Nursing Home Music Ministry
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Greetings.   
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.       
It has now been 6 weeks since beginning this years mission. To date,
I've enjoyed the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 32 Nursing
Homes and 4 Churches. To God be the Glory!          
Monday April 3 rd ~   
A gentleman from last night's worship service, came by early this
morning. We visited for a bit, at one point he handed me some money
saying "I've been putting this aside for something special, and woke up
this morning thinking of you & your ministry". Praise God! And May
God Bless Him!   
Drove east to Thomasville, Georgia and relocated the "Hospitality Care
Center". When I asked an employee if I could speak to the activity
director, she answered " I'm the activity director, and your Larry".
Good Memory!   
She was able to get a pretty good size group together, which sang
along and even hollered out an Amen every now and then.   
Leaving there, I went a couple of blocks down the road and ministered
at "Camellia Gardens of Life Care". Another nice group of folks. It went
very well.          
Tuesday April 4 th ~   
In Quitman, Georgia I was directed to the "Refuge of Hope" for a
shower. This is a prison ministry, based just outside of town on 45
acres. Beautiful place with a big meadow beside a small lake, and lots of
trees all around.   
Cleaned up & fortified with lunch, I went into town and ministered at the
"Presbyterian Home and Retirement Community". A lovely group of
folks who were watching a Gather Tape when I came in. They jumped
right in singing along with me. It was wonderful seeing their smiles and
toe tap'n.   
Back at the Refuge of Hope: I'd been invited to a mid-week service,
where I was Honored to contribute a few songs. Enjoyed some uplifting
fellowship. And was encouraged to camp by the lake for the night.
Another Oasis!          
Wednesday April 5 th ~   
Said goodbye to the folks at the Refuge. On the way out of town, I
stopped and visited with Big Andy. Whom I'd met yesterday. He invited
me to come back to his house for mid-week evening services. Sent me
to a station, to gas up on his ticket, and, handed me a twenty. May God
Bless Him!    
So, first I drove over to Valdosta, Georgia (about 18 miles away), and
ministered at the "Fellowship Home Assisted Living Center". Once
again, a lovely group of residents who seemed to really appreciate
those old Gospel Tunes.   
Then back to Quitman. Took a walk around town for some exercise,
then over to Andy's where I was able to get a shower before services. A
truly loving group of Christians. Was given the Honor of contributing a
few songs. Wonderful time of fellowship.   
Andy & his wife Tammy encouraged me to stay at their place (using it as
a base of operations), and worship with them on Sunday. What
Hospitality! May God Bless Them!           
Thursday April 6 th ~   
Drove into Valdosta where I sang for a small group at the "Heritage
House Nursing Home". As I was leaving, shaking hands and thanking
folks for listening, A lady resident slipped me a one dollar offering. May
God Bless Her!   
From there I went a few streets over to the "Lakehaven Nursing Home".
These folks were ready for me. The attendants (who obviously love the
Lord), had gathered up a large group of, what seemed like, all the
residents. Warm-Caring Atmosphere. The Spirit was moving. It was
Awesome! And once again, a gentleman in a wheelchair, using one hand
with great difficulty, pulled a one dollar bill out of his wallet and offered
it to me. Humbling! May God Bless Him!    
Back in Quitman, Andy & I went to the Praise Team's practice night.
Pretty good crowd there simply enjoying the fellowship. Nice!                  
          
Friday April 7 th ~   
Ran back over to Valdosta where I'd scheduled two nursing homes for
today. The first "Crestwood Nursing Home" was a pleasant time with
about thirteen residents in a small Chapel area. Some attendants
participated, which helped make it more of a group activity.   
Found a shady spot to eat lunch, then went next door to the "Holly Hill
Nursing Home". Slightly larger group in a central area next to the
kitchen & nurses station. But the staff was very thoughtful about
keeping the noise to a minimum. Several residents seemed to really
enjoy the time.   
Back to Quitman for a relaxing evening at Andy & Tammy's place.           
     
