February 23, 2015

Greetings,
For this week's newsletter click on;www.nursinghomemusicministry.com/2-23-2015.html

   May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17

          Monday February 16 th ~

     Hallelujah!

          A Brother in Christ has funded a "Mission Trip" for the ministry. Enough for me to spend 4 weeks singing and ministering in nursing homes in Australia.

     I spent most of today on the computer checking Flights, baggage limitations and making sure I can carry-on the insulin and syringes to get through the month. Also found out I needed a travel visa in addition to the Passport (which I already possess). Through Australia's (.gov) website I was able to get that done and approved online, rather quickly.

          Tuesday February 17 th ~

     After double checking the available airfares. Then triple, quadruple and quintuple checking, I took the plunge and bought the ticket. Committed!

     I'm scheduled to fly out next Wednesday February 25th and return on March 25th.

     Got out and about to pickup a cheap carry-on bag and an insulated purse-like contraption to carry the insulin. Then in the evening I attended a prayer group at Jubilee where I was given the opportunity to sing and share some testimony.

          Wednesday February 18 th ~

     Did some online research about lodging in Brisbane and such. Did some more preparation including buying some Australian Dollars (looks like play money to me:-).

     Attended mid-week services at Jubilee.

          Thursday February 19 th ~

     I was able to minister at the "Southpark Meadows" facility here in Austin. One of the rare occasions I've lost control of my emotions while singing. It was only for a second, I don't think anyone noticed.

     There was a young lady (20's or 30's) who'd obviously been through a traumatic health issue. Wrapped up in a blanket. Such a lost / forlorn look in her eyes. Pulled on my heart strings. A nurse even came in at one point with a stethoscope to check her heart rate.

          Friday February 20 th ~

     Did some domestic chores and a little relaxing.

          Saturday February 21 st ~

     Went with my host (Richard) to a Breakfast / Fellowship.

     Later, I put new guitar strings on the Martin. And attended a Home Group type dinner at my Dear friends' (George & Laura's) house.

          Sunday February 22 nd ~

     Attended Jubilee Christian Center. Then an evening meal with my Dear Sister Sarah.

     So, Lord Willing, in a couple of days I'll be boarding an airplane to Brisbane, Australia. I will make every effort to continue the newsletter while there. However, If for what ever reason I'm unable to, I'll simple do a long one when I return. Please pray for me, I need all I can get.

And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!

February 16, 2015

Greetings,
For this week's newsletter click on;www.nursinghomemusicministry.com/2-16-2015.html

   "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.
Luke 13:24

          Monday February 9 th ~

     Published the weekly newsletter from the country home of Don & Sue Ellen's. Then drove to LaGrange, Texas where I was able to minister for some folks at the "Care Inn" nursing home.

          Tuesday February 10 th ~

     I was able to share at the Health & Rehab facility in Yoakum, Texas. First in the Alzheimer's Unit, then over in the main activity room.

          Wednesday February 11 th ~

     Sang at the Nursing Center located next to the hospital here in Yoakum.

     Ricci, my cousin, helped arrange a Dentist appointment for today. I got away with no major problems or expenses. Thank ya Jesus!

     In the evening I accompanied Ricci to a Bible study in the next town over.

          Thursday February 12 ~

     Visited with my dear cousin till almost noon, then got back on the road headed northwest.

          Friday February 13 th ~

     Stopped in Luling, Texas and ministered at the "Hillcrest Manor". One of the residents would holler out every thirty seconds, rather loudly saying, "Help Me!"

     After about ten minutes of this a staff member finally came and wheeled her out of the room, hopefully to help with whatever was needed, even if all she required was some comforting.

          Saturday February 14 th ~

     Met with some friends from the old "Rivers" church here in Austin, Texas for their regular Saturday morning Breakfast/Bible Study fellowship. Then over to Brother Richard's place where I did an oil change on the van and enjoyed a beef steak my buddy grilled for us.

          Sunday February 15 th ~

     Attended Jubilee Christian Center where I got to say hi to a bunch of old friends and enjoyed a delicious lunch with some of them afterwords.

And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!

