Nursing Home Music Ministry











I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
I've had the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 183 Nursing
Homes & 18 Churches. All In The Name Of Jesus.
Monday October 3 rd ~
I went over to the "Osceola Good Samaritan Center", here in Osceola,
Nebraska. The Directors rearranged their schedule & allowed me to
Minister before Lunch. Had an appreciative crowd of about 30 or so.
Went Very Well.
Had a meal in the park, then over to the library, where I sent off the
UPDATE. Since it was Hot & Windy outside, the Librarian allowed me to
spend a few hours there watching an old John Wayne movie.
Tuesday October 4 th ~
Continuing East, I stopped in David City, Nebraska. And found the "St.
Joseph's Court Assisted Living", where I sang for a group of about 10
residents. One ole' Gal (97 years), had several request & gently sang
along with most songs. A Real Sweet Heart. The Activity Director
(Karen), treated me to lunch. So I got to enjoy a good meal & fellowship.
At one point, the 97 year old came & joined us. And as I left, slipped me
a 5 dollar bill. M.G.B.H! (May God Bless Her!).
I then went next door to the "St. Joseph's Villa". Having been invited to
play after lunch, I sang for a rather large crowd. We had a wonderful
time with folks singing along & making request. Rewarding!
Wednesday October 5 th ~
Found a Y.M.C.A. and got a shower, over to a library in the same town
for email, then crossed the Border into Iowa. Stopped in Logan, Iowa
where I was able to minister at the "Westmont Care Center". We had a
nice little group that seemed to be lifted up by the experience. The
A.D. (Robin), expressed her appreciation for providing something
different for the folks. She was also able to contribute a love offering
for the ministry. M.G.B.H!
Thursday October 6 th ~
Further East, in Carroll, Ia., I stopped at the "St. Anthony Regional
Hospital & Nursing Home". Nice Place. Started singing in their Main
reception area with about 15 residents. Over the next hour, they kept
coming in from down the Halls & off the elevators. By the time I
finished, must have been 40 or 50 folks packed in there. We had a
Lovely time. The Assistant Activity Director (Auralee), treated me to
lunch in the Hospital Cafeteria. She encouraged me to load up with all I
could eat. And, gave me an envelope with a Thank You Note & gift for
the ministry.M.G.B.H!
Continued East for a ways, then turned South for the Winter.
Friday October 7 th ~
What a day! In Grinnell, Iowa, I sang at the "Mayflower Health Center". A
Beautiful place with a large Auditorium. Complete with stage & sound
system. We had a Wonderful crowd and things simply Flowed.
Afterwards, on the way to sing in a room where the resident was close
to going HOME. An attendant stopped me & pointed out a lady going
down the hall with her walker. She wanted me to know, that the lady
never sits still & is always fidgeting. But that she had Calmly sat thru
the whole Hour. For me, just one more example of the Power of the
Gospel.
A couple of daughters were in the room where I was asked to sing
"Amazing Grace". I had to take an extra long pause after the 3 rd verse,
cause everyone got emotional, including me.
Members of the Church here (Randy, Lori & Francene), whom I had met
back in June, offered me their guest bedroom for the weekend. Spent
a couple hours at another one of the Church member's place. Shoveling
grass off a future driveway site, eating pizza & enjoying some good ole'
fellowship. Then back to R,L & F's place for the night.
Saturday October 8 th ~
Lori graciously provided the use of her washer & dryer. So, I did the
domestic thing. Then went over to the "Friendship Manor Care Centre".
Where I sang for a lovely little group after their Saturday Bingo
Tradition. It went well. Back to R,L & F's, for an evening meal, a little
TV, and to bed.
Sunday October 9 th ~
Attended Morning Worship Services at the Church of Hope. Which is a
cooperative ministry between Evangelical Methodists & Nazarenes. I
had the Honor of contributing a song (Jesus Loves Me) during the 9:00
am (Methodist) Service. Then during Class, I was given the
responsibility of speaking to the teenagers. Once again, during the
11:00 am (Nazarene) Service, I enjoyed the Honor of singing (Just A
Closer Walk With Thee).
