SONSHINE OUTREACH MINISTRIES

MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

2010-05-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40 (KJV)

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home Rosewood Care Center

Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd. Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook. Weber Place

I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people; and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens; and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds, by thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; and thy glory above all the earth; Psalms 108:3-5. What an awesome God we serve.

It’s been a great month and God continues to Bless in abundant ways, both in the Nursing Home Ministry and in our daily lives and I praise Him and rejoice in knowing Him as my personal Savior and Lord. “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness”. Psalms 107:9

Paradise Park had record attendance last month, Praise the Lord. Amanda sent me the following message regarding their services. “We had our record high last month for our Easter service. The people are really liking it, praise God! The Howard/Thompson quartet came and sang specials. It was a nice service. I noticed we almost had enough that we would be at max capacity. I've never had that problem before with anything...what a cool problem to have”…. Well that was a really encouraging e-mail. The team is doing a great job there, Thanks, to all of you and keeps up the good work. It is obvious that God is working.

Gloria called me and told me the great news about the smallest member of our Ministry Team. Her granddaughter, Nina, was saved a couple weeks ago. Nina is a great help to me at the Nursing homes, she goes with me to help push wheel chairs and get the residents to the services. We are happy for you Nina.

Kevin led a resident to the Lord at Rosewood on Sunday. His name is Jerry and we are rejoicing over his salvation. He thought joining the Lutheran Church made him a Christian and Kevin presented the “Steps to Salvation” to him and he prayed the sinner’s prayer. Hallelujah!! Thanks Kevin for your soft heart and for your personal attention and love for the residents.

We enjoyed lots of special music this month at the homes. As always, we enjoy our own trio/quartet, Karl, Margie, Kim and Lisa. Gloria sang at a couple of the services. The little girls did a great job singing at the services on Saturdays and we always enjoy them. Sandy sang a beautiful song at Rosewood. All of our singers are a great asset to the team and the music is so important to the residents.

Bernie, Vicki and their family joined us for the worship service at Salem and I am always thrilled when they come up and sing. Vicki and Bernie did a beautiful job singing together. Bernie, III, sang with the worship team and Sam played the violin. You always have a special place in your heart for your children, and it is especially good seeing them serve the Lord. They are known as the Lutchman Family Ministries in Springfield where they live. Brian, my grandson was also here and he played the piano for us and he did a great job as usual. His playing the piano allowed Lisa to sing with the worship team and we always enjoy her beautiful voice singing. It’s just been a great month and we give HIM all the Praise, Honor and Glory.

Sunny Hill had an error in their resident’s calendars this month. They listed our services at 2:00 p.m. instead of the usual 2:30 p.m. and when we arrived, the room was packed with people waiting for us. One of the residents told me she was so worried because we were late but she said, “I just knew you would be here, you would never forget to come sing for us”. They are all special people and we become so attached to so many of them, they are like our families.

I visited with several of the residents at the homes this month but Albert was different. I spent about 45 minutes with him in his room and he loved the company. He began telling me about his life as I sat and listened. He is 93 and his wife is 89. They never had any children but come from a large family of nieces and nephews. He fell and broke his femur bone which paralyzed him and now he is learning to walk again. He said to me, “I want to tell you my perspective about life”. He sat in deep thought for 2 or 3 minutes about how to sum it all up and then he said, “Life is like a bowl of cherries with lots of pits included”. “I was fishing in Northern Canada when I fell and broke my bone, they rushed me to the hospital and I was paralyzed from the waist down. On the fourth day, I wiggled my big toe which the doctors thought would never happen again. Not one time since that day I fell, have I ever questioned God and said, Why me. I believe God has a reason for the things He allows to happen. He has given me a great life and this is just one of the pits that came with the bowl of cherries.”

