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 32 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've
Enjoyed the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 154 Nursing
Homes and 18 Churches. To God Be The Glory!
Monday October 2nd ~
Ministered at the "Mayflower Health Center" here in Grinnell, Iowa. They
have an auditorium called the "Carmen Center". Specifically built for
entertainment, complete with stage and in house sound system.
A wonderful facility. I had a large, lovely group of residents which were
very encouraging. It was great.
Tuesday October 3 rd ~
What refreshing Hospitality Francene, Lori & Randy have shown. They
opened up their home, providing all my needs. And including me in their
activities. Lori even slipped me a twenty for the ministry. May God Bless
Them!
Received word from down home, that Dad has slipped into a coma, and
the body he is currently in, is not expected to last long. So I'm heading
back to Texas for now.
Wednesday October 4 th ~
Drove a little over 400 miles yesterday. Made it into southern Missouri
by dark.
Today I got on the road before daybreak. A little over 400 miles again
today. As I was blowing through Idabel, Oklahoma, I was moved to stop
and minister at the "Oak Grove Manor" where I sang for four residents.
One little lady said "This reminds me of my grandmothers singing". Now
that goes back a ways!
Along about dark, I pulled into a Wal-Mart parking lot in Tyler, Texas.
Got to visiting with the security guard (Eric) who is a pentecostal
believer. It was a very uplifting time of fellowship, he even gave me a 3
dollar love offering. May God Bless Him!
Thursday October 5 th ~
Another 300 miles got me to Yoakum, Texas by mid-afternoon. Pop is
still in a coma, resting peacefully.
Friday October 6 th ~
Spent the day sitting with Pop and visiting with family. Dad's one of 12
kids, most of whom are Christians and live in this area. So there's a lot
of kin-folk around.
I had a flat tire on the van this morning. An 1100 mile dash from Iowa to
Texas, and the Lord kept it up till I got here. Praise God!
Saturday October 7 th ~
This morning I enjoyed some quite moments alone with Pop, just
holding his hand and singing. Throughout the day many family
members and friends came in to pay their respects to this Gentle Man.
Sunday October 8 th ~
Up early. Spent some time with Pop. Then drove over to Hallettsville,
Texas and attended morning worship services at the Church of Christ
there. Reunited with some family and friends and partook of some
wonderful fellowship during a pot-luck lunch afterwards.
Then back over to Yoakum where my sister (Janet), my niece (Brandi),
and I sang a few songs in dad's room.
Drove to Austin, Texas for the monthly Home Group bible study from
my Home Congregation. Once again, I enjoyed some lovely fellowship
with friends I haven't seen in months.
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 32 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've
Enjoyed the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 154 Nursing
Homes and 18 Churches. To God Be The Glory!
Monday October 2nd ~
Ministered at the "Mayflower Health Center" here in Grinnell, Iowa. They
have an auditorium called the "Carmen Center". Specifically built for
entertainment, complete with stage and in house sound system.
A wonderful facility. I had a large, lovely group of residents which were
very encouraging. It was great.
Tuesday October 3 rd ~
What refreshing Hospitality Francene, Lori & Randy have shown. They
opened up their home, providing all my needs. And including me in their
activities. Lori even slipped me a twenty for the ministry. May God Bless
Them!
Received word from down home, that Dad has slipped into a coma, and
the body he is currently in, is not expected to last long. So I'm heading
back to Texas for now.
Wednesday October 4 th ~
Drove a little over 400 miles yesterday. Made it into southern Missouri
by dark.
Today I got on the road before daybreak. A little over 400 miles again
today. As I was blowing through Idabel, Oklahoma, I was moved to stop
and minister at the "Oak Grove Manor" where I sang for four residents.
One little lady said "This reminds me of my grandmothers singing". Now
that goes back a ways!
Along about dark, I pulled into a Wal-Mart parking lot in Tyler, Texas.
Got to visiting with the security guard (Eric) who is a pentecostal
believer. It was a very uplifting time of fellowship, he even gave me a 3
dollar love offering. May God Bless Him!
Thursday October 5 th ~
Another 300 miles got me to Yoakum, Texas by mid-afternoon. Pop is
still in a coma, resting peacefully.
Friday October 6 th ~
Spent the day sitting with Pop and visiting with family. Dad's one of 12
kids, most of whom are Christians and live in this area. So there's a lot
of kin-folk around.
