Nursing Home Music Ministry
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Dear Brothers And Sisters In Christ, Greetings.
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.
It has now been 23 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've
Enjoyed the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 106 Nursing
Homes and 12 Churches. To God Be The Glory!
Monday July 31 st ~
Took the day off.
Tuesday August 1 st ~
Loaded up & headed south out of Eugene. Stopped in Sutherlin, Oregon
and ministered at the "Douglas House Assisted Living" facility. A nice
group. One fella said I reminded him of his dad. And related to me how
when he was growing up his dad used to play these songs in church.
Now that goes back a ways.
A little further south, I parked for the night under a bridge at the Upper
Umpqua River. Kinda Noisy!
Wednesday August 2 nd ~
Ministered at the "Rose Haven Rehab & Wellness Center" in Roseburg,
Oregon. The crowd was great. Time well spent. However, something
that happened before I started has had me thinking. Three old-timers
(two fiddlers and one guitarist) were playing before me. While they were
packing up, and I was getting ready, one of them asked me to play with
them at another facility. I made the assumption he was speaking of
some future date when I'd be long gone.
I now realize I was too quick to say no, didn't stop to think about it, or
even listen properly. This even could have been Divine Guidance, and I
missed it. So, The Lesson Is: STOP--LISTEN--THINK!!!
Thursday August 3 rd ~
Ministered at the "Rosetta Senior Living Care Center" here in Roseburg.
This is a residential type facility with two separate buildings housing 10
to 15 residents each. I played for about 30 to 40 minutes in each one. It
went very well.
Headed west into the Coast Range Mountains. Stopped at "Bear Creek
Recreation Area". A small secluded primitive camp ground (free) on
B.L.M. land. Along the creek, at one spot is a very large swimming hole.
Varies from waist deep to neck deep on me. The water wasn't near as
cold as I'd expect for this part of the country.
So, I put on my swimmin trunks, grabbed soap and shampoo. Got a little
swimming exercise and bathed while I was at it. A couple from France,
now living in Montana, were camped near me. Saw they had a guitar
out, so I asked if I could bring mine over. We sang some songs and
visited for a bit. It was a good day!
Friday August 4 th ~
Decided to stay an extra day. Did some hiking. Did some swimming.
Worked on some songs. Read my Bible. Even had the opportunity to
witness to some folks. Another good day.
Saturday August 5 th ~
One more hike up the mountain and back, then drove into Myrtle Point,
Oregon where I ministered at the "Myrtle Point Care Center". Sang in
the cafeteria before lunch. Folks seemed to enjoy it.
A bit further down the road in Coquille, Oregon I ministered at the
"Oerding Manor". Sang for five ladies in this Parlor type room, in this
residential style facility. A relaxing atmosphere, we visited in-between
songs, and afterwards as well. Nice.
Sunday August 6 th ~
Attended morning worship services at the "Pentecostal Victory
Tabernacle" here in Coquille. Enjoyed the Honor of contributing a
Special during the service. Stayed and had lunch in their Fellowship
Hall with some of the folks. One lady (Linda) gave me a donation for the
ministry. May God Bless Her!
Had the pleasure of some good fellowship, then along about
mid-afternoon I got in a forty minute walk around town. At the evening
worship service, I once again enjoyed the Honor of contributing a
couple of songs. Then a little visiting afterwards, having cookies & such.
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
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.
It has now been 23 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've
Enjoyed the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 106 Nursing
Homes and 12 Churches. To God Be The Glory!
Monday July 31 st ~
Took the day off.
Tuesday August 1 st ~
Loaded up & headed south out of Eugene. Stopped in Sutherlin, Oregon
and ministered at the "Douglas House Assisted Living" facility. A nice
group. One fella said I reminded him of his dad. And related to me how
when he was growing up his dad used to play these songs in church.
Now that goes back a ways.
A little further south, I parked for the night under a bridge at the Upper
Umpqua River. Kinda Noisy!