Saturday April 8 th ~   
Took the day off. Spent some time on a computer. Did Laundry. Road to
Thomasville with Andy, Tammy & Pastor Steve for a Revival going on
there. Refreshing!          
Sunday April 9 th ~   
Attended Worship Services at the Cross Point Church where I enjoyed
the Honor of singing with the Praise Team. Also had the privilege of
leading three songs. One of which (Waiting On You), tied in nicely with
one of the points in Pastor Steve's sermon.    
What a warm, loving, hospitable group of Christians. May God Bless
Them!

And So Begins Another Week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Yours In Christ, Larry
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Christ, Greetings.   
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.       
It has now been 7 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far, I've enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 41 Nursing Homes and 4 Churches. All
In The Name Of Jesus.          
Monday April 10 th ~   
Spent some time in the library here in Quitman, Georgia sending out the UPDATE.
Then over to Andy's place of business for a little visit & to say goodbye. He offered
up a Beautiful prayer for me and the ministry. And also had me stop by Tammy's
office, where I was given a hundred dollar Love Offering from the "Cross Point
Church". Praise God! And May God Bless Them!   
Drove east, stopping in Waycross, Ga. where I ministered at the "Waycross Health &
Rehab Center". Sang for a small group, after their Bingo Hour. It  went well.       
Continued east to Jesup, Ga. and camped at a Wal-Mart for the night.                         
       
Tuesday April 11 th ~   
Ended my eastward trek at Ludowici, Georgia. Ministered at "Costal Manor", a very
nice, relatively new facility. The A.D. was able to slide me right in for a mid-morning
activity. Finished up with a good size little group in a cozy little activity room.             
        
Switched onto a different highway heading north. About 1 pm I pulled into the
"Glenvue Nursing Home" in Glennville, Georgia. The A.D. wanted me to play at 2 pm.
So I got permission to use one of their computers to do my email business which
filled the time till I was due to sing.    
A large group had gathered in the Cafeteria down at the quite end. A nice setting, the
hour flowed. Very Uplifting! One of the attendants made a five dollar contribution to
the ministry. May God Bless Her!   
Drove a little further north and camped at a Wal-Mart for the night.                              
      
 Wednesday April 12 th ~    
Crossed the border into South Carolina and ministered at the "John E. Harter
Nursing Center" in Fairfax, S.C., where I sang for another lovely group of residents.
Some of the folks had a hard time hearing me due to a noisy ice-maker in the room.
It was situated in such a way that we couldn't unplug it without a major operation.   
So I persevered, singing as loud as I could. Most folks seemed to enjoy it.    
Continued north to a Wal-Mart for the night. Had a nice visit with a one legged fellow
in a wheel chair who was outside selling his art. A very child-like drawing of Jesus on
one side & a bunny rabbit on the other. Still, he's doing what he can.          
Thursday April 13 th ~   
Ended up taking the day off. Toured through a State Park where I was able to empty
my holding tank & take a shower for the 2 dollar entrance fee.   A little further up the
road, I treated myself to my first motel room of the year for 17 dollars plus tax.           
  
