Nursing Home Music Ministry
Dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.  
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.      
It has now been 27 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've
Enjoyed the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 133 Nursing
Homes and 15 Churches. To God Be The Glory!         
Monday August 28 th ~  
Here in Aberdeen, Washington I sent off the UPDATE from the Public
Library. Then ministered at the "Westhaven Villa". This facility is Assisted
Living, with an Alzhiemers section. Folks from both areas were present.    
     One of the things I've noticed in many of the Homes is; when I first
start singing, residents with dementia may seem to be in la-la-land.
Almost as if intoxicated. Then during the hour of singing about God &
Jesus & Heaven, some seem to sober up. By the time I finish, becoming
calm & coherent. And in a very normal way, thanking me for coming and
expressing a desire for me to return. Simply another example of the
Power of God's Word.         
Tuesday August 29 th ~  
Headed west to McCleary, Washington and ministered at the "Beehive
Retirement Center". Nice little group of folks, the hour went very well,
and, the staff treated me to dinner. May God Bless Them!  
Five miles back the way I came, I parked for the night in a large Rest Area.
        
Wednesday August 30 th ~  
Near by in Montesano, Washington I found the "Hindbaugh Adult Family
Home". The owner (Ida) of this large Historic 2 story house, let me sing
for her five residents. Two of which are 99 and 101 years old. All five are
mentally sharp, and sang along with many of the songs. One of them
cried most of the time. The others lovingly indicated that this was normal
for her while listening to Gospel music. Ida was able to contribute twenty
dollars for the ministry. May God Bless Her!  
Did some walking in a Park near a Nuclear Power Plant, then back to the
Rest Area. A very pleasant, mature State Policeman stopped and visited
for a minute. He had no problem with me staying another night. Wished
me well.         
Thursday August 31 st ~  
Spent a stressful half day driving up the IH 5 corridor, through and
around the conjested Seattle area. Avoided most of the Rush Hour
Traffic. Pulled into Marrysville, Washington early afternoon, and over to
the "Marysville Care Center". Sang during their Family Appreciation Party
in the Alzhiemers Unit. There were a lot of distractions; loud talking
amongst staff members. However, one resident was attentive, clapping &
singing along. Even made a request for "Just A Closer Walk With Thee".   
           
Friday September 1 st ~    
Went to the "Madeleine Villa Health Care Center" here in Marysville and
sang before lunch. One resident had a violent reaction to the Gospel
music. She immediately began hollering & screaming. The staff quickly
wheeled her out of the room. The rest of the hour went smoothly with
several ladies making request for their favorite songs.  
In Granite Falls, Washington I enjoyed dinner with a Brother in Christ,
Keith & his wife Sherri & daughter Amy.         
Saturday September 2 nd ~  
Keith drove me to Big Four Mountain where we hiked up to the Ice Caves.














These are small Glaciers which throughout the summer develop ice caves
along the water falls that run thru the bottom of the Glacier. By this time
of year, some of these caves are 12 feet tall.  
When we got back to the house, Keith took the family and me out for
Chinese food. Yum!  And at one point, slipped me a donation for the
ministry. May God Bless Him!  
Later in the afternoon a couple from church with Seven (count 'em)
daughters, came over. On the riverbank beside the Pilchuck River which
runs beside this property, we sat around visiting, singing some songs,
and watching the girls play in the water. Idealistic!         
Sunday September 3 rd ~  
Rode with Keith & family to the "EastGate Chapel" where I enjoyed the
Honor of contributing five songs during the Worship Service.                     
     Accompanied Keith & crew to Sherri's parents for a late lunch. Then
eventually back to the house for a movie before bedtime.