Wednesday August 2 nd ~
Ministered at the "Rose Haven Rehab & Wellness Center" in Roseburg,
Oregon. The crowd was great. Time well spent. However, something
that happened before I started has had me thinking. Three old-timers
(two fiddlers and one guitarist) were playing before me. While they were
packing up, and I was getting ready, one of them asked me to play with
them at another facility. I made the assumption he was speaking of
some future date when I'd be long gone.
I now realize I was too quick to say no, didn't stop to think about it, or
even listen properly. This even could have been Divine Guidance, and I
missed it. So, The Lesson Is: STOP--LISTEN--THINK!!!
Thursday August 3 rd ~
Ministered at the "Rosetta Senior Living Care Center" here in Roseburg.
This is a residential type facility with two separate buildings housing 10
to 15 residents each. I played for about 30 to 40 minutes in each one. It
went very well.
Headed west into the Coast Range Mountains. Stopped at "Bear Creek
Recreation Area". A small secluded primitive camp ground (free) on
B.L.M. land. Along the creek, at one spot is a very large swimming hole.
Varies from waist deep to neck deep on me. The water wasn't near as
cold as I'd expect for this part of the country.
So, I put on my swimmin trunks, grabbed soap and shampoo. Got a little
swimming exercise and bathed while I was at it. A couple from France,
now living in Montana, were camped near me. Saw they had a guitar
out, so I asked if I could bring mine over. We sang some songs and
visited for a bit. It was a good day!
Friday August 4 th ~
Decided to stay an extra day. Did some hiking. Did some swimming.
Worked on some songs. Read my Bible. Even had the opportunity to
witness to some folks. Another good day.
Saturday August 5 th ~
One more hike up the mountain and back, then drove into Myrtle Point,
Oregon where I ministered at the "Myrtle Point Care Center". Sang in
the cafeteria before lunch. Folks seemed to enjoy it.
A bit further down the road in Coquille, Oregon I ministered at the
"Oerding Manor". Sang for five ladies in this Parlor type room, in this
residential style facility. A relaxing atmosphere, we visited in-between
songs, and afterwards as well. Nice.
Sunday August 6 th ~
Attended morning worship services at the "Pentecostal Victory
Tabernacle" here in Coquille. Enjoyed the Honor of contributing a
Special during the service. Stayed and had lunch in their Fellowship
Hall with some of the folks. One lady (Linda) gave me a donation for the
ministry. May God Bless Her!
Had the pleasure of some good fellowship, then along about
mid-afternoon I got in a forty minute walk around town. At the evening
worship service, I once again enjoyed the Honor of contributing a
couple of songs. Then a little visiting afterwards, having cookies & such.
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 24 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 113 Nursing Homes and 14 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday August 7 th ~
With prior permission, I ate breakfast out of the church garden which I was parked next
to here in Coquille, Oregon. Strawberries & Cherry Tomatoes. Yum!
Over to the library to send off the UPDATE. Next door to get a shower at the Public
Swimming Pool. Then drove to Bandon, on the Oregon coast.
At the "West Wind Court Residential Care Home" I sang for an hour and fifteen minutes
for a small group of residents. One of the staff members joined in on a few songs. Folks
seemed to enjoy it.
The owner (Mary) offered a check to help with the ministry. May God Bless Her!
Parked at the "Restoration Worship Center" where I joined in their Monday night Prayer
Meeting. Enjoyed the Honor of contributing a song (The Old Rugged Cross) just before
we shared communion.
Afterwards a father & son plumbing team treated me to a Subway sandwich. M.G.B.T!
Tuesday August 8 th ~
Ministered at the "Heritage Place Assisted Living & Wellness Center" here in Bandon. A
couple of old codgers gave me a hard time at first, but they eventually settled down.