It only takes a few minutes when listening to someone like Albert, to realize how Blessed you really are, neither does it take very long to feel guilty if you go visit him with the “poor me” attitude. Its residents like him that help me to realize how truly Blessed I am. In his sad condition, at 93 years old, and his 89 year old wife at home alone, he is grateful to God for a wonderful life. We bonded almost immediately as I knew a lot of the business people he had worked for many years ago and we talked about the scripture that says, “Life is like a vapor, it appears for a little while and then it’s gone”. He said, “I am ready to go but I also have a determination to live”. I left his room feeling so encouraged and Blessed.

I enjoyed a long visit with Tom and Jane this week who are homebound and not really doing very well. They have a caregiver now for Tom and they need your prayers. Please remember to lift them up daily in your prayers. Tom admitted this week that he was a sinner and he prayed the sinner’s prayer. We rejoice with him in his decision to invite Jesus into his heart. Tom does have Alzheimer’s and cannot retain a lot of information, however, Jane said he had never admitted he was a sinner before and we feel this was a big step for him and he understood what he was saying. The Bible says all you have to do is admit you are a sinner and accept Him into your heart and he did that and we Praise God and God alone.

Rhys has had double surgery but is doing great. Please continue to pray for him. He is a great asset to the Ministry Team at Paradise Park. Several of our Ministry Team leaders are once again, planning a mission trip to Africa in August. Please pray for them that God will pour out His Blessings on them and the people they visit. Always remember our Missionaries Bob Holmes and Tom Graef and their families in your prayers. Prayer is a powerful weapon and God loves when we communicate with Him. No Man can follow Christ and go astray. His ways are perfect.

All the water in the world, however hard it tried, could never, never sink a ship, unless it got inside.

All the evil in the world, the wickedness and sin, can never sink your soul’s fair craft, unless you let it in.

“Choose you this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. Joshua 24:15

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”.

Mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for May is as follows:

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield –May 2^nd @ 2:30 p.m.

Senior Star @ Weber Rd (Saturday) May 8^th @ 10:00 am

Weber Place (Saturday) May 8^th @ 11:00 a.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – May 9^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – May 16^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook, - (Saturday) May 22^nd @ 10:00 a.m.,

Sunny Hill, Joliet – May 23^rd @ 2:30 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox – May 23^rd @ 2:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke

Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net

Phone: 815-351-7659

THE RETURN OF CHRIST - WATCH IN AWE!

2010-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

APRIL 2010 NEWSLETTER/MINISTRY CALENDAR

2010-04-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me....Matthew 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home Rosewood Care Center

Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd. Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook. Weber Place

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. “Your son is here,” she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the patient’s eyes opened heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack; he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile but each time he refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night. Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding all night and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited. Finally, she returned and she started to offer words of sympathy but the Marine interrupted her. “Who was that man?” he asked. The nurse was startled, “He was your father”, and she answered. “No, he wasn’t,” the Marine replied. “I never saw him before in my life”

“Then why didn’t you say something when I took you to him?” “I knew right away that he needed his son, and his son just wasn’t here and when I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed.” I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him….What was this Gentleman’s Name? The Nurse with tears in her eyes answered, “That was Mr. William Grey.” The next time someone needs you ... just be there for them.

I can relate to that story with the Nursing Home Ministry. So many times when I go visit the homes and I have no clue who I will be visiting that day, but the Lord will lead me to a person who so desperately needs a friend at that moment or someone to pray with them and its such a Blessing to know the Lord directs our steps and leads us in the direction He wants us to go and leads us to the people who need the Lord.

We had great services at Lakewood this month and we always have a great crowd there. The residents are always so excited on the Sunday when they know we are coming. We really enjoy the services there. We also had good number attend the services at Rosewood. Alyce is a resident at Rosewood and will be celebrating her 100^th birthday on May 7^th and is praying that she lives long enough to see it happen. She needs our prayers as she has not been able to attend the services the last 2 months.

We started services at Weber Place, the new Assisted Living on Weber Road, this month and it went really well. Jocelyn Akut, one of our Ministry team, led a resident to the Lord and that is always exciting.