Kenton, who is celebrating his one year wedding anniversary with
Peggy, offered me a gift for the ministry. M.G.B.T!
Several Families from the Church, got together at Randy, Lori &
Francene's for a Big Turkey Dinner. A Wonderful time of Fellowship;
with kids running around, babies to be held, and good food to eat.
Simple Homespun Joy!
At the Evening Worship Service, where the Church of Hope combines
(like the class time) into one Service; I again had the Honor of
contributing a couple of songs.
To top off the weekend, when we got back to the house. Randy had me
pull into the garage, and in 10 minutes, installed a Radio he had laying
around, which had come out of a Dodge mini van like mine. So, for the
first time since January, I have music to listen to while I'm driving. All
told, what a Beautiful example of Hospitality & Christian Love shown by
our Brothers & Sisters here. May God Bless Them!
And So Begins Another Week.
May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide & Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!
Yours In Christ, Larry
P.S. Pastor's Mother, from my home congregation in Austin, recently
broke her neck. Please Pray for them.
To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
It has now been 31 weeks since beginning this years mission. Todate, I've had the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 189 Nursing Homes & 19 Churches. To
God Be The Glory.
Monday October 10 th ~
At Randy, Lori & Francene's place, I enjoyed the use of their computer to send off the
UPDATE. In addition to all their Generous Hospitality; Lori sent me off with a gift for
the ministry. M.G.B.T! (May God Bless Them!).
Showered, Loaded Up & Headed South. Stopped in New Sharon, Iowa. Where I sang
at the "New Sharon Nursing & Rehab Center". Had a large group singing along. Was
asked to do several songs twice. So I told 'em I'd change the Key, and that'd make it a
whole different song. We had a good 'ole time.
Tuesday October 11 th ~
Further South in Oskaloosa, Iowa. I dropped in to the "Maple Ridge Assisted Living
Community". The Activity Director (Candice), Remembered me from back in June. She
group of 30 or 40 residents. Several sang along with most the songs, almost all sang
along with some of the songs. And with very few distractions, the Hour went
smoothly. Candice was able to treat me to lunch, and a daughter of one of the
residents gave me a six dollar gift for the ministry. M.G.B.T!
I enjoyed a sit down meal & good conversation with five ladies. One of whom used to
teach Music. After eating, I thanked the folks for the meal & for listening to me sing.
Then continued South. Stopped for the night at a County Park, and spent some time
on a Hiking Trail. Saw a Flock of Wild Turkey's Waddle Away From Me.
Wednesday October 12 th ~
Crossed the Border into Missouri. Stopped in Macon, Mo., at library, and YMCA for a
shower. Then on to Mobely, Mo., where I was able to minister at the "North Village
Park Care & Rehab Center". The attendants got together a small group of 15 or so
residents. Three visitors jokingly said "We came all the way from Indiana to here some
Gospel Music". Seems it was Payday, so most all the employees were in & out.
Although there was a lot of activity around; We shut the doors to the cafeteria, and
with the acoustics being relatively good, the Hour went well.
Thursday October 13 th ~
On to Boonville, Mo., where I dropped in to the "Lakeview Health Care & Rehab
Center". The A.D. (Marie), treated me to lunch. Then, along about 2:00 pm, I sang for a
lovely group of folks. And afterwards, spent some time visiting, while we had Ice
Cream Cones. Marie allowed me the use of their shower, treated me to Dinner,
encouraged me to Hang out & watch a movie with some residents, permitted me to
park in their lot overnight, AND, made a donation to the ministry! M.G.B.H!
Friday October 14 th ~
Continuing South, I stopped & sang at "The Oaks" Assisted Living Facility. At one
point, a young lady from the locale newspaper (Tipton Times) came & took some
pictures. We had a lovely group in a Beautiful setting, it went well. I then walked next
door to the "Tipton Oak Manor". Where there was a rather large crowd of residents
waiting. Once again, it went well. I was able to sing for about 45 minutes in each place.