Afterwards, an apparently spirit filled gentleman slipped me 2 dollars. The A.D. (Suzie)
treated me to lunch in their cafeteria. And a number of staff members and residents gave
me some wonderful compliments. May God Bless Them All!
Stopped by the library, went for a long walk on the beach, then over to the "Harmony
Estates Residential Care" facility. Where I was allowed to sing for a small group. Parked
for the night back at the "Restoration Worship Center".
Wednesday August 9 th ~
Drove north to Coos Bay, Oregon and ministered at the "Life Care Center of Coos Bay". A
lovely group of residents who seemed to be encouraged by the old songs.
I obtained permission to park at the Nazarene Church and use their shower facilities while
in the area. May God Bless Them!
Thursday August 10 th ~
Spent some time at the Port of Coos Bay at Charleston walking around the boat docks.
Then over to the "Ocean Crest Retirement & Assisted Living Residence". Had a great
crowd with lots of participation. As I was thanking folks for listening, one lady with
red-rimmed eyes said "I wouldn't have missed it for the world". Another lady, who was
extremely difficult to understand finally got it across to me that she wanted me to pray
for her. So I did, right then & there.
Friday August 11 th ~
Spent the morning remodeling the van. Headliner had been falling down and in tatters for
some time. Pulled it out along with the insulation, which of course got all over everything.
Had to vacuum out the van real good and wash the blankets & sheets. Showered up at
the church, then headed over to the "Ocean Ridge Retirement & Assisted Living
Residence".
Pretty good size little group. Quite a bit of participation. Brenda (a Pastors wife who
works there), got up & sang a couple with me. Beautiful voice, the folks seemed to really
enjoy the hour. Jana (the A.D.) treated me to dinner in the Dinning Room and made a
contribution to the ministry, as did one of the residents. May God Bless Them!
Saturday August 12 th ~
Drove to Reedsport, Oregon and ministered at the "Lower Umpqua Hospital Extended
Care Unit". The Charge Nurse who gave me permission to sing, didn't know that the
A.D.(who's not there on Saturday) had already booked a Youth Group from one of the
Churches. About half way through my first song, in comes a large group of kids with a
few adults. I've run into this before, so I immediately turned it over to them, and watched
their program which included a cute puppet show.
After they finished, I sang for another half hour in the activity room. Then was asked to
go to a room with a couple of bed-ridden ladies where I sang for another 15 minutes. A
truly wonderful afternoon.
Sunday August 13 th ~
Attended Worship Services at the "Four Square Church" here in Reedsport. Where I
enjoyed the Honor of contributing a song. The Pastor (Terry) invited me to stay for a
pot-luck lunch they had scheduled. Good Timing. Got to have some good ole fellowship.
Also passing through town was a fella (Nathan). A 63 year old street minister who travels
around the country with a hand pulled luggage cart on wheels, with a cross strapped to
it. And an imitation license plate that reads JESUS. Talk about being in the trenches. May
God Bless Him!
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
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.
It has now been 24 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 113 Nursing Homes and 14 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday August 7 th ~
With prior permission, I ate breakfast out of the church garden which I was parked next
to here in Coquille, Oregon. Strawberries & Cherry Tomatoes. Yum!
Over to the library to send off the UPDATE. Next door to get a shower at the Public
Swimming Pool. Then drove to Bandon, on the Oregon coast.
At the "West Wind Court Residential Care Home" I sang for an hour and fifteen minutes
for a small group of residents. One of the staff members joined in on a few songs. Folks
seemed to enjoy it.
The owner (Mary) offered a check to help with the ministry. May God Bless Her!
Parked at the "Restoration Worship Center" where I joined in their Monday night Prayer
Meeting. Enjoyed the Honor of contributing a song (The Old Rugged Cross) just before
we shared communion.
Afterwards a father & son plumbing team treated me to a Subway sandwich. M.G.B.T!