Her name is “Lena” and she needs our prayers. She is our new sister in Christ. That’s what the Ministry is all about, bringing the lost to Jesus and encouraging those who are down and out.

The little children continue to bless our Ministry with singing at the services on Saturdays at Heritage Woods, Senior Star and Weber Place. The residents love the children and they make the services very special. I keep praying that the Lord will send us children to sing at all our services. What a Blessing to see families training them in the ways of the Lord.

We appreciate all the Ministry Team who so faithfully gives of their time and talents each and every week. With eight homes, it takes a lot of dedication and commitment and our team is very dedicated and we give God all the Praise, Honor and Glory for all He is doing through the Ministry and for a Ministry Team that has soft hearts and willing to listen to the still small voice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to be willing to follow His complete Will in their lives.

Kim is back with us after a successful Mission Trip to Honduras. Welcome back Kim, we love your spirit and your heartbeat for Missions.

What a Blessing it is to walk with the Lord and you realize it so much more when you get out of your comfort zone and you have to depend totally upon the Lord. You draw so much closer to Him and the good news is, He will never let you down, and He is always by your side.

You say: 'It's impossible'	God says: All things are possible	( Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'	God says: I will give you rest	( Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'	God says: I love you	( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'	God says: My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'	God says: I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'	God says: You can do all things	( Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'	God says: I am able	(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'	God says: It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'	God says: I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I'm afraid'	God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear	( II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'	God says: Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I feel all alone'	God says: I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”.

Mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for April is as follows-

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield –April 4th @ 2:30 p.m.

Senior Star @ Weber Rd (Saturday) April 10^th @ 10:00 am,.

Weber Place (Saturday) April 10^th @ 11:00 a.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – April 11^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – April 18^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook, - (Saturday) April 24th @ 10:00 a.m.,

Sunny Hill, Joliet –April 25^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox –April 25^th @ 2:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke

Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net

Phone: 815-351-7659

March 2010 Newsletter and Ministry Calendar

2010-04-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd. Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook. Weber Place

On Thursday, the 25^th of February, my husband came home bringing the most beautiful bouquet of flowers and when he handed them to me, he kissed me and wished me “Happy Anniversary”. They were a mixture of carnations, miniature daisy’s and Roses which are my favorites. I love roses, however, he has given me flowers many times but this was the first time he had ever brought me roses and we will be celebrating our 30^th anniversary on March the 15^th. So I was in awe of how beautiful they were and my mind just started going crazy, I’m thinking, WOW, its only the 25^th, its 3 more weeks until our anniversary, how thoughtful, and I wondered if he was planning to continue to build on this for the next three weeks and you can’t imagine how special I felt at that particular moment. I thought to myself, its really been a great 30 years and the flowers are such a thoughtful thing to do and they were so beautiful. At that moment he put his arm around me and kissed me again and then he started laughing as he said, “there was a funeral at the Methodist church I just finished cleaning and the pastor wanted to know if I wanted to bring these flowers home”. Well, I won’t write in the newsletter what my next thoughts were. . . . . . . and I think there are probably some of you, especially you ladies, that would not have accepted that very well and you guys may still be in the dog house, but all kidding aside, I started thinking about all of that and the Lord gave me the most beautiful thoughts. A situation had happened that brought sadness to one family with the death of a loved one, and although it was a sad day for them, God used a bad situation to bring joy to someone else. I have really enjoyed the roses (and I enjoyed the special moment with my husband before I found out they were funeral flowers). It was truly a fun moment together and we had a really good laugh and it has already been an anniversary I won’t soon forget. God is so good and laughter is good for the soul and I thank God that He brought us together 30 years ago and gave us a sense of humor and has taught us how to laugh together, cry together and best of all read our Bible and pray together. God has been so good to us.