Friday April 14 th ~   
Along about mid-morning, I ministered at the "Windsor Manor" in Silver, S.C.. This is
an older facility in a very small town. They were just finishing up a devotional time
with a locale Pastor. Good Timing!   
Farther north at about 2 pm, I spotted "Bishopville Manor Assisted Living" just
outside Bishopville, S.C.. A very poor facility with a minimum of staff. Some elderly,
but mostly mentally handicapped & aid's patients. Once again, good timing; they
were fixin plates of goodies for an Easter Celebration. So I was the entertainment.
Got em going with a few of the songs.          
Saturday April 15 th ~   
Crossed into North Carolina. Stumbled onto a large church having a family fun day
on the grounds. Spent an hour or so visiting with a couple of folks.   
Then continued a little further north to Pinehurst, NC., and ministered at the
"Pinehurst Health & Rehab Center". A couple of ladies were leading their first service
in a nursing home. They welcomed the music. The residents seemed to enjoy
themselves; encouraged us to keep going. During one of the songs, a relatively
young lady suffered some kind of mild seizure. The attendants took care of her, then
we continued on. Ended up having a good ole time.    
Went around the corner and played at the "Quail Haven Retirement Village". A rather
plush facility; eight residents and four attendants filled a small activity room. It went
very well.          
Sunday April 16 th ~   
I attended Worship services at the "Melita Grove Baptist Church" in Asheboro, NC. I
had missed an early Breakfast Service. However, the Pastor asked me to stand and
introduce myself, where I was from, and what I was about.
Later, during a break, he asked me to come to the Podium and say a few words of
testimony and about my ministry. Real friendly group.   
On up the road, along about 2 pm, I stopped at the "Davie Place Residential Care"
facility in Mocksville, NC. Ministered to a small group. Afterwards, the charge nurse
allowed me to use their shower facilities. May God Bless Her!

And So Begins Another Week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Yours In Christ, Larry
Dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.   
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.       
It has now been 8 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far, I've enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 46 Nursing Homes and 4 Churches. All
In The Name Of The Lord.          
Monday April 17 th ~   
It being the day after Easter, I could not find a library that was open. Finally, in
Mount Airy, North Carolina, I was directed to a Coffee House; Where the Christian
owners (Brian & Kathy) allowed me to use their personal computer to send out the
UPDATE. May God Bless Them!   
After visiting for a while I went over to the "Central Continuing Care" where I sang
for a group of ladies while they were getting their nails done.   
Then across town I ministered at the "Surry Community Nursing Center". This was a
very enthusiastic group: Singing along, requesting specific songs, clapping, smiling,
laughing. Very Uplifting!   
Turns out Mt. Airy, NC. is the home town of Andy Griffith.          
Tuesday April 18 th ~   
Crossed the Border into Virginia. Stopped in Wytheville and ministered at the
"Carrington Place" nursing home. Sang for 15 minutes for a small group of five
residents on the ground floor, while the main group finished Bingo. Then upstairs
for a rather large crowd. One lady who was kind of stone faced when I started; I
noticed her remove her glasses and wipe her eyes at one point. And while going
around thanking folks for listening, soon as I shook her hand she started crying,
grabbed my hand with both of hers and touched them to her forehead.   
She never said a word, but obviously the Spirit was moving.          
Wednesday April 19 th ~   
Crossed another Border into West Virginia. Stopped in Bluefield, WV. and ministered
at "The Maples Assisted Living Facility". They actually suspended Bingo till after I
played. One of the attendants got up and sang a couple of songs with me; Then a
resident wanted to sing one with me; Then another resident wanted to sing one with
me.
Both residents were doing all they could to simply make a "Joyful Noise". We gave
em a Big round of applause. The rest of the folks seemed to really enjoy it.   
Continued north to Gilbert, WV. and attended mid-week services with a group of
Christians I met a year and a half ago.          
Thursday April 20 th ~    
The Pastor (Beverly) of the "Promise Christian Fellowship" Church here in Gilbert,
encouraged me to stick around and make use of their empty Parsonage. She also
gave me a donation from the Church. May God Bless Them!   
So, I took a shower, did some laundry, then drove over to Verner, WV. and
ministered at "Carolyns Care Home". This is a small residential care facility with
about 12 residents. It was pretty active while I was there. Small ambulance's
(designed for simple transport), came 5 or 6 times conveying folks to the Doctor and
back. So I'd sing a couple of three songs, then take a break while the ambulance
guys picked someone up or dropped someone off. The folks seemed to enjoy the
music, some singing along with most songs.   
As I was loading the guitar back into the van, the owner (Orville) came up and gave
me a contribution for the ministry. May God Bless Him!   
Later, in Gilbert I attended a meeting at the Community Center with some of the
members of the church. It was a planning meeting for dealing with substance abuse
in their county.          
Friday April 21 st ~   
Started Raining. Took the day off. Reading & relaxing at the Parsonage.          
Saturday April 22 nd ~   
More Rain. Took another day off.          
Sunday April 23 rd ~   
Attended Worship Services at the "Promise Christian Fellowship" church here in
Gilbert. The folks here were very kind to allow me the use of their Parsonage; a
period of rest, and an opportunity to enjoy the comfort of some living space, outside
of the minivan. May God Bless Them!