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 28 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 139 Nursing Homes and 16 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!          
Monday September 4 th ~   
Spent the weekend with Keith, Sherri & Amy here in Granite Falls, Washington. This
morning they made me one more breakfast, gave me the use of their computer to send
off the UPDATE, and provided a shower for the road. Awesome Hospitality! May God
Bless Them!   
Said my goodbye's, then drove up to the North Cascade Highway and headed east.
Stopped in Sedro Woolley, Washington and ministered at the "Life Care Center of Skagit
Valley". Sang in one of the lunch rooms as they were finishing their meal. The staff
members were very enthusiastic; clapping, smiling, singing along. Which helped
encourage the residents.   
Continuing on into the mountains, I arrived at the Cutthroat Lake Trailhead about 5:00 pm
where I parked for the night.   Near me were 2 vehicles, 2 men in one and 2 women in the
other, sitting around drinking beer and getting acquainted after their hikes.
over with my guitar, sang one song (Spirit in the Sky). Then I jokingly said "I know about
12 non-gospel songs, if ya'll can guess which ones, I'll play 'em for ya."  Got a laugh, then
went on to tell them what I do. One of the guys Mockingly asked me to do a Gospel song,
so I sang "Just a Little Talk With Jesus".   By the time I finished, it was obvious they were
getting uncomfortable. So I politely withdrew and left them to get on with their evening.
Later, as the guys were driving away, one of them stopped and shook my hand, thanking
me. You Never Know!          
Tuesday September 5 th ~   
Hiked 2 miles along this well-defined, gently upward-sloping mountain trail. Which opened
up into a bowl like area containing a ten acre lake surrounded by mountain peaks.
















Although most of the snow has melted by this time of year, there are still large patches
clinging to crevasses here & there. Well worth the effort of the climb, and thankfully the 2
miles back was downhill.   
Back on the road, what I though was fog turned out to be smoke from forest fires. Finally
came out of it on the east side of the mountain range. Stumbled onto a free campground
at "Leader Lake" and settled in for the night.          
Wednesday September 6 th ~   
Drove to Okanogan, Washington and ministered at the "Valley Care Center". At this very
old facility, I enjoyed several enthusiastic residents singing along & swaying to the beat.
Nice!   
Another 5 miles to Omak, Washington where I was able to access a computer, get a
shower, and arrange to play tomorrow. Parked at the Wal-Mart for the night.                      
         
 Thursday September 7 th ~   
Ministered at "Apple Springs Senior Living" here in Omak. Nice little group joined in
singing along. Afterwards, an old-timer slipped me something for the ministry, as did the
Activity Director (Tim). May God Bless Them!          
Friday September 8 th ~   
Drove to Tonasket, Washington and sang during lunch at "North Valley Assisted Living".
Ate lunch in the city park a few blocks away. Then, mid-afternoon, I ministered at the
"North Valley Nursing Home". One lady was very emphatic about wanting to hear more.
So I gave her my CD.   
Continued east into another mountain range and parked for the night in the Okanogan
National Forest.          
Saturday September 9 th ~   
Farther along, I pulled into Republic, Washington and ministered at the "Ferry County
Memorial Hospital Nursing Home". Sang before lunch for about 7 residents. The A.D.
(Janet) invited me to have a meal with the folks, and, gave me a nice Thank You card.
May God Bless Her!   
Continued east to the Colville Nation Forest where I did some hiking and parked for the
night.          
Sunday September 10 th ~   
Attended Morning Worship Services in Kettle Falls, Washington at the "New Life
Pentecostal Church". Ate lunch at a roadside picnic area next to Crystal Falls. Then
further east I did some hiking at the Upper Wolf Nordic Track just outside of Newport,
Washington.   
Crossed the border into Idaho and attended Evening Services at the "Laclede Community
Church" in Laclede, Idaho. Lovely group of folks. They gave me the Honor of contributing
some songs. Afterwards, two gentlemen (Gary & Dan) slipped me something for the
ministry, and, allowed me to park in the lot for the night. 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!
 
Dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ, Greetings.   
I hope and pray all is well with you and yours.       
It has now been 29 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 145 Nursing Homes and 17 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!          
Monday September 11 th ~   
Drove into Sandpoint, Idaho and ministered at the "Valley Vista Care Center" before
lunch. I had the benefit of a large attentive group. As I was finishing up, the A.D. asked
me to go to a room and sing for a lovely lady whom she said was weeks or even days
away from going to be with the Lord. So I did.   
Went by the library to send off the UPDATE. Then to the "Evergreen Sandpoint Assisted
Living Facility" where I sang for another nice group of folks.   
Found a shower at an Assembly of God church building. Turns out this was their night to
serve a weekly dinner for the homeless. I was invited to stick around for the meal,
fellowship, minister to some unbelievers, and park in the church lot for the night. May
God Bless Them!          
Tuesday September 12 th ~   
Yesterday I had prearranged to minister early at "The Bridge Assisted Living". Sang for a
small group. Then next door, to the "Life Care Center of Sandpoint". Where I sang for a
slightly larger group of residents. Went well.   
Back on the road to Bonners Ferry, Idaho where I found Greg, a brother in christ whom
I'd met last year. Greg is involved in the Praise & Worship at his church. He also bare's a
heavy cross. Some years ago, he suffered an industrial accident which broke his back.
Confining him to a wheelchair. Please pray for him.          
Wednesday September 13 th ~   
Spent the day hanging out with Greg. I got to do some cooking (made us breakfast using
his kitchen). We pulled out our guitars at one point and did some jam'n. Greg treated us
to hamburgers in the evening. It was a good day.          
Thursday September 14 th ~   
Did laundry at Greg's. Then over to the "Community Restorium" assisted living facility
where I sang for a nice group of folks. Then across the street to the "Boundary County
Nursing Home" where I once again was able to minister to a lovely group of residents.
The staff treated me to dinner and sent me off with a sack full of food. May God Bless
Them!   
Back at Greg's, I cooked up some of the food for us. And watched a couple of movies.      
      
Friday September 15 th ~   
Fixed mine & Greg's breakfast one last time. Took a shower. Said my goodbyes & hit the
road. Greg was very hospitable, sharing what little he has. May God Bless Him!                
About halfway thru the last nursing home yesterday, my middle finger split open and
started bleeding. I put a Band-Aid on, and finished up. Although it was rather painful. So, I
figure I'll hold off playing for a few days and see if I can get it healed up.   
Drove across the border into Montana. Stopped at the Ross Creek Giant Cedars Scenic
Area in the Cabinet Mountains of the Kootenai National Forest. Went hiking through the
Grove, amongst these Massive Cedar trees which were 10 & 12 feet in diameter. Majestic!
         
Saturday September 16 th ~   
Rained most of last night. Got pretty cold. Ended up under all my blankets and into my
thermals. As I was driving across western Montana, I noticed lots of mountain tops with a
dusting of snow. It was windy & cold all day. Winter is on the way.          
Sunday September 17 th ~   
Attended Morning Worship Services at the Assembly of God in Whitehall, Montana. Then
continued east to Billings, Montana and attended the Wicks Lane Baptist Church where I
enjoyed the Honor of contributing a song.  

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 30 weeks since beginning this years mission. So far I've Enjoyed the
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 146 Nursing Homes and 17 Churches. To
God Be The Glory!          
Monday September 18 th ~   
I decided to let the finger heal for another day. In Harding, Montana I stopped at the
library to send off the UPDATE. Then further down the road, I parked for the night in the
Custer National Forest just outside the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Did some
hiking & reading.          
Tuesday September 19 th ~   
Stopped in Broadus, Montana and ministered at the "Powder River Manor". A lovely
group of folks who ended up inviting me to join them for lunch. May God Bless Them!       
     Unfortunantly, the finger opened up again during the last couple of songs. But
fortunantly, not as bad as last week.   
In a 90 mile stretch through southeastern Montana, the northeastern corner of Wyoming,
and into South Dakota; I saw literally hundreds of Deer & Antelope. Had me singing that
song. You know the one. Home, "Home on the Range".          
Wednesday September 20 th ~   
Not feeling too well today. Feverish & nauseous at times. Along about noon I came across
a little road side park in the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation of the Sioux Tribe. After
checking with locales about parking overnight, I took some aspirin and went to bed.          
  
