Nursing Home Ministry
But How Much Do They Hear?

For those who may not know, Bethany Free Will Baptist Church has had an
Assisted Living Nursing Home Ministry since September 1997. Each first, second
and fifth Sunday, we take the gospel to the residents of King's Grant Assistant
Living House in Virginia Beach.

The services are held in the upstairs "Day Room" at 2:00 p.m. and last for
approximately one hour. Prayer requests are taken, recorded gospel music is
played and a message from God's Word is given. We try to make it as much like a
regular church service as possible.

Attendance varies. We have had as many as eighteen in a service and as few as
one, but it's not about numbers. It's about the biblical principle of taking the gospel
to those who cannot get out to a church service, so the service comes to them.

Many of these people were regular churchgoers in past times and they appreciate
the opportunity to "go to church" again. You can tell who they are by the way
they, very lowly, sing along with the hymns during music time.

While the picture of a room full of older people sitting around in wheelchairs,
holding onto walkers and canes is a true picture, and because of this, the most
often-asked question is "BUT HOW MUCH DO THEY HEAR?" The answer, of
course, is we don't know. That is up to the Lord. Our job is to take the gospel to
them and let the Lord do the rest.

Most people don't spend much time thinking about this type of ministry because it
doesn't happen "at the church". However, it is a vital part of our church's outreach
ministry and we would ask that you remember these services when you go to the
Lord in prayer.

by
Brother Charlie Twisdale
All rights reserved.
Bethany Free Will Baptist
Church of Norfolk, Virginia
...a place where friends become family
Ministry Thoughts