This is the Charlton Manner Nursing Home where Brother John and his wife Cathy – along with some faithful church folks - have been ministering for about three years.
John and Cathy both understand how important this area of ministry is. There is a very large of population of elderly folks who have been consigned to these care facilties. Many of them have outlived their family and the only outside contact they have is through these and other types of ministries. I know that the activities directors do their best to keep the folks entertained and encouraged, but there is still a great need for them to hear God’s word and fellowship with God’s people.
This is one ministry all believers can and should participate in. Many find excuses not to serve, they say it is too hard or that isn’t for me, or I am not trained or something like that. Listen, if you can hold a hymn book and sing, you can serve. If your called to preach you should be ministering in a nursing home. Don’t bury your talent in the sand, but cultivate it to God’s glory.
What goes on during the ministry? The basic format goes something like this, general announcements, introductions followed by an old fashioned hymn sing. Shortly after John will begin a short message that is Christ centered. These should not last longer than 30 minutes. After the message is preached there are couple of more hymns sung then an appeal is given with follow up after with some personal work.
These meetings in the nursing home are a great and rewarding way to serve. A vast majority of these folks remember a day when preachers preached and the old hymns were sung and through their smiles, nods, winks and hand shakes let you know that God has spoken to them. There are others who have not been saved and for the first time in their long lives have come to a place of regret and need. They realize that they need to be saved and through the preaching God’s word come to a place of repentance and acceptance.
I want to encourage you to get involved in this ministry. Talk with your pastor and see if he can set up an appointment for you and him to meet with the activities director and schedule a meeting at a nursing home near your church. You will not be disappointed. Christ will be exhalted, the word preached, saints will be edified and lost souls challenged by the Gospel.
Pastor Tim
