Clatsop Care Center" during their Ice Cream Social. A fair size group, it went very
well. As I was leaving, the Activity Director (Bonnie) gave me a twenty five dollar
contribution. May God Bless Her!
Further South, I parked for the night beside the highway atop a cliff, overlooking a
7 mile stretch of Beach on the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful View!
Wednesday July 13 th ~
Continued south for a bit, then headed Inland. Stopped in Independence, Or., and
played at the "Evergreen Independence Health & Rehab Center". A small group,
with several enthustiastic members. The Activity Director gave me a plate of
Goodies, and an eight dollar donation. May God Bless Her!
On down the road, I pulled into Eugene,Or. about 6:00 pm. I lived in Eugene years
ago. Dropped in at Mike & Jeans, where their still Hosting their weekly
Get-Together. PingPong & Guitar Music. Good Timing, got to see quite a few old
friends.
Thursday July 14 th ~
After doing Laundry; I was able to spend the afternoon visiting with Robert &
Stacy. Some good Laugh's & Warm Feelings. In the evening I went over to
Tommy's house, where they have a weekly card game. Got to see some more guy's
I hadn't seen in a while.
Friday July 15 th ~
Dropped by Ralph's, missed him but got to see Andy (an ace mechanic since his
early teens, now in his 70's still going Strong). Went over to Rusty's office for a
quick hello; then over to Roberts for a nice 3 or 4 hour visit. Then over to Gary &
Nora's, for some good old fashion, sittin on the Front Porch drinking tea and
enjoying Life. From there, out to the country to visit with Rusty & Bubba. Ate a
fine dinner, watched an entertaing movie, and camped there for the night. At one
point, Rusty slipped me fourteen dollars for the ministry. May God Bless Him!
Saturday July 16 th ~
Finally watched the movie "The Passion Of The Christ".
Sunday July 17 th ~
Attended Worship Services in Santa Clara (a suburb of Eugene). After services,
while visiting with Steve & Peggy; Randal walked up and handed me a twenty dollar
bill. Said someone, wishing to remain anonymous, wanted me to have it. Lord, you
know who that was, Please Bless Them!
Spent the Evening with Robert & Stacy. Where they Prepared a Superb Dinner. We
had a Wonderful time of good food, good music and good conversation.
And So, It's been an Uplifting time of seeing old friends, visiting and reminiscing.
Till Next Week,
May God Guard,
Guide And Direct You.
Your In Christ, Larry
To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 19 weeks since beginning this years Ministry. So far, I've had the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 119 Nursing Homes & 13 Churches.
Thank You Jesus!
Monday July 18 th ~
After having coffee with Robert, he generouslly offered the use of his computer to
do the UPDATE.
From there, just a few streets over, I found "Sheldon Park Assisted Living &
Memory Care". For about 40 minutes, I sang for a delightful group of 15 residents,
in the alzheimer's unit. Several beautiful smiles, as well as, several singing along.
Many thank you's & come back soon's. Then over to the Parlor by the main
Dinning Room. Where I sang for a similar size group. Great participation; Many
request. As I was going around thanking everyone for listening, a young lady
visiting family members, Blessed me with a twenty dollar donation. And, the
Activity Director asked me to stay for Dinner. May God Bless Them!
Later, in another part of town, I finally caught up with Ralph (a Master Electrician I
worked with when I lived here years ago). We had a nice little visit of reminiscing &
catching up on what's happened in our lives in the last few years.
Tuesday July 19 th ~
Played at the "Lone Oak Assisted Living Community", here in Eugene. Had a nice
crowd, which made 3 request before I even started singing. Went very well.
Towards the end, the Activity Director came over and placed a twenty in my guitar
case. May God Bless Her! As I was leaving, a visitor complimented me on the
music, and asked why I'd chosen this Venue (singing in Nursing Homes). I told her
"It's Spiritual: It's about using this talent to serve the Lord: It's all about Jesus".
She smiled, shook my hand, turned and walked away.