Tuesday August 8 th ~
Ministered at the "Heritage Place Assisted Living & Wellness Center" here in Bandon. A
couple of old codgers gave me a hard time at first, but they eventually settled down.
Afterwards, an apparently spirit filled gentleman slipped me 2 dollars. The A.D. (Suzie)
treated me to lunch in their cafeteria. And a number of staff members and residents gave
me some wonderful compliments. May God Bless Them All!
Stopped by the library, went for a long walk on the beach, then over to the "Harmony
Estates Residential Care" facility. Where I was allowed to sing for a small group. Parked
for the night back at the "Restoration Worship Center".
Wednesday August 9 th ~
Drove north to Coos Bay, Oregon and ministered at the "Life Care Center of Coos Bay". A
lovely group of residents who seemed to be encouraged by the old songs.
I obtained permission to park at the Nazarene Church and use their shower facilities while
in the area. May God Bless Them!
Thursday August 10 th ~
Spent some time at the Port of Coos Bay at Charleston walking around the boat docks.
Then over to the "Ocean Crest Retirement & Assisted Living Residence". Had a great
crowd with lots of participation. As I was thanking folks for listening, one lady with
red-rimmed eyes said "I wouldn't have missed it for the world". Another lady, who was
extremely difficult to understand finally got it across to me that she wanted me to pray
for her. So I did, right then & there.
Friday August 11 th ~
Spent the morning remodeling the van. Headliner had been falling down and in tatters for
some time. Pulled it out along with the insulation, which of course got all over everything.
Had to vacuum out the van real good and wash the blankets & sheets. Showered up at
the church, then headed over to the "Ocean Ridge Retirement & Assisted Living
Residence".
Pretty good size little group. Quite a bit of participation. Brenda (a Pastors wife who
works there), got up & sang a couple with me. Beautiful voice, the folks seemed to really
enjoy the hour. Jana (the A.D.) treated me to dinner in the Dinning Room and made a
contribution to the ministry, as did one of the residents. May God Bless Them!
Saturday August 12 th ~
Drove to Reedsport, Oregon and ministered at the "Lower Umpqua Hospital Extended
Care Unit". The Charge Nurse who gave me permission to sing, didn't know that the
A.D.(who's not there on Saturday) had already booked a Youth Group from one of the
Churches. About half way through my first song, in comes a large group of kids with a
few adults. I've run into this before, so I immediately turned it over to them, and watched
their program which included a cute puppet show.
After they finished, I sang for another half hour in the activity room. Then was asked to
go to a room with a couple of bed-ridden ladies where I sang for another 15 minutes. A
truly wonderful afternoon.
Sunday August 13 th ~
Attended Worship Services at the "Four Square Church" here in Reedsport. Where I
enjoyed the Honor of contributing a song. The Pastor (Terry) invited me to stay for a
pot-luck lunch they had scheduled. Good Timing. Got to have some good ole fellowship.
Also passing through town was a fella (Nathan). A 63 year old street minister who travels
around the country with a hand pulled luggage cart on wheels, with a cross strapped to
it. And an imitation license plate that reads JESUS. Talk about being in the trenches. May
God Bless Him!
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
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.
It has now been 25 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 120 Nursing Homes and 14 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday August 14 th ~
The Pastor (Terry) of the FourSquare Church here in Reedsport, treated me to breakfast.
Then allowed me the use of his computer to send out the UPDATE. May God Bless Him!
Said my goodbye's, then drove to Florence, Oregon and ministered at the "Regency
Florence" nursing home. This is an older, more impoverished facility. And although I
experienced limited participation while I was singing, folks expressed real appreciation
afterwards, as I was going around thanking them for listening.
Tuesday August 15 th ~
Ministered at the "Spruce Point Assisted Living Community" here in Florence. This is a
newer more expensive facility with an active group of folks, singing along & making
request for their favorite songs. And the Staff: Treated me to lunch before I sang, treated
me to dinner after I sang. And, gave me a Thank You note along with a 20 dollar offering.
