God is Still Working!

 Although we have sent out prayer letters concerning our nursing home ministry, it's been quite a long time since we've updated our blog. Of course my cancer has narrowed down how much we could do, not only because of my health, but because of sickness in the various facilities from time to time. Even though I am no longer on any medications or treatments for my prostate cancer (stage 4), my immune system is such that if there is any sickness in the nursing homes, we just stay away. Thankfully, most of the Activity Directors are sympathetic to my needs and usually contact me in advance as to whether or not there are health issues in the facility that I may want to avoid.

The good news is that I have been off all meds for a full year now. I have quarterly blood testing to check for any reoccurrence of the cancer and to see how my PSA numbers are doing. So far everything is going well. My oncologist said, "We have addressed all the cancer spots, there is no reoccurrence of the cancer, and your PSA has remained low." At that point he suggested I go off all medications! You didn't have to twist my arm! My wife and I went out to the car and wept and rejoiced and thanked God for what He has done. I have gotten much of my strength back but there are a few side-effects left from the radiation that pop up from time to time. 

Just as I was starting on the road to recovery, Priscilla fell at the church in December and broke her hip. The surgeon said it was a "traumatic" fall and would require a full year to get fully back to normal. She has been in physical therapy since the first of the year and has gone from using a walker to a cane, but still is a little unstable. She has been able to return to some of her weekly exercises at the YMCA; the ones that help with the therapy she's receiving. She still cannot ride in the car for very long, so I go by myself to any of the nursing homes that are more than a half hour away. 

We had quite a surprise recently. A nursing home/rehabilitation center that had shut us out since COVID with a lot of restrictions through the years, contacted me and asked if we would bring our ministry back there. Of course we jumped at the change. It's in our town here, and the first service was outstanding.  We had a large crowd and actually saw a man whom we have known for years from other facilities. He remembered us,  and had survived the virus. The folks really enjoyed our music and the message. There were a number of workers present who also heard a clear presentation of the gospel. We remain committed to reaching those "living on the brink of eternity" with the hope of the gospel of Christ. As long as the facilities remain open and our health is strong, we will be there, representing all of you who have supported us over the years. 

It doesn't seem possible but we have been in the nursing homes since 2006...twenty years!! Although we have seen many saved, only eternity will prove how many have also trusted Christ through this ministry. Thank you for your prayers and financial assistance, and may God bless you as we serve this segment of society together.

Norm & Priscilla Aabye

C.A.R.E. Ministries