Want to get a head start on capturing the Christmas spirit? Read carefully for details…
Hi, I’m Abigail Allen. I’m fourteen years old and I travel around the US, Canada and into some third world countries singing southern gospel music with my seven siblings as well as my mom and dad. Oh, and there’s something else you should know about me. I live on a bus.
Keeping all of this in mind, you can imagine how involved I am in multiple ministry projects, however this year I decided I was going to step forward and do something I had never done before and was not exactly comfortable with.
I decided to organize a group of my friends and make small gifts (bookmarks, keychains, jewelry, cards, etc.) to distribute at nursing homes in the area in which all of us live.
Most elderly people in nursing homes have no family to visit them and being in the last days of their life, you might imagine how it would feel being ‘imprisoned’ — so to speak — in a hospital-type environment. (Nothing against nursing homes, all of these statements are simply speculation of how I would feel. And I’m not exactly normal.)
There is little to bring these people joy, and I have witnessed the amazing transformation in these people when they see young people who really care. Having sung in multiple nursing homes across America I am familiar with this kind of thing.
God placed a burden on my heart to step out, front and center and defy the low expectations of others for people my age to bring joy to others this holiday season.
You can join me with your prayer support, or you could look into how you can do something similar in a nursing home somewhere near where you live this Christmas season.
What are you doing to show the love of Christ this Christmas?
My father teaches a bible study in an assisted living facility. Many times, I will come along. I have seen first hand some of the things that these people go through. Many do feel “imprisoned”, some because of dementia. They want to run away. Some are in deep depression. Others are lonely or bored. Singing is a GREAT way of cheering these people up. I am SO glad that you have the desire and determination to do this!
When my father– in the bible study– reminds them that they still have a job to do, a reason for being here, they cheer up. They are in a great environment to share the good news of Jesus Christ to the lonely and depressed, unsaved people living there. One of the things he says to them is, “You are still on this earth. God must have something planned for you to do. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.”
God can still use us even when we are nearing the end of our lives.
Thank you so much for this post and God bless you!
This year, my mom and I are going to the Operation Christmas Child Processing Center and I am really excited about it.
We used to go to nursing homes and sing but we’ve slacked off since my baby brother (who’s almost 3) was born. My parents want to get involved in it again but I just feel uncomfortable…do you have any tips?
On Christmas eve my family and I drove to downtown Seattle and while my older brother and my mom went shopping I set up my violin and as my dad watched from afar I played Christmas carols. I played for half an hour in 40 degree weather. By the end my hands hurt with cold but it was worth it, just to see the smiles on the faces as the people walked by.
On Christmas eve my family and I drove to downtown Seattle and while my older brother and my mom went shopping I set up my violin and as my dad watched from afar I played Christmas carols. I played for half an hour in 40 degree weather. By the end my hands hurt with cold but it was worth it, just to see the smiles on the faces as the people walked by.
Odessey, I used to feel uncomfortable in nursing homes too. The smells really bothered me and I didn’t know how to interact with the people. Then my grandma went into one and we started visiting five days a week. You’ll be uncomfortable at first. Just step outside your comfort zone just like we all do meeting anyone we don’t know. Old people love smiles, greetings, and conversation…even when dementia prevents normal conversing. And (best tip!) if you or a friend has a friendly dog, bring it! Best ice-breaker ever in a nursing home.
Thank you so much! 🙂