May God Bless Them!
Yesterday I had gotten an OK from the manager of the Rite Aid here to stay on their
property while I'm in this area. Tonight I got rudely awakened along about midnight, by an
over zealous cop. Once he believed, that I had permission to park in this lot, and had run
my drivers license, he reluctantly let me be and went on his way.
Folks in this line of work have a tough job. They deal with negative things on a near daily
basis. Alcoholics, Drug Addicts, Liars & Thieves. Maybe this encounter will help this
young man understand that not everyone is like that. Even if living in a minivan.
Wednesday August 16 th ~
Ministered at the "Elderberry Square Residential Care" facility here in Florence. Sang in
two different buildings for about forty five minutes each. These were mostly Alzheimer's
patients who were very warm and encouraging. One fella asked if he could tap dance to
my songs. He was actually able to stay on the rhythm a good part of the time. Another
first experience.
The A.D. (Joanne) invited me to join one of the groups for dinner. And provided an
offering for the ministry. May God Bless Her!
Thursday August 17 th ~
Drove to Yachats, Oregon and ministered at the "Sea Aire Assisted Living Facility". Sang
for a large group in their Dining Room just as they were finishing up dinner. It went very
well with quite a few folks singing along, and several request for favorite songs.
Continued on into Newport, Oregon and enjoyed a nice visit with my sister in Christ
(Robin) and her dad. Got treated to some blackberry cobbler. Yum! Then over to the
locale Wal-Mart for the night.
Friday August 18 th ~
Ministered at the "Newport Rehab & Specialty Care Center" here in Newport. Robin (who
last year was an activity director at one of the facilities here) helped me by bringing folks
in and singing along. This is another impoverished facility where some of the folks were
rather agitated in the beginning. But with Robin's comforting them and those songs
about God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and Heaven, they eventually settled down and became
peaceful.
Later on, her dad (Dave) took us out to eat at Sizzlers. Yum! Then back at their place,
Dave got out his Base Guitar, Robin got on her Keyboard, and we had a fun jam session.
Saturday August 19 th ~
Ministered at the "Spencer House Assisted Living Facility" in South Beach where Robin
use to work. Once again with her help getting folks to the Parlor & singing along, it was
like a reunion. The residents seemed to really enjoy the time. Spent a good part of the
day with my own personal tour guide (Robin), sightseeing & hiking along the Oregon
Coast.
Sunday August 20 th ~
Attended Worship Services at the "Assembly of God" Church here in Newport. It
happened to be their Sunday of the month to minister at the "Spencer House". I was
invited to join them; and got to play & sing with the Pastor, who also played a guitar and
sang. I thought we sounded pretty good. So did the residents.
Later in the evening I enjoyed pizza & a movie with Robin & Dave, their kids & grandkids.
Then back to Wal-Mart for the night.
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
It has now been 25 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 120 Nursing Homes and 14 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday August 14 th ~
The Pastor (Terry) of the FourSquare Church here in Reedsport, treated me to breakfast.
Then allowed me the use of his computer to send out the UPDATE. May God Bless Him!
Said my goodbye's, then drove to Florence, Oregon and ministered at the "Regency
Florence" nursing home. This is an older, more impoverished facility. And although I
experienced limited participation while I was singing, folks expressed real appreciation
afterwards, as I was going around thanking them for listening.
Tuesday August 15 th ~
Ministered at the "Spruce Point Assisted Living Community" here in Florence. This is a
newer more expensive facility with an active group of folks, singing along & making
request for their favorite songs. And the Staff: Treated me to lunch before I sang, treated
me to dinner after I sang. And, gave me a Thank You note along with a 20 dollar offering.
May God Bless Them!
Yesterday I had gotten an OK from the manager of the Rite Aid here to stay on their
property while I'm in this area. Tonight I got rudely awakened along about midnight, by an
over zealous cop. Once he believed, that I had permission to park in this lot, and had run
my drivers license, he reluctantly let me be and went on his way.