The Nursing Home Ministry is going really well and we are taking on the 8^th home in March. We will be having two services on the second Saturday of each month. We will do Senior Star at 10:00 a.m. and Weber Place on Weber Road, at 11:00 a.m. We are so Blessed to have so many wonderful volunteers who are so dedicated and faithful to the Ministry. God just continues to open the windows of heaven and pour out His blessings on the volunteers and the Ministry.

The month of March will complete our fifth year since the SonShine Outreach Ministry started on the first Sunday of April 2005. A lot of good things have happened during that five years. I can personally say, the Ministry has been a real Blessing in both my life and Verlin’s. I never get tired of thinking about going Sunday after Sunday and now on Saturday’s as well, and even throughout the week. I love the ministry and I love the people who have worked so closely with us and become very dear friends. We’ve shared a lot with each other but even more importantly we have been priviledged to share the Blessings God has so abundantly given to us these past five years. Its exciting to bring a smile to the faces of all the residents and even more exciting to lead a soul to Jesus Christ our Lord.

We have been having great participation with the residents singing and clapping their hands to the music. We had a very special singer at Lakewood this month. Viola, who celebrated her 103^rd birthday on February 14^th, sang a solo for us. She sang “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let It Shine” and it was really good. After she sang, she told me that she prays every day that the Lord will take her home. She’s tired and ready to go home and she knows where she’s going. What a Blessing! ! !

One morning I wasn’t sure which home I wanted to visit, I kept thinking about going to one but felt a tug to go to another one. After I arrived at Lakewood, it was clear to me why I felt led to go there. Kaethe needed a friend and I sat and listened to her talk for over an hour. She has had many many years of hurt and pain as she began telling me her life story. Her mom died at an early age and she became very bitter as to why God would take away her mother. Her brother was in the service and she told about the time when her family was notified that he was “missing in action” and he never came home and they never knew how he died or what happened. She later married and had children but the grief continued, she lost a daughter at a young age, then her husband had a heart attack and died. Her son married a domineering wife and won’t allow him to visit her. She is angry with everyone and with God. I opened the Bible and shared several scripture verses with her and then presented the plan of salvation to her before I left. She was almost ready a couple of times to pray the sinners prayer but then she would stop and say, “I just don’t think I can let go of all the anger”. I told her I would be back and we will talk again, so please pray for Kaethe, she needs the Lord in her heart. She needs peace that only He can give to her and God can change her heart and bring joy.

There are so many things that happen in our lives, things that we don’t understand, circumstances change, and we don’t know what tomorrow holds, but praise God we know who holds tomorrow and we know He holds our hand. He never changes. He is always the same yesterday, today and forever and His promises are true and He will walk with us every step of the way if only we allow Him to. All He ask us to do is “be Faithful and Trust Him”.

The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not keep you and substain you.

Please continue to pray for the Ministry and all the volunteers and the many residents that we see each week. It’s a great opportunity to share the Love of Christ and many of the residents do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. It’s a mission field that is white unto harvest and God has chosen all of us to be His servants.

This newsletter goes out to many people and if you are reading it and you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, please don’t put off until tomorrow what you need to do today. Tomorrow may never come. Ask Jesus into your heart. It’s as simple as admitting you are a sinner and asking Him to forgive you for all your sins. Then ask Him to come into your heart and be your Savior and accept the greatest gift that anyone has ever given you. He loves you and He wants you to be His child. He wants you to share the joy and peace that only He can give. It’s the greatest decision you will ever make and He’s the greatest friend you will ever have. You will never walk alone because He will always walk beside you. Does that mean you will be perfect??? NO, it means you will be forgiven and your eternal home will be in Heaven.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”.

Mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, Il. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for March is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield –March 7th @ 2:30 p.m. Senior Star @ Weber Rd (Saturday) March 13^th @ 10:00 a.m,., Weber Place (Saturday) March 13^th @ 11:00 a.m., Salem Village, Joliet – March 14^th @ 2:30 p.m., Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – March 21^st @ 2:30 p.m., Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook, - (Saturday) March. 27th @ 10:00 a.m., Sunny Hill, Joliet –March. 28^th @ 2:30 p.m. Paradise Park, New Lenox –March 28^th @ 2:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke jmancke@sbcglobal.net.

