Nursing Home Music Ministry











To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 26 weeks since beginning this years Mission. To date,
I've had the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel In Song with 156 Nursing
Homes & 16 Churches. All In The Name Of Jesus.
Monday September 5 th ~
Labor Day! Took a Holiday.
Tuesday September 6 th ~
The article about me came out in the paper today. It can be seen at
www.registerguard.com for the date 9/06/05 in the City/Region
section, written by Bob Welch. [note: email address in article is
incorrect] Bob was very kind to me in the story. And, we were able to
get in a little bit of Witness for our Lord.
Played at "Eugene Rehab & Specialty Care". What a wonderful group of
residents; the acoustics were great & the folks were encouraging;
singing along & lots of smiles. The Activity Director (Dennis), gave me
a nice compliment, and, a donation for the ministry. May God Bless
Him! (M.G.B.H!)
Attended Evening Worship Services out at the Cowboy Church in the
Livestock Auction Barn. There were a couple of Visitors from a sister
Church in Harlem, New York. For them, the Pastor (Tom), with this
Country Style Praise Team; Did a Hip Hop version of (Holy Ghost Party).
Wild!
Wednesday September 7 th ~
Played at the "Applegate Nursing Home" here in Eugene. We had a nice
group of twenty or so residents. Pretty good participation; singing
along & making request. Bob (the A.D.) told me, how he plays for a
number of nursing homes every month, and some Dances & other
Venue's. Doing mostly Country Western. He was also able to help with a
twenty dollar contribution for the ministry. M.G.B.H!
Attended Mike & Jean's weekly get together. Good turnout; Played a
few songs & a few games of ping pong.
Thursday September 8 th ~
Played at the "Riverpark Nursing & Rehab Center". In a large area; they
had a little stage with a surprisingly effective sound system. I sang for a
small group of about ten residents. Afterwards, as I was thanking the
folks for listening; an Old-Timer simply said "Thanks Brother". It's
amazing how much was said with those two words. About half way
thru; the A.D. (Linda), had to leave. On her way out she gave me a Big
Ole' Hug, and, a twenty dollar donation for the ministry. M.G.B.H!
I spent the evening at Roy & Darlene's (Elders of the Norkenzie Church).
Darlene did up a Fantastic Feast; with Pot Roast, Mash Potatoes &
Gravy, Green Beans, Salad & Rolls. YUM! YUM! M.G.B.H!
Friday September 9 th ~
Ministered at the "Good Neighbor of Eugene". Turns out, they'd double
being a facility which has separate Homes, all self-contained; They
simply put me in one where the residents don't normally get out. And
brought over a few who would prefer Gospel Music. All through the
Hour, one of the ladies was periodically on the edge of her seat.
Listening with Rapt Attention. After I finished singing all these songs
about God, Jesus, Heaven & Salvation; She said to me "It's nice to be
reminded about these things, and what's Really Important in Life". Then,
She Blessed Me!
Saturday September 10 th ~
Spent the morning at Roy & Darlene's hanging some Lite fixtures. They
treated me to lunch & gave me a generous payment for my electrical
services. Which I consider a Love offering to the ministry. M.G.B.T!
Along about 4:00 pm, I ministered at "Terpening Terrace". A nice little
group, with several folks singing along & quite a few request.
Afterwards, I overheard a lady tell her friend "He played my Favorite
Song". Her friend answered "He played All of mine". Rewarding! The
Acting Activity Director (Shirley), sent me off with a Warm Hug & a
Thank You Card containing a Beautiful note inside. Found out later, it
also held a 75 dollar Love Gift from Her & The Staff. M.G.B.T!
Went over to Gary & Nora's; where they were having a Hawaiian Theme
Birthday Party for Nora (an attractive 60 years). There was such a varity
of delicious food, I'll have to call it a Feast. And, I confess I may have
had more than my Share.
From there, I headed just outside of town to where I'd been invited to
drop by a Gospel Singing. Which was being held in an Old Tent Revival
Style setting on the property of a member from the Cowboy Church.
One of the fella's loaned me his Guitar & Microphone, and I Enjoyed the
Honor of Leading the Folks in a few songs. Praise God!
Sunday September 11 th ~
Attended Morning Worship Services at Santa Clara Church of Christ. I
enjoyed some Wonderful Fellowship during class time, with the
Drummer & Tony (the lead guitar player).
Out at the Country Church in Franklin; I had the Honor of contributing 3
songs during Evening Worship Services. Afterwards, a couple of
Brothers Blessed me with Love Gifts for the ministry. May God Bless
Them!
And So Begins Another Week.
May The Lord Guard,
Guide And Direct You.