I had a flat tire on the van this morning. An 1100 mile dash from Iowa to
Texas, and the Lord kept it up till I got here. Praise God!
Saturday October 7 th ~
This morning I enjoyed some quite moments alone with Pop, just
holding his hand and singing. Throughout the day many family
members and friends came in to pay their respects to this Gentle Man.
Sunday October 8 th ~
Up early. Spent some time with Pop. Then drove over to Hallettsville,
Texas and attended morning worship services at the Church of Christ
there. Reunited with some family and friends and partook of some
wonderful fellowship during a pot-luck lunch afterwards.
Then back over to Yoakum where my sister (Janet), my niece (Brandi),
and I sang a few songs in dad's room.
Drove to Austin, Texas for the monthly Home Group bible study from
my Home Congregation. Once again, I enjoyed some lovely fellowship
with friends I haven't seen in months.
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 33 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 155 Nursing Homes and 18 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday October 9 th ~
Pop passed away this morning while my mom, my sisters and my niece were singing
"When We All Get To Heaven".
Tuesday October 10 th ~
Today we held a tradition from this part of the country called Visitation. For a two hour
period at the Funeral Home, friends & family came by to view the open casket, and visit
with one another. My sister & niece had arranged a large collection of photographs
showing Pop and the family.
For me, this was a comforting time of Fellowship & Remembrance.
Wednesday October 11 th ~
We had Pop's funeral today. Four of his grandchildren (my niece & nephews), spoke and
offered prayers during the service, as did I. These Believing kids gave wonderful
testimonies to the spiritual influence of this Christian man.
After the grave side service, we all gathered back at the White House for a meal &
fellowship. (The White House sits on a piece of property next to the nursing home. It was
purchased many years ago by one of my aunts to be used for reunions and activities
such as this.)
Thursday October 12 th ~
I drove over to The Dream Center of Austin. Today is Food Pantry Day, when food is
given out to well over a hundred families. Said hi to volunteer's I haven't seen in months.
Pulled out the guitar and sang a few songs. Spent some time doing what's called Intake.
Where in a one on one basis, in a quiet area, we check a simple form folks have filled out.
The last question is: Do you want Prayer? If so, we pray with them.
One lady wanted me to pray for her family who were beginning to drift apart, because the
spiritual leader of the family (her mother) had recently passed away. I shared with her my
similar loss, and together we placed our petition before the Lord.
Friday October 13 th ~
Ministered at the "Monte Siesta Nursing Facility" here in Austin. A rather large crowd
gathered for an Ice Cream Social in the cafeteria, and sang along with these old hymms.
Afterwards, I sat visiting with three gentlemen while indulging in some ice cream
myself. The A.D. (Robin) was very sweet; inviting me back and making a donation to the
ministry. May God Bless Her!
Saturday October 14 th ~
Drove east a hundred miles to an annual Gospel Singing in Hallettsville, Texas. The first
part was devoted to acappela groups, then they broke out the instruments. I had the
privilege of sharing a couple of songs.
It was a Beautiful time of folks praising and worshipping the Lord with the talents and
abilities they've been given.
Sunday October 15 th ~
Back in Austin I attended Jubilee Christian Center where I enjoyed the opportunity of
singing with the Praise & Worship Group in both services. It happened to be a Baptismal
Service; sixteen were baptized in the early service and 36 in the second. Praise God!
Had lunch with the singles group, stopped by my sister's for a little visit, then over to
George, Laura & Kelly's (brother & sisters in Christ) for dinner and fellowship.
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 33 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 155 Nursing Homes and 18 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday October 9 th ~
Pop passed away this morning while my mom, my sisters and my niece were singing
"When We All Get To Heaven".
Tuesday October 10 th ~
Today we held a tradition from this part of the country called Visitation. For a two hour
period at the Funeral Home, friends & family came by to view the open casket, and visit
with one another. My sister & niece had arranged a large collection of photographs
showing Pop and the family.
For me, this was a comforting time of Fellowship & Remembrance.
Wednesday October 11 th ~
We had Pop's funeral today. Four of his grandchildren (my niece & nephews), spoke and
offered prayers during the service, as did I. These Believing kids gave wonderful
testimonies to the spiritual influence of this Christian man.
