We are so proud and excited to be holding a service each Sunday at a local nursing home. We believe we have found a new population of God’s people to reach out to and share the Word as only Hands of God Church (www.handsofgodchurch.org) can.
The nursing home is a small community onto itself. Some of the residents are strong Christians who attended the service Bible-in-hand ready to praise and worship. Most of them have not been to a Christian service in a long time as it is difficult or impossible for them to make the trip to the church.
As with any community, there were Christians of other levels of devotion and knowledge as well. Some poked their heads in to see what the commotion was and continued on their way. Some listened politely to the sermon and seemed to appreciate the music.
The vast majority of the residents showed up one at a time, alone once their transport aide positioned them for the service. In talking to as many as we could, it is obvious that a good number of these wonderful seniors are alone. Many feel forgotten by the world, sometimes even by their families.
So if you’re asking, “How can you help us this month?” we’re asking you to adopt a senior. The typical resident of this facility will be thrilled that someone is taking an interest in them for any reason. Our hope is that speaking to them about Jesus will provide them with an emotional lift; the hope that only the Lord can provide.
Those residents who are already Christians will love to find someone with whom to discuss their faith. If they have no pressing questions for you, ask them about their favorite verse or parable or book. Engage them in conversation about it. Let them exercise their brain in a faithful way. It will lift their spirits and recharge their devotion to Christ.
For those former Christians or those that simply let the nursing home routine push them away from practicing their faith, reintroduce them to what God is all about. Jesus loves them. Keep praying and believing. Extoll them to think of this time in their life as an opportunity to get closer to God, not farther away.
Evangelize to those who don’t know Christ. Explain that Jesus loves them, too! Furthermore, He commands that you love them. That’s why you are there. To share the Good News that is Jesus’ story.
Tell everyone there, the workers and visitors, too, that God has not nor ever will forget them. They have a friend in Jesus. When they think they are alone, they are not. Talk to Him and they will find Him listening with full attention and interest. Let them visualize Jesus sitting at their bedside, at the nurses’ station, in the meal hall.
The nursing home is a new Lakeway Church. How can you help us this month? Please join us in adopting a senior resident and introducing him to the love and hope that only comes with knowing Jesus Christ.
