Monday, March 20, 2017

Bibles, Blessings, But No "Baloney"!

Spring, 2017


Well, it's been quite a while since I've given an update on what God is doing in the nursing homes. I know that churches that support missionaries love to hear glowing reports of fantastic results of the Gospel reaching mulitudes for Christ, but it often seems as if the ministry in the nursing homes goes in cycles. We'll see a number of folks trust Christ and then there's a “dry spell” where it seems as if nothing is happening. Of course, something is always happening, even when we aren't seeing visible results. The apostle Paul realized this when he wrote to the Corinthian church: 1Cor. 3:6, I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
The past several weeks have seen a number of people profess faith in Christ. It seems as if people are aware of their need and are looking for that answer that has eluded them all their lives. Just the other day we had a lady in our service who was celebrating her 102nd birthday. It is amazing that no matter the age, the message of God's love and salvation is something folks never tire of hearing.
Recently, as we were leaving one of our more distant facilities, I was stopped by two men outside of the activity room. One was pushing the other in a wheel-chair. They thanked us for taking the time to minister to them and one of them said, “When you come here you tell it like it is, “no baloney”, and when you're finished we know exactly what you said!” I kind of chuckled to myself as we left, but I appreciated their remarks. When we began this ministry ten years ago, I knew that such a work could not have the luxury of entertaining people or offering some feel-good message. Those who are part of “America's fastest growing, yet most neglected mission field” deserve the truth, and they want it!
I'm sure most hearing or reading this letter have their own copy of the Scriptures...or perhaps, several. Living in a nursing home has caused most to forfeit most of their earthly belongings, and many are without a Bible. We are thankful for churches that have supplied us with Bibles for distribution to those who need a copy of the Word of God. Last month we helped a facility in Ohio that has a born-again volunteer whom we have known for a number of years, who wanted to begin a weekly Bible study. Unfortunately, those who wanted to attend didn't have Bibles of their own, and the nursing home was trying to figure out how they could raise the money to purchase them. We were able to supply an entire case of King James Bibles to get their study going. We received a wonderful note, signed by all those in attendance at the first study, thanking us for the Bibles and for our regular services to them. If your church is interested in putting “giant print” KJV Bibles into the hands of those who are “living on the brink of Eternity”, please let me know. Remember: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
Many have expressed concern for Priscilla's eye condition. The retinal surgeon is pleased with the results of the injections designed to save both her vision and her eye, and has extended the time to eight weeks between treatments, but the partial loss of vision in the eye already is troubling at times. Also, our van is getting up there in mileage. Eventually we'll have to think about getting another vehicle. We know the Lord has just the right one for us at the right time. Finally, with some level of retirement looming in the future, and no retirement account or pension, and social security being insufficient, finances become a concern. Although age may hinder effective pastoral ministry, preaching in the nursing homes can continue to be fruitful regardless of age. It would be helpful to have several more churches become interested in supporting our work. But again, the Lord knows what we need and when we need it.
Our continued thanks go to all who pray for souls to be won through this ministry and for faithful churches and individuals that make it possible for us to travel in PA and OH to take the message of gospel to those who are so open to the Saviour.

In His service together,

Norm & Priscilla Aabye

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