After the grave side service, we all gathered back at the White House for a meal &
fellowship. (The White House sits on a piece of property next to the nursing home. It was
purchased many years ago by one of my aunts to be used for reunions and activities
such as this.)
Thursday October 12 th ~
I drove over to The Dream Center of Austin. Today is Food Pantry Day, when food is
given out to well over a hundred families. Said hi to volunteer's I haven't seen in months.
Pulled out the guitar and sang a few songs. Spent some time doing what's called Intake.
Where in a one on one basis, in a quiet area, we check a simple form folks have filled out.
The last question is: Do you want Prayer? If so, we pray with them.
One lady wanted me to pray for her family who were beginning to drift apart, because the
spiritual leader of the family (her mother) had recently passed away. I shared with her my
similar loss, and together we placed our petition before the Lord.
Friday October 13 th ~
Ministered at the "Monte Siesta Nursing Facility" here in Austin. A rather large crowd
gathered for an Ice Cream Social in the cafeteria, and sang along with these old hymms.
Afterwards, I sat visiting with three gentlemen while indulging in some ice cream
myself. The A.D. (Robin) was very sweet; inviting me back and making a donation to the
ministry. May God Bless Her!
Saturday October 14 th ~
Drove east a hundred miles to an annual Gospel Singing in Hallettsville, Texas. The first
part was devoted to acappela groups, then they broke out the instruments. I had the
privilege of sharing a couple of songs.
It was a Beautiful time of folks praising and worshipping the Lord with the talents and
abilities they've been given.
Sunday October 15 th ~
Back in Austin I attended Jubilee Christian Center where I enjoyed the opportunity of
singing with the Praise & Worship Group in both services. It happened to be a Baptismal
Service; sixteen were baptized in the early service and 36 in the second. Praise God!
Had lunch with the singles group, stopped by my sister's for a little visit, then over to
George, Laura & Kelly's (brother & sisters in Christ) for dinner and fellowship.
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 34 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 158 Nursing Homes and 18 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday October 16 th ~
I ministered at "The Park at Becket Meadows" here in Austin. A lovely group of residents
and staff I've had the pleasure of singing for in the past. One gentleman who had been a
full time minister for 40 years gave me some wonderful words of encouragement. And a
sweet lady who sang along with most all the songs wanted me to know that in 2 years
she would be celebrating her one hundredth birthday.
Tuesday October 17 th ~
A couple of Christian ladies (Diane & Miriam), ferried me up to North Austin where I was
able to arrange to minister in some nursing homes for November. On the way back they
treated me to a late lunch at "Joe's Crab Shak". Yum!
Back at "The Dream Center Austin" I gave an impromptu concert. Afterwards Diane
slipped me a little something for the ministry. May God Bless Her!
Wednesday October 18 th ~
Spent a lot of time on the computer today. Did some walking. Then attended mid-week
worship services at Jubilee.
Thursday October 19 th ~
Food Pantry Day at the Dream Center. They had plenty of volunteer's on hand, so I just
hung out kind of soakin it up, walkin around visiting with folks and sharing my Love for
the Lord.
Then over to the "West Oaks Rehab & Healthcare Center" where I ministered for a nice
group of residents. Quite a few were singing along and making request for their favorite
songs. They gave me a warm welcome and invited me back for next month.
Friday October 20 th ~
Drove to Yoakum, Texas and ministered at the "Stevens Healthcare & Rehab Center".
Sang in the main activity room for about 45 minutes. A lovely group I've sang for before,
which new Pop well & offered their condolences.
I then went and sang in the Alzheimer's Unit where at one point a precious little lady
asked if I could do a non-gospel song in a different language. Well we all got a pretty
good laugh out of that. Then I sang "Love Lifted Me". As I went into the Chorus, this dear
lady began to weep. Afterwards she thanked me with tears in her eye's.
Saturday October 21 st ~
The Stevens Family Reunion (2006). I'm guessing about a hundred were present. First
one I've been able to attend in about four years. One of the things we do is have a
drawing for Hand Made Quilted Blankets made by Aunts & Cousins. This year there were
3 quilts for the grandkids, which I'm one of.
There are so many of us, I still haven't won one. However, I overheard that after this
years drawing there are only eleven of us left who haven't gotten one. So, every year my
chances get better. We had a sumptuous Feast at noon (most diets suspended for the
moment). Games and such for the kids. The adults sat around visiting in several large
groups. One group watched the Texas football game inside. Still another, spent hours
singing four-part harmony Gospel songs. It was a good day.