Phone - 815-351-7659

THE AWE FACTOR OF GOD BY PASTOR CHAN

2010-02-04T01:18:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 2010 NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

2010-02-04T01:08:00.000-08:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing
Home Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd.
Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook.
My daughter sent me the following story because she knows I love a good laugh and the older I get and the more I work with the Nursing Home Ministry, the more I can relate to this story. It is so real and so neat how God made us.

A group of 40 year old buddies got together and were discussing where they should meet for dinner and they finally agreed that they should meet at the “Ocean View Restaurant” because the waitresses there were very beautiful.

10 years later, at age 50, the same group once again was discussing where they should meet for dinner and they agreed that they should meet at the “Ocean View Restaurant” because the food and wine there is very good.

10 years later, at age 60, the group of men met once again and after much discussion, they decided to meet at the “Ocean View Restaurant” because there is a beautiful view of the ocean.

10 years later, at age 70, they got together once again and after much discussion, they decided to meet at the “Ocean View Restaurant” because the restaurant is wheel chair accessible and they even have elevators.

10 years later, at age 80, the group met once again and after much discussion about where to eat, they decided to meet at the “Ocean View Restaurant” because they have never been there before.

Well we certainly go through different stages in our lives, don’t we? I pray that whatever stage of life you are in, that you are allowing God to use you as a vessel for His Glory.

We Praise God for all the Blessings of the past year, for His safety, for good health and all the blessings He gives us daily, both in our homes and in the Ministry. We truly serve an awesome God. As I have said so many times in the past, if you are depressed or just down and out, perhaps you feel like life has mistreated you, just go to a Nursing Home and visit with the residents and you will come away feeling so Blessed for all God has given you. There are so many sad situations there and worse yet; many of them do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There is no peace and no joy, just daily pain and frustrations.

I am thankful that once again, God has given us the start of another New Year and as we make our New Year’s resolutions, I am praying that God will use the Ministry in an even greater way this year than ever before. I am open to whatever and wherever God wants to use me. My prayer is that I will be faithful in all things and will continue to stay in the “Center of His Will” and I pray that we will see many souls saved this year.

I got in a hurry last month and the December Newsletter went out before I received all the information for the services at Paradise Park so I want to share with you all the excitement going on there. Amanda and her family, Judy and all the teens are doing a great job and we are having lots of good comments. The Christmas service in December went really well and Amanda’s comments were as follows, “Our service went well on Sun. We gave everyone a lotion and a Kleenex box with a Christmas or flower cover. Rhys quoted Luke 2, Mr. Kochel played his trombone, Mrs. Ponce and Iliana sang, and Reagan sang. Mrs. Thompson played the dulcimer hammers. They all loved it and were excited to be there and receive the gifts. It was fun”. What a Blessing to receive e-mails like that, I love it and getting the children involved is so special, not only for the residents but also for teaching them to serve the Lord. It is such an inspiration to see the children singing and quoting scripture. Also for the many other people getting involved. I spoke with Gayle Weir this week and she was telling me she had attended the service and how much she loved it and will be coming each month and helping out. She also mentioned that one of the residents wanted to go to church with her and what a Blessing that is. God’s word is contagious, and it’s not just a Nursing Home ministry, it’s an outreach, reaching out into the communities. Thank you all for your heartbeat and for your dedication. You are an inspiration to all of us.

The services went well at all the homes this month. We had about 10 family members that were visiting with the residents who attended the services at Sunny Hill and that are always a Blessing.

Many of the residents were wearing their monogrammed sweaters that we had given them and that was good. All over the rooms, we see SonShine Ministry; it’s a great way to advertise our Ministry.