Folks in this line of work have a tough job. They deal with negative things on a near daily
basis. Alcoholics, Drug Addicts, Liars & Thieves. Maybe this encounter will help this
young man understand that not everyone is like that. Even if living in a minivan.
Wednesday August 16 th ~
Ministered at the "Elderberry Square Residential Care" facility here in Florence. Sang in
two different buildings for about forty five minutes each. These were mostly Alzheimer's
patients who were very warm and encouraging. One fella asked if he could tap dance to
my songs. He was actually able to stay on the rhythm a good part of the time. Another
first experience.
The A.D. (Joanne) invited me to join one of the groups for dinner. And provided an
offering for the ministry. May God Bless Her!
Thursday August 17 th ~
Drove to Yachats, Oregon and ministered at the "Sea Aire Assisted Living Facility". Sang
for a large group in their Dining Room just as they were finishing up dinner. It went very
well with quite a few folks singing along, and several request for favorite songs.
Continued on into Newport, Oregon and enjoyed a nice visit with my sister in Christ
(Robin) and her dad. Got treated to some blackberry cobbler. Yum! Then over to the
locale Wal-Mart for the night.
Friday August 18 th ~
Ministered at the "Newport Rehab & Specialty Care Center" here in Newport. Robin (who
last year was an activity director at one of the facilities here) helped me by bringing folks
in and singing along. This is another impoverished facility where some of the folks were
rather agitated in the beginning. But with Robin's comforting them and those songs
about God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and Heaven, they eventually settled down and became
peaceful.
Later on, her dad (Dave) took us out to eat at Sizzlers. Yum! Then back at their place,
Dave got out his Base Guitar, Robin got on her Keyboard, and we had a fun jam session.
Saturday August 19 th ~
Ministered at the "Spencer House Assisted Living Facility" in South Beach where Robin
use to work. Once again with her help getting folks to the Parlor & singing along, it was
like a reunion. The residents seemed to really enjoy the time. Spent a good part of the
day with my own personal tour guide (Robin), sightseeing & hiking along the Oregon
Coast.
Sunday August 20 th ~
Attended Worship Services at the "Assembly of God" Church here in Newport. It
happened to be their Sunday of the month to minister at the "Spencer House". I was
invited to join them; and got to play & sing with the Pastor, who also played a guitar and
sang. I thought we sounded pretty good. So did the residents.
Later in the evening I enjoyed pizza & a movie with Robin & Dave, their kids & grandkids.
Then back to Wal-Mart for the night.
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
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.
It has now been 26 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 128 Nursing Homes and 14 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday August 21 st ~
Ministered at the "Oceanview Retirement & Assisted Living Residence" here in Newport.
Sang during lunch in their Big Formal Dinning Room. Robin helped out by playing a song
on the piano, visiting with the folks here and there and taking some pictures. The
residents really got involved; singing along & making a number of request for favorite
songs. A nice productive session.
Back at Robin & Dave's we barbequed Shish Kabobs and roasted corn-on-the-cobb. Yum!
Changed the oil & filter on the van, showered up and did some visiting. Said final thank
you's and goodbye's and headed out. First stop, Wal-Mart for the night.
Tuesday August 22 nd ~
Headed north up the coast to Lincoln City, Oregon and ministered at the "Lincolnshire
Retirement & Assisted Living " facility. They had me sing as folks were finishing lunch.
Worked out great, there were minimal distractions and a number of residents were
singing along and making request. Afterwards a lady walked up to me and said "We need
more of that kind of music".
At the Foursquare Church a few blocks away, I got permission from the Pastor (Darrell) to
park for the night. He even suggested that next year when I come through this area, he
would like to arrange a Concert involving other Churches. Since there are so many
retiree's in this area who would enjoy hearing the old classics. Something to look forward
to. May God Bless Him!
