Thank you for the article about the nursing home ministry conducted by Inman First Baptist Church (Aug. 6). There is a tremendous need for such ministries in just about every community.
After serving 40 years as a Baptist minister, I retired in November 2006. Upon retirement, I became the volunteer chaplain at two assisted-living facilities in Greenville. I am there for the residents, their family members and the staff. I spend Tuesdays in one facility and Wednesdays in the other. I also come back at other times if needed, and visit residents who are hospitalized. We have a worship service there in the facility every week.
As your article pointed out, these are people who were often very active in their home churches. They appreciate so much when people from the churches come in to visit with them. At the two facilities where I serve, we have churches who have partnered with us to do ministry there throughout the week. I would encourage retired ministers and laymen to consider becoming a volunteer chaplain at a facility. I would also encourage individual churches to become involved with a facility. They will bless you as you minister to them.
I work in partnership with Elder Source Senior Ministries and would love to talk with anyone who is interested in ministry to these often forgotten people.
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