Yours In Christ, Larry
It Is Written: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 27 weeks since beginning this years Mission. So far, I've had the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 161 Nursing Homes & 16 Churches.
To God Be The Glory!
Monday September 12 th ~
Ministered at the "Gateway Gardens Adult Residential Care", for a large group of
about 35 residents. Seemed to Flow nicely, with relatively few distractions. As I
was going around Thanking everyone for listening; a lady with moist eyes told me
how her dad used to play & sing these songs. And how she had joined in with her
Violin. The Activity Director [ Kym (a lovely young Christian Lady) ], shared with
me, that the residents were becoming more spiritually mindful & active, with Bible
Studies, Gospel Singing, etc. I suspect, largely due to Kym's efforts for our Lord
Jesus. As I left, she gave me a Warm Hug, and, a donation for the ministry.
(M.G.B.H!) May God Bless Her!
Stopped by the "Terpening Terrace" to make use of the complimentary meal
ticket I'd received when I played there last week. Enjoyed some good Dinner
conversation with a Lovely Lady, and, Sirloin Steak with all the Fixin's. YUM!
YUM!
Tuesday September 13 th ~
Spent some time at the Hospital with Marsha, Jean & Cassey; during Mike's 5
hour surgery. The Doctor reported that the operation went extremely well. Praise
God!
Towards evening, I attended worship services out at the Cowboy Church.
Enjoyed a wonderful time of Praise & Fellowship.
Wednesday September 14 th ~
Played in Junction City at the "Junction City Retirement & Assisted Living
Residence". Went very well. One of the ladies asked to speak to me afterwards.
Seems she used to play & sing, but has lost the use of her left hand and
wondered what she should do. I told her about the lady I sat beside in Church
last night. This lady had recently suffered a stoke; slumped in the seat beside
me, holding her trumpet with one hand, she would softly blow a few notes here &
there. Not many at a time, nor with all the songs. But always on key and in time to
the music. Sounded Pretty! She couldn't speak to be understood, couldn't move
without her husband manually adjusting her. Still, she did what she could.
On Wednesday nights during the school year, the Santa Clara Church serves a
meal in the Kitchen/Gym, next to their Sanctuary. A time for Brothers & Sisters in
Christ, and Guest, to Sit down for a meal & have some good ole' fashioned
Fellowship.
Thursday September 15 th ~
Back on the Road. Detoured into Salem, OR., to get a Battery for the van. It's
been acting sluggish the last couple of days & barely started this morning. Put a
new one on & seems to have fixed the problem.
Headed East to Sublimity, OR. & ministered at "Marian Estates". A rather large
complex, where I was allowed to sing for ruffly 15 souls in the Alzhiemer's unit.
Enjoyed great participation; with folks singing along, applauding, and requesting
favorite songs. A Productive Time. The A.D.'s (Denise & Annette), were very
enthusiastic & generously contributed to the ministry. M.G.B.T!
Friday September 16 th ~
Ministered mid-morning at the "Lakeside Assisted Living Community" in Stayton,
OR. As I walked in, an Old Timer (Harvard) said "Well, he has long hair, but it
looks Manly". First time I'd heard that one, so I just had to wright it down.
Was allowed to sing in a large open area; with good acoustics, for a small crowd
scattered around the Dinning Room & Balcony. I received a few request, some
sang along, and very few distractions. All in all, it went very well.
Continued East into Willamette National Forest, where I parked for the night in a
Primitive Camping Area (no fee). Hiked down the Mountain to a River & back up. A
nice little workout. Did some reading & to bed.
Saturday September 17 th ~
Drove into Bend, OR., where I stopped at the Library. Then, over to the Public
Swimming Pool for a shower. On the way out of town, at a Busy intersection, I
passed a guy in a full size van, Broke Down. By the time I'd circled the block, a
couple of other gentlemen had gathered. So, we pushed him down a side street
into a parking lot. Seems the fuel line had come loose from the filter. Properly
reattached, he was good to go. Turns out He (Ron), is a Brother in Christ. We
ended up viisting there in the parking lot for an Hour. Upon parting, he offered a
Beautiful Prayer for me & the ministry. M.G.B.H!
Further down the Road, I spent the night at a Rest Area next to B.L.M. (Public)
Land, in the High Plains Desert of Eastern Oregon. Went for a Hike on a Nature
Trail up a Butte & back, Twice.
Sunday September 18 th ~
In Hines, OR., I attended Morning Worship Services at the Bible Baptist Church.
Then, at 2:30 pm, I had the Honor of contributing a few songs during a Worship
Service held at "The Aspen Living Center". As I was leaving the facility, I
stopped to visit with some folks gathered in the Front Parlor. Ended up
Ministering there for another 40 minutes or so. One Old-Timer said "It's nice
hearing something, Not coming out of a TV".