Wednesday August 23 rd ~
Said thank you to Darrell. He offered up a prayer to send me on my way. M.G.B.H!
I went around the corner to the "Lincoln City Rehabilitation Center" and ministered for
some dear folks. An older facility. One lady began moaning & wailing at the beginning of
two particular songs, during the first thirty minutes. Both times one of the staff was able
to quickly calm her down. The third time, at the beginning of "He Arose", she was so loud
I had to stop. Staff couldn't get her calmed down and finally had to wheel her out of the
room.
This kind of thing has happened before. It is Humbling to witness the Power of His Word.
I continued up the coast to Tillamook, Oregon and ministered at the "Five Rivers
Retirement & Assisted Living Community". They had me sing in their large Dining Room
as folks were coming in & being served dinner. There were a lot of distractions going on.
Still, many folks were singing along and tap'n their toes.
Thursday August 24 th ~
In Astoria, Oregon I ministered at the "Astor House Assisted Living" facility for a small
group of residents. One of the ladies sang along with me, loudly & off key. After a few
songs she apologized for not being able to sing as good as she used to. I told her "Don't
worry about it, you just sing right along".
As I was headed through town, three lovely Deer came prancing across this four lane
road right in front of me. Beautiful!
Crossed the border into Washington and parked for the night at a wayside picnic/hiking
area. Went for a long hike in this primeval forest containing all kinds of ferns & ivy in the
undergrowth amidst these massive towering trees. Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir & Sitka
Spruce. At night it was so dark, I could hardly see my hand in front of my face. Spooky!
Friday August 25 th ~
Went for a morning hike in the forest. Then drove the two and a half miles back to
Raymond, Washington and ministered at the "Willapa Harbor Care Center". Sang before
lunch in the cafeteria of this older facility. The staff even brought in folks with sever
mobility restrictions who normally have meals in their rooms. Filled the place up. A
number of residents and staff, were clapping and singing along. It was heart warming.
Picked up some groceries and got back out to the Butte Creek picnic area. This little
out of the way free primitive campground only has about five sites. A family in a
Suburban who'd stopped to do some exploring, were just pulling out of the spot I was in
last night. I'd been praying on my way out for an opening, and there it was. Praise God!
Saturday August 26 th ~
Hiked the two and a half miles down into town to the library. Wasn't too bad, mostly
down-hill. Coming back was a little tougher, mostly up-hill.
Did some reading. Worked on a couple of songs. One last hike through the woods. A
locale stopped & visited for a while. We had a religious discussion. But he got
uncomfortable and left when I got on the subject of Hell, and how he really didn't want to
go there.
Sunday August 28 th ~
Attended Worship Services at the "River of Life" Church in Aberdeen, Washington. Then
over to the "Pacific Care Center" where I sang a few songs until a couple from the
Lutheran Church came to minister. They had me open their service with three songs.
Then Barbara presented a 25 minute sermon. After which, they had me play some more
to finish out the hour. One of the residents remembered me from last year.
I drove a few streets over, near the Hospital, to the "Grays Harbor Health & Rehab
Center". Sang in their central receiving area for about 45 minutes. Nice group. I was told
one of the gentlemen I was singing for was a cousin of Martin Luther King. Interesting!
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
It has now been 26 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 128 Nursing Homes and 14 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday August 21 st ~
Ministered at the "Oceanview Retirement & Assisted Living Residence" here in Newport.
Sang during lunch in their Big Formal Dinning Room. Robin helped out by playing a song
on the piano, visiting with the folks here and there and taking some pictures. The
residents really got involved; singing along & making a number of request for favorite
songs. A nice productive session.
Back at Robin & Dave's we barbequed Shish Kabobs and roasted corn-on-the-cobb. Yum!
Changed the oil & filter on the van, showered up and did some visiting. Said final thank
you's and goodbye's and headed out. First stop, Wal-Mart for the night.