Later, across town, I received another wonderful Dinner at Robert & Stacy's.
Wednesday July 20 th ~
With Robert & Stacy's help, I arranged a six month Insurance Policy for the van
(cost me $220). Also spent some time on the phone lining up Nursing Homes for
next week.
Drove over to the "Terpening Terrace" Nursing Home; a rather Plush Place. Had a
nice turn-out. And was treated to dinner, where I sat with a couple who'd listened
to me sing. This Dinning Room was like a Four Star Restaurant. Had a Salad Bar
and a Menu to choose from, as well as a Special Of The Day. I had Chicken Fried
Steak. YUM!
From there, I went to Mike & Jean's weekly Get-Together. Another enjoyable
evening of Ping-Pong, guitar music and visiting with friends. At one point, Todd (a
man who works hard fulfilling his responsibility to his wife & kids), gave me a ten
dollar donation for the ministry. May God Bless Him!
Thursday July 21 st ~
Ministered at the "Farmington Square Senior Care Community". Before I was due
to start, I was able to sit-in, on a Communion Service lead by a locale minister. She
had me lead them in the song "Jesus Loves Me". Then, after a short break, (to
allow others to join us who wanted to hear the music), I played for another hour or
so. It went very well. Before I left, the Activity Director gave me a ten dollar
donation. May God Bless Her!
Across town, using one of Ralph's Shade Tree's, I changed the oil & filter in the
van, and, put in some No-Smoke additive. Seems to have helped some. Maybe now
I won't get a Ticket. It was smoking so Bad; I was starting to get Embarrassed!
Spent the evening, out at Rusty's. Watched a movie and had a fine dinner.
Friday July 22 nd ~
Went for a long walk along a country road, showered, and headed into town.
Stopped at the library to work on the computer, then Played at the "Good Neighbor
Care" in Eugene. A bus & van brought a group from their sister Home in
Springfield (a city across the hwy from Eugene). So, we ended up with a Rather
Large Crowd (over 50). Seemed to go very well, I noticed quite a few folks smiling &
singing along. The Activity Director from Springfield asked if I could come play
there. So, Lord Willing, I'll be able to do that next week.
Spent the evening enjoying a Delicious Spaghetti Dinner, with Toni, Mike & Jean.
Saturday July 23 rd ~
Drove about 30 miles, out to Triangle Lake, and attended Patrice & Randy's
wedding. I was Honored to be invited up to sing a request. Ended up doing four
songs.
Drove back into Eugene for Vicki's going away party. She's renting out her house,
and heading off into the Wild Blue Yonder, to see what she can do. I sang "Leaving
On A Jet Plane" for her.
Sunday July 24 th ~
Attended Worship Services in Eugene. There was a guest speaker, which is
involved in mission work in India. After services, a group of us got together at a
pizza place, and spent a couple of hours in fellowship.
Later, I went over to Mike & Jean's for a nice dinner, with them, Toni, Casey &
Marsha. We played & sang quite a few songs. A Beautiful Day, nice & comfortable
out in the back yard. Towards the end of the evening, Marsha (Jean's Mom), asked
if she could help out with the ministry. And contributed fifty dollars. May God Bless
Her!
And So,
May The Lord Guard,
Guide & Direct You.
Yours In Christ, Larry
Greetings,
To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ,
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 20 weeks since beginning this years Mission. So far, I've had the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 125 Nursing Homes & 13 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday July 25 th ~
I ministered at the "Riverpark Nursing & Rehab Center" here in Eugene. This facility
had a nice, large, open area with a little stage, and sound system. I brought the
microphone down off the stage, to the level of a fair size group of residents,
gathered in a semi circle around me. I was able to do a number of request. And of
course, a number of apologies for the one's I didn't know. Ended up singing for a
good hour and a half. Linda (The Activity Director), made a twenty dollar donation
to the ministry. May God Bless Her!
Tuesday July 26 th ~
Played at the "Eugene Rehab & Specialty Care". A medium size group; Went very
well. The Activity Director & his Assistant, provided me with a list of their sister
facilities in Oregon, as well as, a 20 dollar donation. And Wayne, visiting his Dad,
contributed 5 more. May God Bless Them !