Attended Evening Services back at the Bible Baptist Church, and parked there for
the night.
And So Begins Another Week.
May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide & Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!
Yours In Christ, Larry
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked
forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he
will have mercy on him,and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
To My Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 28 weeks since beginning this years ministry. To Date, I've had
the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel with 167 Nursing Homes & 17 Churches. All In
The Name Of Jesus!
Monday September 19 th ~
Received some encouragement, some instruction, he graciously gave me the use
Spent some time in Fellowship with the Pastor (Randy) of the Church here. of his
computer to send out the UPDATE. And, he made a generous contribution to the
ministry. May God Bless Him! (M.G.B.H!)
Hurried over to the "Ashley House Care Center", in Burns, Or. Where I ministered
for a Lovely group of residents. As I was leaving, one Lady was playing the Piano,
while another (holding on to her Walker), was doing a Jig. Festive!
Tuesday September 20 th ~
Drove across the Border into Idaho, and eventually stopped at the "Elmore
Medical Long Term Care Unit", of the Hospital in Mountain Home, ID. Sang for a
nice group; one particular Lady was singing along with pretty near all the songs.
When I shook her hand, at the end, I noticed her eye's were full of tears. Moved
Me! The Activity Director (Shayjean), sent me off with a cute Thank You Card,
and five dollars of her own money. M.G.B.H!
I continued East for a ways, parking at a Rest Area for the night. Watched a
Beautiful Sunset.
Wednesday September 21 st ~
In Eastern Idaho, I stopped at the "Harms Memorial Hospital Long Term Care
Unit", in American Falls, ID. Sang for a wonderful group of residents, and an
enthusiastic bunch of attendants; which helped make it a Fun & Lively Hour.
Another First: As I was going around Thanking the Folks for listening, a Lovely
Lady (Lorraine Permann), asked for my autograph. Surprisingly, it was a
Humbling Experience.
Thursday September 22 nd ~
Further East, I pulled into Soda Springs, ID., and found the "Caribou Memorial
Hospital & Living Center". Sang in a Large entry room, with a lot of Recliners
(over 10) filling the area. We had a good size crowd; several singing along & a
few request. Went very well. Sandy (the A.D.) gave me a wonderful Compliment,
and presented (for the ministry) a Gift that several of the Staff had contributed
to. M.G.B.T!
Crossed over into Wyoming. Camped for the night at a City Park (up to 2 days
Free) in Cokeville, WY. I was even able to plug in my little electric heater. So I
didn't have to use so many blankets. Gets cold here a night.
Friday September 23 rd ~
Pulled into Green River, WY., unloaded a hitchhiker, and found the "Castle Rock
Convalescent Center". Ministered for a nice group of residents. Before I started
singing; an Old-Timer told me "If I don't like what your doing, I'll come lay down
on the floor in front of you". Said he'd done it before. Well he didn't do it, and
afterwards we joked about the fact that I move around a lot & sometimes close
my eye's. So maybe he was afraid of getting stepped on. At any rate; he got
serious at one point, shook my hand and said "I'm glad I was here".
Saturday September 24 th ~
Drove into Rawlins, WY., and ministered at "The Care Pavillion". A long term care
unit of the Hospital here. Had a lovely group of Ladies singing along and making
some request. As I was Thanking them for listening, Joyce (who doesn't vocalize
much), clearly said "Thank You". The Head Nurse was Amazed & Moved. Praise
God!
Sandy (Head Nurse), ordered me a dinner tray. So, I was able to enjoy their
company for Supper. Rick (a member of the Staff), invited me to their Church's
Saturday night Bible Study/Worship Service, where I had the Honor of
contributing a few songs. Then over to his place where I enjoyed some good ole'
fashion Fellowship with him and his wife Rebecca. She had already prepared their
quest bedroom for me. So, I had the luxury of stretching out in a Full size bed for
the night. M.G.B.T!
Sunday September 25 th ~
At Rick & Rebecca's, I was treated to a Delicious Breakfast, was provided a
shower, and given the use of their computer. They have been a prime example of
Hospitality. M.G.B.T! Please Pray for Rick. He's facing a Tuff Battle being treated
for Hepatitis C.
I attended Worship Services at The Church of the Rock. Afterwards, one of the
Elders asked how I was being Funded. Realizing it was by the Grace of God, he &
several others offered Love gifts for the ministry. M.G.B.T!
And So Begins Another Week.
May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide & Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!
Please Pray for me, a couple of Abscessed Teeth have been bothering me lately.
Yours In Christ, Larry
I Hope & Pray All Is Well With You & Yours.