February 9, 2015

Greetings,
For this week's newsletter click on;www.nursinghomemusicministry.com/2-9-2015.html

   These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Titus 2:15

          Monday February 2 nd ~

     A cold, windy day. Published from the "Jellystone" campground in Mississippi. Did laundry there and spent the rest of the day relaxing in the warmth of the camper van.

          Tuesday February 3 rd ~

     Drove west to Brandon, Mississippi and ministered at their Health & Rehab center.

          Wednesday February 4 th ~

     Crossed into Louisiana to the town of Delhi and ministered at the "Deerfield Nursing & Rehab" facility. There was a fella there who comes in every Wednesday and hands out gum & candy as he visits with the folks. He sat in on our session, and when a resident requested a song I haven't learned, he offered to sing it for the group.

     He did a fair job, singing with a karaoke type Cd. Then I spent another twenty minutes wrapping things up.

          Thursday February 5 th ~

     Continuing east, I stopped in Minden, Louisiana. The first nursing home I went to I encountered an activity director unwilling to interrupt a meeting to get the permission from the administrator she felt she needed. So I went to another facility in the area "Town & Country Health & Rehab" where they juggled a few things around to slide me right in.

     In a relatively small activity room with about fourteen residents and four staff members, I began to minister. Along about the third or fourth song, two of the employees sitting together on a couch began talking almost continuously. Loud enough to be heard over the singing.

     I've learned over the years that if I'm going to deal with situations like this, to go ahead and do it quickly and gently, before anger sets in. So, when after a couple of three songs the activity staff failed to address the issue, I walked over and gently whispered to them saying, "Y'alls talking is causing a distraction. Do you mind too much waiting till I'm finished or maybe going outside?"

     They immediately accepted the mild rebuke, stopped talking, and a few songs later, left the room. We continued on with a sweet time of Praise.

          Friday February 6 th ~

     Sang at the Nursing Center in Mansfield, Louisiana. Then crossed into Texas.

          Saturday February 7 th ~

     Stopped in Crockett, Texas and ministered for some folks at the "Community Care" nursing home.

          Sunday February 8 th ~

     Made it to Wallhalla, Texas in time for a special worship service with old friends at a Home Church type fellowship. Joined this group of seventeen for lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Then over to a country home to spend time with some dear cousins.

And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!

February 2, 2015

Greetings,
For this week's newsletter click on;www.nursinghomemusicministry.com/2-2-2015.html

   Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

          Monday January 26 th ~

     Published the newsletter accessing the wifi at the "Teen Challenge International" facility outside of Dublin, Georgia. Then drove to Hawkinsville, Georgia and ministered at the "Pinewood Manor". Spent some time at a laundry mat nearby, then, on my way out of town I spotted a man putting letters on the sign of a Baptist church. Stopped and got permission to park and plug-in overnight and was even able to get a shower in their gymnasium.

          Tuesday January 27 th ~

     Crossed the border into Alabama and sang at the "Canterbury Health & Rehab Center" in Phenix City. The activity director had Bingo going in the main dinning room which could not be interrupted, but I was able to minister in the Alzheimer's Unit for seven residents.

     As I continued west I spotted a sign in a small town "The Village at Little Texas". Although the word campground was printed on the sign, this was more of a retreat type property; not really set-up for overnight camping. However, the owner (Jerry) allowed me to park for the night and spent the afternoon showing me around and even treated me to dinner.

          Wednesday January 28 th ~

     Continuing west across Alabama I stopped early at an Army Corp of Engineer campground.

          Thursday January 29 th ~

     Stopped in Demopolis, Alabama and sang at the "Woodhaven Manor" for a large group of residents after a regularly scheduled preacher had spoken.

          Friday January 30 th ~

     Crossed into Mississippi to the "Woodland Court" personal care home in Newton where I was able to share with some folks.

          Saturday January 31 st ~

     A nagging tooth problem has flared up. Please pray for me.

          Sunday February 1 st ~

     Attended services at a church in Morton, Mississippi. Then drove to a "Jellystone" campground that had cable TV hookups at the site which made it possible for me to watch the Super Bowl.

And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!