The Administrator (Kristine) of both facilities, treated me to lunch, And, presented me
with a gift for the ministry. M.G.B.H!
Drove on to Mansfield, Mo., where the Owner (Sandy) of the "Little Prairie RV Park",
Has for the third time in the past year, allowed me a free place to park while
ministering in this area. M.G.B.H!
Saturday October 15 th ~
A Day of Rest.
Sunday October 16 th ~
Attended Morning Worship Services at the First Baptist Church here in Mansfield.
Where I enjoyed the Honor of contributing a Special. Back at the same Church for
Evening Worship Services, Pastor Keith presented a fine lesson on the Gifts of the
Spirit. After a short Business meeting, before dismissing us, Pastor surprised all of
us by encouraging the Flock to help out with the Nursing Home Music Ministry. They
responded generously. M.G.B.T!
And So Begins Another Week.
May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide & Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen.
Yours In Christ, Larry
P.S. Please Pray for my little sister (Janet), who recently had an appendix removed,
and Doctors are not sure that was the Problem.
To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
It has now been 32 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far, I've had the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 191 Nursing Homes & 22 Churches. All In
The Name Of The Lord.
Monday October 17 th ~
Hiked into town to the library to send off the UPDATE. Had lunch with Pastor Keith.
Having a Soar Throat & Cold Symptoms, I stayed out of Nursing Homes today.
Tuesday October 18 th ~
Hiked into town & back. Spent the day Resting, Reading & taking over-the-counter
Medicine.
Wednesday October 19 th ~
Hiked into town & back. Spent some time Resting. Attended Mid-Week Worship
Services at the Faith Family Fellowship Church, with Pastors Charles & Rosie. We had
an Uplifting time of Fellowship, Encouragement & Edification. Also, I enjoyed the
Honor of contributing several songs.
out in her car. And the Pastors presented me with a gift for the ministry. M.G.B.T!
(May God Bless Them!)
Thursday October 20 th ~
Drove over to Seymour, Mo., and sang at the "Glenwood Healthcare" facility. Started
small, but ended up with a large crowd. Went Well. Back in Mansfield, Pastor
Keith tracked me down & took me to Grovespring, Mo., where he is the Guest Speaker
for a Revival being held at the Mt. Pisgah Southern Baptist Church. I was given the
Honor of contributing three songs during the Service. After which, Keith presented a
Powerful lesson. Before & After services, the congregation was very Kind & Friendly
towards us. One Lady (Karen), even slipped me a gift for the ministry. M.G.B.H!
Friday October 21 st ~
Motored over to Hartville, Mo., where I was allowed to minister at the "Hartville Care
Center". We had a fine group singing along & making numerous request. Some of
which I knew. The voice held out. All in all it went well.
Back in Mansfield, I was treated to Fried Catfish at Sandy's Cafe'. YUM!
Saturday October 22 nd ~
Hiked into town to library. Then over to Sandy's Cafe' for all you can eat Breakfast.
Hiked back to RV park to do Laundry & Practise a couple of songs. Showered, Read &
To Bed.
Sunday October 23 rd ~
Attended Morning Worship Services over in Macomb, Mo., at the Corinth Baptist
Church. Pastor Allen gave me the Honor of contributing a Special during Services.
And invited me back for an Evening Fish Fry Fellowship.
Along about 6 o'clock, when we'd all had our Fill of Fish and other Goodies, Allen
asked me to sing a few songs. Then, at one point, a fella broke out his Fiddle, another
his Banjo, a Lady sat down at the Piano; And We Went To Town.
A Great Evening Of Good Fellowship. Good Food. Good Music. Good Times.
And So Begins Another Week.
May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide & Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen.
Yours In Christ, Larry
To My Brothers & Sisters IN Christ, Greetings.
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 33 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far, I've had the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 195 Nursing Homes & 23 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday October 24 th ~
Hiked into town to library to send out Update. Took the rest of the day off.
