Exhibit A: See the photo above.
On the left is my friend Chris Carrillo, a computer expert by day, and a preacher extraordinaire on weekends. He’s the Lord’s faithful servant who brings a wonderful, biblical message to the residents of Care-age of Brookfield every month – a message that invariably exhorts and encourages everyone within earshot, but especially the residents for whom he has tailored his insights. (For a sampling, visit our Messages from Chris Carrillo page.)
On the right is my dear sister in Christ Dorothy Hendrix, who hails from Alabama. Dorothy is giving me a real education in Southern Belle Speak. (For the first couple months I knew her, when she told me that her son had “carried” her to the doctor or out to eat, I pictured him literally picking her up and toting her to the day’s destination. It took me quite a while to figure out that, to a Southern Belle, “carried” means “took” or “brought.”) Always ready to greet you with an encouraging word and a smile as bright as the sun, Dorothy makes your heart grin every time you see her.
Chris and Dorothy are just two of the absolutely terrific people I’ve gotten to know at Care-age over the years. I have a digital folder filled with photos of many of them, and one of my favorite ways to spend a spare hour or two is to look through those shots, reminiscing about the times we shared on this earth and anticipating all those joyful reunions “beyond the sunset.”
I know beyond any doubt that the Lord has called me to this ministry; it’s the only explanation I can think of for the sheer joy I feel every time I set foot in this facility.
Do you think He might be doing the same for you?
If this brief glimpse into nursing-home volunteerism moves you at all, perhaps there are some equally amazing folks in your future. Check out some of the possibilities here. If any of these ideas appeal to you, or if you have some thoughts of your own on the subject, I do hope you’ll consider calling the Activities Director at a nearby nursing home to see how you might be a blessing to those who live there.