And So Begins Another Week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Yours In Christ, Larry
Dear Brothers And Sisters In Christ, Greetings.   
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.       
It has now been 9 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far, I've enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 52 Nursing Homes and 4 Churches. All
In The Name Of Jesus.          
Monday April 24 th ~   
After sending out the UPDATE from Gilbert, West Virginia; I headed north through
the mountains and into Kentucky. Found the "Boyd Nursing & Rehab Center" in
Ashland, Kentucky. Where I Sang for a lovely little group of residents.          
Tuesday April 25 th ~   
Crossed the Border into Ohio and ministered at the "Pleasant Hill Manor" in Piketon,
Ohio. I sang during their Quilt Show activity. Another lovely little group of residents.  
        
Wednesday April 26 th ~   
Got pulled over by a Police Officer who was suspicious about the curtains in my van
windows. Once he understood the reason, there was no problem.   
Up the road a ways, I thought I'd stumbled onto a replacement vehicle. A Winnebago
LeSharo for 500 dollars.
These are very small motorhomes with 4 cylinder engines which get great gas
mileage. They are normally pretty expensive. After looking this one over I realized, to
get it running and useable, would take more than I have and probably more than its
worth.   
Back on the road I stopped in Urbana, Ohio and ministered at the "Hearth & Home
Assisted Living" facility. A very nice-plush place. The folks seemed to really enjoy
the time. One lady told me it reminded her of growing up in Texas and spending
evenings around the piano singing these songs with her parents.   
Later, in St. Mary's, Ohio I was able to share a meal & mid-week Revival service at a
Church of the Nazarene.          
Thursday April 27 th ~   
Crossed the Border into Indiana. Got a shower at a YMCA in one town. Then down
the road in Logansport, In., I ministered at the "Miller's Merry Manor Senior Living
Community". The A.D. (Elaine), had me sing in the Alzhiemers Unit. We had a great
time with a large group of about 12 or 14 singing along, clapping, laughing, smiling.
It was wonderful.   
Elaine was able to make a contribution to the ministry. May God Bless Her!    
On the way out of town, for some reason, I pulled into a private RV park. After
visiting for a bit, the manager (Vicki), offered to trade one of my CD's for a place to
park. And ended up asking me to stay through the weekend. May God Bless Her!       
          
Friday April 28 th ~   
So, still in Logansport, I went over to the "WoodBridge Health Campus" and
ministered to a large, very receptive group of residents. There was a moment when I  
FELT the Spirit of the Lord moving. Awesome!   
Afterwards, the receptionest came up and gave me a love offering from some of the
staff. And Gilbert (the Maintence Director), took me out to lunch. May God Bless
Them!   
With Gilberts directions; down the road I found the "Mckinney House" and sang
while the residents were having a meal. Went very well.   
Did some shopping, then back to the "Tall Sycamore Campground".                            
     
Saturday April 29 th ~   
Auto Repair Day! I was able to use the Barn/Garage here at the park, to install new
brakes on the van. They were getting so noisy, people walking in front of me were
turning around to look. Embarrassing!          
Sunday April 30 th ~   
Must have strained the wrong muscles yesterday. While moving some bags around
this morning, my back went into spasms.   
Made it to morning worship services at a Church of God. Then back to the Park,
where I laid down for the rest of the day and all night.    
Although this back problem has popped up a number of times over the last 20 years;
each time the Lord has Healed me and taken away the Pain. Please Pray for me, for a
speedy recovery.

And So Begins Another Week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Yours In Christ, Larry    
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