One of the residents from Rosewood, a little lady who can’t talk but is so full of joy and she tries so hard to talk, was wearing her sweater and kept trying to tell me she loves it. She would smile at me and pretend she was hugging it to let me know how much she liked it, then she always wants to hug and kiss me.

The 3 little Tovilleja sisters sang this month at Heritage Woods. What a Blessing they are. I believe they are ages 4, 7 and 9 and they do a wonderful job. We look forward each month to hearing them. Lillie, one of the residents, sang a special song that her mother had taught her when she was growing up and it was very good. We like to get the residents involved.

One of the residents that come each month to the services at Heritage Woods came with her daughter and when she came into the room she was crying and she took me by the hand and said, “My daughter says I have an appointment that I have to go to in 15 minutes but I just can’t miss this service. I want to stay, please please let me stay”. I never did figure out what the appointment was, but she was so upset that she would miss the service if she went to the appointment, that her daughter ended up letting her stay and the daughter attended as well, so it all worked out.

Well when you talk about dedication, you have to think of Midge, our Missionary to Africa. She came into Rosewood the third Sunday of January and told me she had a heart attack. I know my mouth flew open because all I could think of was, when? Why are you here? She proceeded to tell me that she had a heavy feeling in her chest on Wednesday night but waited until Thursday morning to go to the doctor, at which time, the doctor informed her that she had had a heart attack and she was admitted to the hospital and had surgery. She had a stent placed in one of her arteries. She came out of the hospital on Sunday morning, went to church and came to the Nursing Home and she looked like she felt great. We serve a Miracle working God; we give Him all the praise, honor and glory. We are so glad she is feeling better and getting her energy back. Her trip to Africa has been postponed for a few months.

I have received many “thank you notes, gifts of money and calls” this month thanking the Ministry for the gifts and for our faithfulness. The activity director at Senior Star sent a gift of money and a card saying, “Thank you for all you do for our residents. You bring so much joy and sunshine into their lives. God Bless you all”.

Food for thought: Four things you can’t recover: The stone...after the throw. The word….after it’s said. The occasion….after it’s missed. The time…after it’s gone.

“Those whose trust is in the Lord shall soar with eagle’s wings”. Isaiah 40:31

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”.

Mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for February is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield –Feb 7th @ 2:30 p.m.
Senior Star @ Weber Rd (Saturday) Feb 13^th @ 10:00 am
Salem Village, Joliet – Feb 14^th @ 2:30 p.m.
Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – Feb 21^st @ 2:30 p.m.,

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook, - (Saturday) Feb. 27th @ 10:00 a.m.
Sunny Hill, Joliet –Feb. 28^th @ 2:30 p.m.
Paradise Park, New Lenox –Feb. 28^th @ 2:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke
Email:jmancke@sbcglobal.net.
Phone: 815-351-7659

EVERYTHING GOOD BY THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND

2009-12-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 2010 NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

2009-12-30T16:42:00.000-08:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me.
Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home

Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd.

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook.

Wow!! ! What a month we have had. Just when you think it can’t get any better, God opens the windows of Heaven and just pours out His Blessings upon us. It was a great month, a busy one, hauling all the boxes of gifts and sound equipment into each home was a challenge, but it was so rewarding. As I have said so many times before, we do all this trying to be a Blessing to others but we come away feeling like we are the ones on the mountain top with all the Blessings. It’s really neat how God showers His Blessings on both the giver and the receiver. Isn’t that just like our God? He is an awesome God.

We had 92 residents and volunteers at the Lakewood Nursing Home in December. The room was packed and residents were sitting in the doorway. We gave out sweaters to all the residents and that went over very well. We brought several boxes of sweaters with us but when we saw the crowd, we started praying that God would multiply the sweaters like He did with the loaves and the fishes so we would have enough and we praise the Lord that it all went well and everyone got a sweater. The First Baptist Church choir presented the Cantata, “Christmas is a Birthday” and they did a great job and Ben did a great job directing. Thanks to all who participated, it was a wonderful time. We have had a lot of great comments from the staff at Lakewood and they continue to make comments that they wish we could come every week because the residents love the SonShine Ministry so much.