Tuesday October 25 th ~
Hiked to town & back. Then drove to Mountain Grove, Mo., and played at "Wright
County Residential". This facility has a few Elderly, but mostly younger residents from
their 20's to middle-age. Some physically; some mentally handicapped. They sang
along with most all the songs. Enthusiastically. We had a fun time.
Went across town to the "Autumn Oaks Caring Center", and sang for a rather large
group. Enjoyed a warm reception, the hour went very well. Sandy (owner of the RV
park I'm staying at), had gone with me. We did some shopping at Wal-Mart, got some
Kentucky Fried Chicken, and back at her Park, with another camper (June), ate dinner
& played Dominoes.
Wednesday October 26 th ~
Drove to Ava, Mo., & played at the "Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center". I was
allowed to sing for the Alzhiemers patients for a while, then over into the main activity
room to sing some more after Bingo. After one of the last songs (Victory In
Jesus); I made a comment about the line in the last verse (one sweet day I'll sing up
there, the song of Victory). About how that was a scary thought of singing in front of
EVERYBODY. As I was leaving the room, one lady asked if she could say something
to me. Trying to keep from crying, she said "You don't have to worry about singing in
Heaven." She then gave me a Wonderful complement. Sweet!
Connie (the activity director), treated me to a meal. M.G.B.H! (May God Bless Her!)
Back in Mansfield, I attended mid-week Worship Services at the First Assembly of
God.
Thursday October 27 th ~
Arranged to play Friday, at the last Nursing Home in this area. Did a lot of Hiking.
Attended the Cowboy Church, which meets on Thursdays out in the country at an old
refurbished church building. Complete with Out-Houses. Gravel paths, lead off in two
directions. Through the trees you could see your destination because of the Kerosene
Lantern burning inside. Nostalgic.
Friday October 28 th ~
Drove to Ava, Mo., and played at the "Deaconess Ava Place". A wonderful reception. I
was invited to stay for lunch. Jan (the administrator), had made her lasagna, which
she does once a year. It was Delicious. The administrator, the activity director, and
two residents, gave me contributions for the ministry. May God Bless Them! Back
in Mansfield, I changed the oil & filter in the old van. See if we can get some more
miles out of it.
Saturday October 29 th ~
Hiked into town to library & back. Did some Reading & Domestic Chores. Had Dinner
with Sandy & June. Played Dominoes.
Sunday October 30 th ~
Attended Morning Worship Services at the Bethany Baptist Church, in Ava, Missouri.
Pastor Robert & Wife Darlene, invited me back to their place for lunch, along with a
some good ole' Fellowship. Then, back to the Church Building for a Fifth Sunday
Potluck Dinner. YUM! And a Singing Service. Where I got to hear a number of folks in
the congregation present psalms, hymns & spiritual songs. And, enjoyed the Honor of
contributing several myself. Robert gave me a portable B & W TV, ten dollars, and a
number of books. An Elder also gave me a gift for the ministry. M.G.B.T!
And So Begins Another Week.
Guard, Guide & Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen.
Yours In Christ, Larry
To My Brothers & Sisters IN Christ, Greetings.
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 203 Nursing Homes & 24 Churches. All IN
The Name Of The Lord.
Monday October 31 st ~
Rainy Day! The library in Ava, Mo., allowed me to use their computer to send off the
UPDATE. I then drove South to Gainesville, Mo., and sang at the "Gainesville Health
Care Center". A small group. The staff was preoccupied with preparations for
Halloween. Still, several residents seemed to appreciate the Gospel Music.
Continued South across the Border into Arkansas. In Mountain Home, Ar., I stopped at
the library, then over to Wal-Mart for the night.
Tuesday November 1 st ~
Found the "Care Manor Nursing Home", here in Mountain Home, Arkansas. I was
allowed to sing for a small group of residents, several of which sang along with most
of the songs.
Outside of a nearby Hospital, a Bank was Hosting an outdoor Lunch with Hamburgers
& Hotdogs. So, I enjoyed a free meal, and some good conversation with an elderly
couple sitting next to me.