Sunday October 22 nd ~
Attended Worship Services at Jubilee Christian Center back in Austin, where I enjoyed
the Honor of singing in the Choir.
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 34 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 158 Nursing Homes and 18 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday October 16 th ~
I ministered at "The Park at Becket Meadows" here in Austin. A lovely group of residents
and staff I've had the pleasure of singing for in the past. One gentleman who had been a
full time minister for 40 years gave me some wonderful words of encouragement. And a
sweet lady who sang along with most all the songs wanted me to know that in 2 years
she would be celebrating her one hundredth birthday.
Tuesday October 17 th ~
A couple of Christian ladies (Diane & Miriam), ferried me up to North Austin where I was
able to arrange to minister in some nursing homes for November. On the way back they
treated me to a late lunch at "Joe's Crab Shak". Yum!
Back at "The Dream Center Austin" I gave an impromptu concert. Afterwards Diane
slipped me a little something for the ministry. May God Bless Her!
Wednesday October 18 th ~
Spent a lot of time on the computer today. Did some walking. Then attended mid-week
worship services at Jubilee.
Thursday October 19 th ~
Food Pantry Day at the Dream Center. They had plenty of volunteer's on hand, so I just
hung out kind of soakin it up, walkin around visiting with folks and sharing my Love for
the Lord.
Then over to the "West Oaks Rehab & Healthcare Center" where I ministered for a nice
group of residents. Quite a few were singing along and making request for their favorite
songs. They gave me a warm welcome and invited me back for next month.
Friday October 20 th ~
Drove to Yoakum, Texas and ministered at the "Stevens Healthcare & Rehab Center".
Sang in the main activity room for about 45 minutes. A lovely group I've sang for before,
which new Pop well & offered their condolences.
I then went and sang in the Alzheimer's Unit where at one point a precious little lady
asked if I could do a non-gospel song in a different language. Well we all got a pretty
good laugh out of that. Then I sang "Love Lifted Me". As I went into the Chorus, this dear
lady began to weep. Afterwards she thanked me with tears in her eye's.
Saturday October 21 st ~
The Stevens Family Reunion (2006). I'm guessing about a hundred were present. First
one I've been able to attend in about four years. One of the things we do is have a
drawing for Hand Made Quilted Blankets made by Aunts & Cousins. This year there were
3 quilts for the grandkids, which I'm one of.
There are so many of us, I still haven't won one. However, I overheard that after this
years drawing there are only eleven of us left who haven't gotten one. So, every year my
chances get better. We had a sumptuous Feast at noon (most diets suspended for the
moment). Games and such for the kids. The adults sat around visiting in several large
groups. One group watched the Texas football game inside. Still another, spent hours
singing four-part harmony Gospel songs. It was a good day.
Sunday October 22 nd ~
Attended Worship Services at Jubilee Christian Center back in Austin, where I enjoyed
the Honor of singing in the Choir.
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 35 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 163 Nursing Homes and 19 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday October 23 rd ~
Spent the day on the computer and phone, lining up nursing homes.
Tuesday October 24 th ~
Drove to Lockhart, Texas and ministered at the "Methodist Golden Age Home". A lovely
group, where a blind gentleman enthusiastically called out Amen's & Halleluiah's often.
And a sweet lady tearfully thanked me afterwards.
I ate lunch in the park. Then over to the "Chisholm Trail Living & Rehab Center" where I
sang for another lovely group of staff and residents. I showed up 45 minutes early, like I
tend to do. Which was a good thing because the A.D.(Josie) hand thought I was due an
hour earlier than I thought. So as far as everyone else was concerned, I was 15 minutes
late. I apologized and got right at it.
Wednesday October 25 th ~
Had a nice visit during breakfast with a locale Pastor (Carl). Spent some time at the
Dream Center. Then attended mid-week worship services at Jubilee where I enjoyed the
Privilege of singing with the Praise Team.
Thursday October 26 th ~
Food Pantry Day. The last one at the Dream Center in this location, which is closing
down. A large house has been rented to house the resident men who want to move,
which is in a different part of town. Plans have been formed to coordinate with a Church
(in another area of the city) to use their parking and adjacent vacant lot, to operate the
Food Pantry, hopefully by the first of the year.
