Each month September through May the Amazing Grace Praise Band travels around to four area nursing homes and sings and shares with the residents. This was our first ministry and continues to be one that provides great joy, not only to the residents of the nursing homes, but also to the members of the band.
While there we pray, we sing (hymns, praise songs and a her), we praise the Lord and we share our lives. We share about our families and we also share about what the band is doing. Somehow each hour passes quickly and it isn’t unusual for Mike to try to sneak a few more minutes of song and merriment into the our allotted time. As Bandmom I receive lots of ribbing from the guys and the residents when I try to hold the line.
Of course when we do “end” our time with “free hugs” and conversation I have to tell you that those folks who live in the nursing homes love it. Why? I think because they are some of the most untouched folk in our world and they hunger and thirst for touch, connection and caring.
But I think the thing that is most important about our visits is this: We come to bring them hope. I always love it when Mike shares and talks about hope. He tells them about Jesus and that Jesus is hope. He says for those who believe in Him in the end “We win.”
This weekend when we visit Portage Pointe we will be singing and visiting during the 100th birthday of a gentleman. And he wants to dance the jitterbug. We gave Larry, our lead guitarist some suggested songs and Mike says he practiced on the way as the band traveled home from a gig at the end of December. So think of us Sunday as we accompany a 100 year old dancing. Hmmm…may we all live to praise the Lord by dancing on our 100th birthday.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Houghton County Medical Care at 2 p.m.
Portage Pointe, at 3 p.m.
PRAYER REQUESTS
For Amber, who needs prayer to return home.
For Dianne who will be having surgery later in the month
For our Troops around the world
For Dan who has a terrible cold
For the 2010 Mission season and those who will be joining us in mission