Back on the road, headed south into the Ozark Mountains. While going through this
area last year, I spent a whole afternoon exploring an old abandoned Theme Park,
"Dog Patch USA". It was like being in a Real Ghost Town. Now, someone is rebuilding
it. There are Bulldozers all over the place. Underbrush & overgrowth has been cleared
away. Looks like buildings are being refurbished. Should be interesting to see it in
another year or so.
In the next town, Jasper, Arkansas. I was able to minister at the "Newton County
Nursing Home". A lovely group with great participation. One lady, confined to a mobile
bed, told me "The Holy Ghost got a hold of me while you were singing". Said, she
Hoped, she was still around when I came through next. I responded "If not, I'll see you
up there when we get HOME".Quick as a whip, she came back with "It's a Date".
Wednesday November 2 nd ~
Acording to a Plaque at a rest area: "The Ozark Mountains are actually a plateau, with
the valleys cutting down through it. Steep slopes and rough terrain give a
"mountainous" apperance to the Boston Mountain Highlands portion of the plateau".
What I noticed the most is the Color of the Fall leaves up here; From Green to Yellow
to Gold to Orange to Red. And everything in-between. Beautiful!!! His Wonders To
Behold!!!
Just after lunch, I arrived in Dardanelle, Ar., and was able to minister at the
"Dardanelle Nursing & Rehab Center". I sang in the Cafeteria for a large group of
residents. Great reception. Quite a few singing along & making request. Very few
distractions. Received a lot of encouragement from Staff & Residents. Simply Flowed.
Pulled into Blue Mountain, Ar., and had dinner with George & Sharon (Pastors of
the Assembly of God here. Whom I'd met last year). George offered for me to sleep in
their 27 foot Motor home. So, I took a shower at their house, then enjoyed a taste of
staying in a motor home for one night. M.G.B.T!
Thursday November 3 rd ~
Drove to Greenwood, Ar., and played at the "Pink Bud Nursing Center". A lovely
group.
Further South, in Mena, Ar., I stopped at the "Western Arkansas Rehab Center", and
sang for a couple of ladies before dinner. Then out to Shadow Mountain RV Park,
where the Owners (Jerry & Aneta), gave me a place to park, and treated me to Chili
Dogs. YUM!
Friday November 4 th ~
Played here at the "Mena Manor" Nursing Home. An older facility. Sang for a small
group. With a couple of ladies singing along with most all the songs. Went well.
Back at the RV Park, I did laundry & helped Jerry a little bit. They are in the process of
packing a semi truck. They've tentatively sold the Park and are moving back to
Indiana. Aneta is facing several surgeries on her neck. Please pray for them.
Saturday November 5 th ~
In town at the "Rich Mountain Nursing & Rehab Center", I played for about 35 minutes.
Then, a group of Christians from just across the Border in Oklahoma arrived. They
hold a Worship Service here every Saturday morning. We had a number of singers,
another guitar & piano player. I joined them during the service, and had the Honor to
lead a couple of Specials. Wonderful time.
Afterwards, Nellie (a lady I met last year, who is very active & Loves the Lord), took
me out to lunch. We enjoyed a Lovely time of Fellowship. Nellie spends a lot of her
time ministering to Folks that are confined to their homes. M.G.B.H!
Back at the RV Park, I was allowed to use the computer. Said my Goodbye's to Jerry &
Aneta. This is the Third time in a little over a year, that they have given me a free place
to park, shower, and fed me, while I minister in this area. M.G.B.T!
Drove to Hartford, Ar., in time for the Saturday Evening Prayer Meeting at the
Assembly of God Church. Enjoyed a Fond Reunion with Folks I hadn't seen in a while.
Sunday November 6 th ~
Attended Morning Worship Services here in Hartford, where I had the Privilege to play
along with the Praise & Worship Folks. And enjoyed the Honor of contributing a
couple of Specials.
At the Evening Worship Service I again enjoyed the Privilege & Honor of playing along
& contributing a couple of songs. After services, Mary (one of the Shankle Sisters)
slipped me a very generous gift for the ministry. May God Bless Her!
And So Begins Another Week.
May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide & Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen.
Yours In Christ, Larry