Hooked up with Roy & Darlene (Elders of a church here). They had me over for
Dinner, some Music, and good Ole' Fellowship.
Wednesday July 27 th ~
At "South Hills Rehab Center", I sang for a medium size group of residents. The
folks seemed very appreciative. The Activity Director (Rhonda) made a twenty
dollar donation, but she gave me something even more valuable than that. She told
me how, she has a young lady who comes in on Wednesday's to lead a sing-along
with Hymn's. Not 5 minutes, before I contacted Rhonda about playing, this young
lady, had called to say she couldn't make it this week. Rhonda telling me that,
made me feel as if my path were being watched over. May God Bless Her !
Drove across I.H. 5 to "Good Neighbor Care" of Springfield. This facility has
individual house's scattered around their property. Each one, with it's own kitchen,
showers, laundry's etc. Housing, I'm guessing, 5 to 10 residents each. A group
from this complex had taken a bus, to their sister facility in Eugene, last week,
when I played there. Having been invited to their monthly Birthday/Potluck
Luncheon, I played for a quarter hour. Then joined them for Hot Dog's, Potato
Salad, Fruit Salad & Watermelon. YUM ! Then Played Happy Birthday & sang for
another half hour during Cake & Ice Cream.
Later, I spent the evening at Mike & Jean's for their weekly get-together.
Thursday July 28 th ~
A Diabetes Nurse Educator (Cheryl), which has been very helpful in the past, was
able to provide me with some Insulin & Test Strips. May God Bless Her !
Drove over to the "Marquis Care At Springfield".They sat up a small sound system
which was surprisingly effective. Several folks sang along with pretty much all
the songs. Out in the Court-Yard, The Activity Director (Bruni), had corn going on
the BBQ pit. So, after singing, I got to eat some Roasted Corn-On-The-Cobb,
Dripping with Butter. YUM !
Went out to Rusty's and enjoyed some visiting, dinner, and some movie watching.
Friday July 29 th ~
Ministered at the "Gateway Gardens" Nursing Home in Eugene. Nice facility, with a
separate Building, Housing the Activity Center. Ended up with a rather large crowd
(over 50). Played for about an hour & a half. Several times I was asked to do songs
I'd already done. So, I raised them up half a step to a different Key, and told the
residents that would make it a whole different song. Kim (the activity director),
gave me a Hug & an envelope, as I was leaving. Later, I found that the envelope
contained 60 dollars. May God Bless Her !
Spent the evening at Larry & Kelley's. Ate some Taco Salad, played some guitar,
and enjoyed some good old fellowship. At one point, Kelley (with her husbands
knowledge), slipped me a 20 for the ministry. May God Bless Them !
Saturday July 30 th ~
Did the Laundry Mat Thing. Then spent the rest of the day out at Rusty's Country
Estate.
Sunday July 31 st ~
Attended Worship Services in Eugene. Then went over to a Pot-Luck Lunch at the
Church Roy & Darlene are Elder's of. After eating, Roy asked me (when I had the
time), if I could install a Flourecent Fixture in their Foyer, in exchange for a tank of
gas. I asked if we could do it now; took about 15 minutes. They gave me a twenty,
May God Bless Them ! I stayed another couple of hours, for the area-wide
acopela singing they were Hosting.
From there, I went over to Casey's Birthday Celebration. Pretty good size crowd;
Lots of food; Lots of music. Enjoyed an evening of Praying, Visiting, Feasting, and
just sitting around soaking up the Atmosphere.
That's about it for this week.
Till next time,
May Our Lord Guard,
Guide, & Direct You.
Yours In Christ, Larry
To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 16 weeks since beginning this years mission. So
far, I've had the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 104
Nursing Homes & 13 Churches. To God Be The Glory!
Monday June 27 ~
Decided to take a day off. After going in to the library to send off
the UPDATE. I swung by the store for chips, dips & cokes.