It has now been 29 weeks since beginning this years ministry. So Far, I've had the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 176 Nursing Homes & 17 Churches.
To God Be The Glory!
Monday September 26 th ~
Continuing East, I stopped at a Rest Area in Pine Bluff, Wyoming. Spent an hour
Hiking along a Nature Trail. Then, back on the road, crossed the Border into
Nebraska. Pulled into Kimball, Ne. along about 1:00 pm where I found a library &
sent off the UPDATE.
Then over to "Kimball County Manor & Assisted Living". There I was able to
Witness to a nice group of folks. They invited me to stay for Coffee & Cookies, so
I got to visit for a while. The Activity Director (Kristy), had taken some pictures
& left copies in my guitar case. Along with a Beautiful Thank You Card, and, a 10
dollar love gift. M.G.B.H! (May God Bless Her!)
Tuesday September 27 th ~
In the next town, Sidney, Ne., I sang in the Hospital's "Memorial Health Center
Extended Care Unit". Played at the end of their Lunch Hour for a large crowd in
the Dinning Room. About Half hung in there for all the songs.
A little later I was able to minister at the "Beverly Square Assisted Living" facility
in the same town. One particular Old-Timer (Ray), who I'd watched helping folks
in wheel chairs, singing along, Praising God, & throwing in an Amen! Every now &
then; Asked if he could talk with me before I left. So, we sat out on the Front
Porch, and he told me how he'd been a Pilot & had Flown all over the world, many
times. Had money & possessions; yet had learned late, that he'd trade it all for
the Freedom to Serve God like this. I shared my observation that he is doing
quite a bit, right where he's at. And how we have a Hope in an Eternity. With the
possibility of doing more. The simple act of our Fellowship Lifted me Up!
M.G.B.H!
Wednesday September 28 th ~
Further East in Ogallala, Ne., I played at the "Wel-Life Senior Living Community".
Carl & Cora (residents) invited me to be their guest for Dinner. So, I enjoyed a
nice meal & company before leaving the area.
Thursday September 29 th ~
Stopped at the "Sutherland Care Center", in Sutherland, Nebraska. I was
enthusiastically welcomed to play. However, it was closer to meal time then I
realized. Seems I'd unknowingly crossed a time zone. Still, I was encouraged to
go ahead and sing till time to eat. So, I ministered to a growing crowd in the
Lunch Room. Received quite a few request and a Praise God! or two. Went very
well.
Afterwards, had a nice long visit with the A.D. (Nicki), talking about the Holy
Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit and such. Earlier, before I'd started singing, she had
walked up to me and said "I have to tell you something." The way she said it got
my attention. She continued "I saw you in a Dream last night." Needless to say, I
wanted to hear more about this. The discussion we had was very Spiritual &
mutually Edifying. Lifted my Spirits, after a previous day of lukewarm responses.
Nicki Blessed me in several ways. M.G.B.H!
Friday September 30 th ~
In North Platte, Ne., I stopped at the library, then got a shower at the Lincoln
Connection. On the way out of town, I spotted a Senior Center. Walked in on the
tail end of Lunch. They treated me to a meal & sat me next to the fella's who'd
sang earlier. One's name was Jerry Stevens. One of the first things he said to me
was "You have the Stevens Nose". He figured our Great Granddads were
probable Brothers tramping around the Kentucky Hills.
I enjoyed the meal & visit, then continued East to Cozad, Nebraska. Where I
played at the "Southview Manor Care Center". Several Ladies expressed
appreciation for the Old Classic Gospel Songs. One lady sang along, so loudly,
that others could barely hear me, including myself. Still, there were verses hear
and there, and a song or two she didn't know. All in All it went well.
Saturday October 1 st ~
Pulled into Lexington, Ne., and found the "Plume Creek Care Center". The Charge
Nurse allowed me to sing before lunch. And gathered up a nice size group of
residents for the occasion. Went Well.
Sunday October 2 nd ~
Attended Worship Services at The United Methodist Church in Gibbon, Nebraska.
Enjoyed a noon meal they had planned for the congregation.
Then over to the "Hearthside Cottage Assisted Living Community". Where I sang
for a small group. As I finished, a gentleman from Salem, Oregon, who was
visiting his dad, offered up a Beautiful Prayer for me & the ministry. M.G.B.H!
Then over to the "Gibbon Good Samaritan Center". Where I sang for another
nice group of Folks. As I was leaving, a man who'd been visiting with his dad,
handed me a nine dollar gift for the ministry, saying "I wish I could do more". May
God Bless Him!
Got a shower at a State Park, then continued East, finally coming across a City
Park with Free RV parking.
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. Your prayers have helped. The swelling has gone down in my jaw & I've been
able to get off the over-the-counter pain medicine. Praise God!