This Church is near a neighborhood with drug & alcohol problems in dire need of
ministering. Something to Pray about.
Friday October 27 th ~
Drove to Luling, Texas and ministered at the "Luling Care Center". This is a very old and
small facility. Still, we had a nice group which seemed to appreciate the Gospel music,
and the staff even made a donation to the ministry. May God Bless Them!
I ate lunch at the city park, and since no one was around, I jumped on the merry-go-round
and then did some swing'in, just like a kid enjoying the butterflies in the stomach feeling.
It was actually fun for the moment.
Did a one mile walk on the hiking trail, then over to the "Hillcrest Manor". A Halloween
party which had been scheduled before me, was cancelled. So I was able to get right to
work. Several were singing along, and when I finished and put the guitar up, one lady was
emphatic that I do one more song. So I did. Amazing Grace!
Saturday October 28 th ~
Back in Austin at the "Monte Siesta Nursing Facility", I sang a couple of three songs in
their Fall Festival & Talent Show.
Then over to the Angels Recovery Church where I enjoyed the Honor of contributing
several songs before, and during the service. Afterwards at a pot-luck social in the
fellowship hall, the Pastor (George) slipped me an offering for the ministry. May God
Bless Him!
Sunday October 29 th ~
Attended morning worship services at "Victory Christian Center" in Austin. Then out to
northwest Austin to check out the dream centers new house, and get a shower. Then
over to the "Church of the Hills" for a Bill Johnson teaching/healing Revival.
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 35 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 163 Nursing Homes and 19 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!
Monday October 23 rd ~
Spent the day on the computer and phone, lining up nursing homes.
Tuesday October 24 th ~
Drove to Lockhart, Texas and ministered at the "Methodist Golden Age Home". A lovely
group, where a blind gentleman enthusiastically called out Amen's & Halleluiah's often.
And a sweet lady tearfully thanked me afterwards.
I ate lunch in the park. Then over to the "Chisholm Trail Living & Rehab Center" where I
sang for another lovely group of staff and residents. I showed up 45 minutes early, like I
tend to do. Which was a good thing because the A.D.(Josie) hand thought I was due an
hour earlier than I thought. So as far as everyone else was concerned, I was 15 minutes
late. I apologized and got right at it.
Wednesday October 25 th ~
Had a nice visit during breakfast with a locale Pastor (Carl). Spent some time at the
Dream Center. Then attended mid-week worship services at Jubilee where I enjoyed the
Privilege of singing with the Praise Team.
Thursday October 26 th ~
Food Pantry Day. The last one at the Dream Center in this location, which is closing
down. A large house has been rented to house the resident men who want to move,
which is in a different part of town. Plans have been formed to coordinate with a Church
(in another area of the city) to use their parking and adjacent vacant lot, to operate the
Food Pantry, hopefully by the first of the year.
This Church is near a neighborhood with drug & alcohol problems in dire need of
ministering. Something to Pray about.
Friday October 27 th ~
Drove to Luling, Texas and ministered at the "Luling Care Center". This is a very old and
small facility. Still, we had a nice group which seemed to appreciate the Gospel music,
and the staff even made a donation to the ministry. May God Bless Them!
I ate lunch at the city park, and since no one was around, I jumped on the merry-go-round
and then did some swing'in, just like a kid enjoying the butterflies in the stomach feeling.
It was actually fun for the moment.
Did a one mile walk on the hiking trail, then over to the "Hillcrest Manor". A Halloween
party which had been scheduled before me, was cancelled. So I was able to get right to
work. Several were singing along, and when I finished and put the guitar up, one lady was
emphatic that I do one more song. So I did. Amazing Grace!
Saturday October 28 th ~
Back in Austin at the "Monte Siesta Nursing Facility", I sang a couple of three songs in
their Fall Festival & Talent Show.
Then over to the Angels Recovery Church where I enjoyed the Honor of contributing
several songs before, and during the service. Afterwards at a pot-luck social in the
fellowship hall, the Pastor (George) slipped me an offering for the ministry. May God
Bless Him!
Sunday October 29 th ~
Attended morning worship services at "Victory Christian Center" in Austin. Then out to
northwest Austin to check out the dream centers new house, and get a shower. Then
over to the "Church of the Hills" for a Bill Johnson teaching/healing Revival.
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