Thursday September 21 st ~   
Continued east a ways. As I pulled into Redfield, South Dakota I spotted a City RV Park
free to the Public. A brand-new facility, the city has built with free electric hookups &
showers, allowing up to 5 days stay. What a Godsend. I got a shower, ran my extension
cord & got my little electric heater going. About the time I got settled in, it began to rain.
Like a safe Harbor in a Storm.          
Friday September 22 nd ~   
Ran a few errands in town. Then settled back in at the RV Park. Still raining. Still sick.       
     
Saturday September 23 rd ~   
Day of Rest!          
Sunday September 24 th ~   
Attended Worship Services here at the Redfield Baptist Church. One of the members
(Ted) along with his family, treated me to lunch at Pizza Hut. Yum!  May God Bless Him!    
    Mid-afternoon I attended the 6 th Annual Redfield Area Ministerial Association Christian
Concert at the Public School Auditorium. Some good singing.   
The rains have ended for now. With a clear day, and feeling a little better, I did some
walking before nighttime.  

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.       
Privilege of Sharing the Gospel in Song with 152 Nursing Homes and 18 Churches. To
God Be The Glory.          
Monday September 25 th ~   
Feeling Better!  Ministered at the "Eastern Star Nursing Home" here in Redfield, South
Dakota. The A.D. (Cheryl) gathered up a rather large group of residents. Who seemed to
enjoy & appreciate the time. She also made a contribution to the ministry. May God Bless
Her!   
Earlier in the day, at a pharmacy, I had found a product called "New Skin Liquid
Bandage". I used this on my finger and it worked great. The split did not reopen. Praise
God, now I can do both; continue to heal, and continue to minister.          
Tuesday September 26 th ~   
Ministered at "Beverly Healthcare" here in Redfield. A small group of twelve or so. One
lady got embarrassed making request for songs I didn't know. So I encouraged her to
keep em coming, cause that's one way I find out what songs I need to learn.                       
          
Wednesday September 27 th ~   
Crossed the border into Minnesota.
In Granite Falls, I ministered at the "Granite Manor". Sang for about forty minutes before
a Lutheran Pastor was due to hold Church Services. At which time the A.D. (Terry), took
me upstairs to sing for a few folks who couldn't come down.          
Thursday September 28 th ~   
Today I officially turned south for the winter. Crossed the border into Iowa, stopping in
Bancroft I ministered at the "Heritage Home". A nice group of folks. While having coffee
with the residents afterwards, the A.D. (Marylyn) gave me five dollars for the ministry.
May God Bless Her!          
Friday September 29 th ~   
Drove on to Grinnell, Iowa and ministered at the "Friendship Manor Nursing Centre". A
lovely group which I've sang for before. One particular middle-age quadriplegic lady
always wants to hear "She'll Be Come'n Around The Mountain". It is my great pleasure to
be able to do that for her.   
Over to Francene, Lori & Randy's house. Members of the Church here who have taken to
putting me up when I'm in the area. Enjoyed a nice reunion. Turned out to be Sloppy Joe
night. Yum!          
Saturday September 30 th ~   
Hiked over to the middle school where they were having a volleyball tournament. Then
Francene, the pastor (Harley) and I delivered some church newsletters to fringe
members.   We then went over to the "St.Francis Manor" where I sang for a large group
of residents. Wonderful time! The Spirit was moving, acoustics were great, very few
distractions. Fulfilling!   
Back to Francene, Lori & Randy's where we had homemade pizza & a movie.                      
     
Sunday October 1 st ~   
Attended morning worship services at the "Church of Hope" which is a cooperative
ministry between Methodists & Nazarenes. During the first (Methodist) service I enjoyed
the Honor of singing a special. Then classes for both. During the second (Nazarene)
service I again enjoyed the Honor of contributing a song.   
Back at Francene, Lori & Randy's we had a sumptuous Pot Roast Dinner. Yum! Watched
some football. Then went back over to the church building for evening worship services
where I once again enjoyed the Honor of contributing a couple of songs.  

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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