It all started in April.
I went to the local retirement home to visit the mother of one of our church members. She was in the critical care unit while her son was on another continent, and she was feeling sick and lonely. I took my guitar, thinking I would find her alone in her room and be able to play some songs for her. I found her in the sunroom, however, with several other residents. I sat off to the side, trying to be discreet and to just play some mellow music while they painted.
The activities director wasn't having the whole "discreet" thing. Instead, she started wheeling more and more residents out to the porch to listen to me play and sing. I soon realized that these people hadn't heard much music in a long time, and the impact it had on them was remarkable. The melodies soothed, the words ministered, and just me being there seemed to lift their spirits. More surprisingly, though, was that the simple songs I played were meeting a need that many of them had...the need to worship God.
I found out that day that there's an entire church of people waiting to be reached, and they're right down the road. We just have to go to them.
The more hymns I played, the more they sang along with me. (Note to self: memorize the Baptist hymnal.) One gentleman, in particular, seemed dramatically affected by the music. Mr. J fixated in wonder my fingers strumming the guitar, and when I began singing a song he knew, he kind of jolted awake and sang it with me. He knew all the words. The music stirred him, but more than that, the ability to sing and worship God from his wheelchair moved him.
When I began singing, "How Great Thou Art," he broke down in tears.
Since then, I've discovered that Mr. J has Alzheimer's. Every time I see him, he seems to be retreating more and more into the fog. Certain songs will still jolt him awake, but it takes longer now than it did. Still, the music and the interaction makes a difference. I know it does.
Well, one conversation led to another visit, then another, then more people got involved, and I discovered that reaching this demographic is a passion for a lot of people in the church. So it seems that it's time to get something officially started.
These precious people need to know that they are not forgotten. They need to know that they are loved, and that they still have a purpose. I've seen what simple songs can do to communicate these truths. Can you imagine what consistent connection and relationship might do as well?
So, that all being said, we're starting a ministry at Seacoast Summerville to keep ministering to these sweet people. If this is something that stirs you up,
let me know. And if it's not your passion, do pray for us. I have no idea what all this will lead to, but I do believe it's a mission field for me right now...will keep you posted. :)
(Oh, and do pray for Mr. J. He is so precious, and I know his family is suffering as they watch him decline...)