Tuesday August 22 nd ~
Headed north up the coast to Lincoln City, Oregon and ministered at the "Lincolnshire
Retirement & Assisted Living " facility. They had me sing as folks were finishing lunch.
Worked out great, there were minimal distractions and a number of residents were
singing along and making request. Afterwards a lady walked up to me and said "We need
more of that kind of music".
At the Foursquare Church a few blocks away, I got permission from the Pastor (Darrell) to
park for the night. He even suggested that next year when I come through this area, he
would like to arrange a Concert involving other Churches. Since there are so many
retiree's in this area who would enjoy hearing the old classics. Something to look forward
to. May God Bless Him!
Wednesday August 23 rd ~
Said thank you to Darrell. He offered up a prayer to send me on my way. M.G.B.H!
I went around the corner to the "Lincoln City Rehabilitation Center" and ministered for
some dear folks. An older facility. One lady began moaning & wailing at the beginning of
two particular songs, during the first thirty minutes. Both times one of the staff was able
to quickly calm her down. The third time, at the beginning of "He Arose", she was so loud
I had to stop. Staff couldn't get her calmed down and finally had to wheel her out of the
room.
This kind of thing has happened before. It is Humbling to witness the Power of His Word.
I continued up the coast to Tillamook, Oregon and ministered at the "Five Rivers
Retirement & Assisted Living Community". They had me sing in their large Dining Room
as folks were coming in & being served dinner. There were a lot of distractions going on.
Still, many folks were singing along and tap'n their toes.
Thursday August 24 th ~
In Astoria, Oregon I ministered at the "Astor House Assisted Living" facility for a small
group of residents. One of the ladies sang along with me, loudly & off key. After a few
songs she apologized for not being able to sing as good as she used to. I told her "Don't
worry about it, you just sing right along".
As I was headed through town, three lovely Deer came prancing across this four lane
road right in front of me. Beautiful!
Crossed the border into Washington and parked for the night at a wayside picnic/hiking
area. Went for a long hike in this primeval forest containing all kinds of ferns & ivy in the
undergrowth amidst these massive towering trees. Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir & Sitka
Spruce. At night it was so dark, I could hardly see my hand in front of my face. Spooky!
Friday August 25 th ~
Went for a morning hike in the forest. Then drove the two and a half miles back to
Raymond, Washington and ministered at the "Willapa Harbor Care Center". Sang before
lunch in the cafeteria of this older facility. The staff even brought in folks with sever
mobility restrictions who normally have meals in their rooms. Filled the place up. A
number of residents and staff, were clapping and singing along. It was heart warming.
Picked up some groceries and got back out to the Butte Creek picnic area. This little
out of the way free primitive campground only has about five sites. A family in a
Suburban who'd stopped to do some exploring, were just pulling out of the spot I was in
last night. I'd been praying on my way out for an opening, and there it was. Praise God!
Saturday August 26 th ~
Hiked the two and a half miles down into town to the library. Wasn't too bad, mostly
down-hill. Coming back was a little tougher, mostly up-hill.
Did some reading. Worked on a couple of songs. One last hike through the woods. A
locale stopped & visited for a while. We had a religious discussion. But he got
uncomfortable and left when I got on the subject of Hell, and how he really didn't want to
go there.
Sunday August 28 th ~
Attended Worship Services at the "River of Life" Church in Aberdeen, Washington. Then
over to the "Pacific Care Center" where I sang a few songs until a couple from the
Lutheran Church came to minister. They had me open their service with three songs.
Then Barbara presented a 25 minute sermon. After which, they had me play some more
to finish out the hour. One of the residents remembered me from last year.
I drove a few streets over, near the Hospital, to the "Grays Harbor Health & Rehab
Center". Sang in their central receiving area for about 45 minutes. Nice group. I was told
one of the gentlemen I was singing for was a cousin of Martin Luther King. Interesting!
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