Spent the rest of the day with Greg; watching movie's, munching,
and enjoying fellowship between Brothers in Christ.
Tuesday June 28 ~
Back on the road, stopped in Sandpoint, Id. and sang at the "Life
Care Center of Sandpoint". A large relatively new facility.
Ministered to a nice group, was well received. Afterwards, the
Activity Director gave me a twenty dollar Donation. May God Bless
Her!
Continued west across the border into Washington. Just outside of
Newport, I spotted a Church with a few vehicles in the lot. I went in
and asked permission to park there for the night. Not only did
they say yes; they also invited me to join them in an Old-Timers
(Pot-luck Dinner), that was scheduled for the evening. Plus, I had
the Honor of singing a few songs. Afterwards, the associate
Pastor & Wife (T.J. & Karen), expressed a desire to help with the
ministry, and handed me a check. Turned out to be a Hundred
Dollars! Praise The Lord! May God Bless Them!
Wednesday June 29 ~
In Davenport, Wa., I found the "Lincoln Nursing Home". Had a
wonderful time singing during their Food & Fun Hour. Mark, a
brother in Christ working in Activities, Blessed me with twenty
dollars of his own money. May God Bless Him! On Mark's advice,
I detoured north to the Grand Coulee Dam, and watched the Laser
Light Show they put on every night. Impressive!
Thursday June 30 ~
Continued north onto the Colville Indian Reservation, and sang at
the "Colville Tribal Convalescent Center". Just outside of
Nespelem, Wa. Great reception. A number of young people from
the Tribe were there painting the hallway's, and popped into the
Activity Room from time to time to hear the music & sing along.
Further north in Omak, Wa., I ran across an Old Fashion Tent
Meeting. The Summerdorfs, a couple with six children from 12 to
20 years old, have an Evangelistic Ministry. Which includes about 6
Tent Meetings a year, as well as Camp Meetings, Conferences,
Revival's, etc. Enjoyed the Service & was encouraged.
Friday July 1 ~
Went over to "Apple Meadows Assisted Living & Memory Care"
here in Omak. Sang for a nice little group. Then, next door at the
"Apple Springs Retirement & Assisted Living Residence", I
ministered to a slightly larger group. Both went very well, some
people new most if not all the songs I sang.
After checking email at the library, I headed west on Hwy 20 into
the Northern Cascades. Parked for the night at the Cutthroat
Trailhead in the Okanogan National Forest. Hiked 4 miles (round
trip) to Cutthroat Lake. Pretty good workout and worth it. Finally
cane out of the trees to view a 5 acre shallow lake surrounded by
Tall Mountains with patches of snow here & there. Beautiful &
Secluded!
Saturday July 2 ~
Took some time enjoying my surroundings. Did some Reading,
Resting & Relaxing. Got back on the road after lunch. Took it
easy nursing this old van up and down these Mountains. Stopped
at several Overlooks, with views so awesome I can't find the words
to describe them. You just have to see for yourself.
Sunday July 3 ~
Attended a small church in Marysville, Wa. where I had the Honor
of contributing a couple of songs. Was invited to a pot-luck bbq
they had planned for the afternoon out in the country. After
stopping at the Y.M.C.A. for a shower, I drove out to Keith &
Sherry's. A beautiful place beside a River, with Tons of Tall trees all
around. Fried Chicken, BBQ, Kid's swimming in the River, Sittin
around Singing Songs, Telling Stories, Laughing, Fellowshipping.
Awesome! As the party was breaking up, Pastor had folks gather
round me, Laid Hands on me and Prayed for me. One fella (Larry),
slipped me a twenty dollar bill in a handshake. May God Bless Him!
Keith & Sherry offered me a place to park for the night. Also
offered to throw a load of laundry in the washer (Very Thoughtful).
We spent the rest of the evening visiting and simply enjoying the
Fellowship Between Brothers & Sisters In Christ. A Good Day!
May God Guard, Guide And Direct You.
Yours In Christ, Love, Larry