Hello everyone:
As a Pastor/Minister; there are days that you can have complete Happiness, and there are days where you are filled with Sadness. Such was the case this past week.
As I sit in front of my laptop computer, I am thinking about what has transpired over the last week. I will post about the Happiness first.
HAPPINESS:
A week ago today, I conducted two Monthly Bible Studies in Tewksbury, Ma. First on the Assisted Living Side, then on the Nursing Home side. On the Assisted Living side, we had a total of seven (7) ladies attending the Study. The subject was taken from John 14: 1-6; the key verse was vs 6.
John 14:6 NIV
(6) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
We talked about several points during our time together. At the end of the study; all seven ladies prayed the sinners prayer, asking the Lord to forgive them of their sins. This scene was repeated on the following Saturday, and again this week on Wednesday. To a Pastor; there is no greater joy hearing a room filled with the sounds of people praying and accepting Jesus Christ into their heart. Over the past twelve years, there have been over 60 that have said this prayer, and some of those have gone on to be with the Lord. That is why it is so important to reach the elderly with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to share with them the fact that there is hope that they can have, that the best is yet to come. That hope is that they can have the assurance of Eternal Life through our Lord and Savior.
We also experienced the same effect when we conducted the two Monthly Services at a Nursing Home, then at an Assisted Living Community, One in Lowell, Ma.; the other in Tewksbury, Ma. respectfully. These were conducted last Saturday (2nd Saturday of the month) Both Services had a time of Worship and Praise, followed by the preaching of God's Word.
Today; the same scene was repeated with a Monthly Bible Study conducted in North Chelmsford, Ma. What a joy it was to hear a room full of residents, including a staff member praying for forgiveness of sin. I sincerely believe that the Lord hears their prayers, and that their names are written in the Lambs Book of Life. I base this on the Scripture we find in Paul's teaching in Romans 10:13
Romans 10:13 NIV
(13) for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
SADNESS:
Even though ministering to the elderly can bring great joy and happiness; there can also be great sadness knowing that all you can do is pray.
Case in point:
Before we went to the Monthly Bible Study today; my wife Lynne and I went to visit one of of neighbors who now resides in a nursing home. Upon entering her room, she gazed at us, and stated, "I do not know you." We had to tell her that we live in the same building as she did. I know that there is great power in prayer, but the sadness comes in when you realize that other than prayer, you cannot do anything for them.
I also think of those we have grown to know over the years, that were always voicetress when you arrived at their community. Now; they sit in silence staring off into a distant void, barely aware of what is happening around them. The disease of the mind has taken hold and again, you feel helpless. However; the one thing that is certain is that they have accepted Jesus into their hear when they had their faculties about them. As far as I am concerned; they are on their way to Heaven, where there will be no sickness or disease. Thank you Jesus.
Lynne and I have made many friends in the Elderly Communities over the years. We have lost quite a few along the way, but we have the assurance that one day, we will be gathered together once more, never to depart.
Jesus paid the price for our Salvation; He paid the price for our Healing, and one day, He will return and receive all those who have called upon His Name. This brings comfort to my soul knowing that we are doing a small part to bring the Elderly to the point of making a decision for Christ. What a day that's going to be when we all stand around His Throne and be able to sing the song of Redemption
Blessings:
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