We gave out blankets along with bibs and lotion to the 17 residents at Senior Star. Our attendance is increasing there and the residents are so happy when we come. It is such a Blessing when we see all the happy faces. One of the residents grabbed me and kept hugging me as tears rolled down her face and she kept saying, “It’s not about the gift, it’s the fact that you care enough to come and see us and visit with us”. It was a very emotional time. Pastor Akut, and Leo and Linda Elechicon always help us with this home and also with Heritage Woods in Bolingbrook and we enjoy the fellowship with them as well.

Despite the fact that Salem Village doesn’t always cooperate with us, we still had about 30 residents and a great service. They did not put the announcement in the resident’s calendar this month that we were coming, and some of the residents were very upset about that. A couple of the ladies met me at the door as soon as I walked into the Nursing home and was complaining about the administration. After speaking with the activity director, I was informed that they have also thrown the piano away, saying it is a safety hazard to the residents. I am still wondering how a piano can be a safety hazard but we refuse to be defeated or let the devil interfere so we will take our keyboard and keep smiling.

We gave out skid-free socks and anklets with a bottle of lotion to all the residents there and they loved them. We have given them blankets and sweaters the past two years and decided to do something different this year for them.

Our next service was at Rosewood. The attendance was very good and we passed out sweaters to them. We received the following “Thank you” note from the Activity Director and it says, “SonShine Ministry, Thank you for the gifts for the seniors. They really enjoy them and are wearing them. They also enjoy the Sunday service, even some of the staff comment on the program. Thanks again and God Bless you all”. Signed by Janice Hauser, activity director.

We receive lots of verbal thank yous, and many notes of thanks that people mail to me when they mail their contributions and we appreciate each and every one of them so very much. We have lots of people that tell us they are praying for us and that means so very much. We need your prayers. That is why the ministry continues to grow because of the prayers of God’s people. It’s not about us, its all about what God can do in and through lives that are willing and committed to let go of ourselves and let God work in and through each one of us. The ministry continues to grow beyond all our expectations and it’s exciting to be His servant. I’m humbled that God would choose me, as unworthy as I am, to serve Him in this Ministry. I am so very Blessed.

On Saturday after Christmas Day, when all the snow was falling and the roads were a mess, we made our way to Heritage Woods in Bolingbrook. It was a challenge but we have never cancelled a service and all the Ministry Team is so very faithful and we all made it safely and had a great time. We had about 30 residents and they were very happy with the sweaters and the service. Little Kaitlyn Tovilleja sang a beautiful song for the residents. Thank you Kaitlyn, we look forward to you singing again. We loved it.

Sunny Hill was the last Sunday of the month and we had almost 50 residents in attendance. As we passed out the sweaters, one of the ladies took my hand and looked up at me and said, “Oh it’s so beautiful, is it really for me?” I told her yes we wanted her to have it, and then she begin to cry and said, “How did you know I had a really bad Christmas and I haven’t received any gifts from anyone”. I gave her a big hug and we sat and talked for a few minutes and I kept thinking about how much that tiny little gift meant to her and what a Blessing it is to give. The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive and I sure felt the joy and the meaning of the scripture when I gave her that sweater. She was so very grateful.

Angie and Karen Hanson did a beautiful job with monogramming the sweaters and we thank you so very much for all the work and the love you put into it. We appreciate your sweet sweet spirit and your willingness to serve.

After all the services in December were done, we had handed out almost 300 gifts this year. It was a great month. We have a great team of people who all work together so beautifully. It is so apparent that each one of them loves the Lord and has such a heart for the Ministry. God has truly brought together a wonderful group of people with a love for each other, as well as, for others. Ron and Barb Durham have also joined our team and we love it. We welcome you with open arms and we need you and thank you for joining us.

Ian Tan was home for Christmas and he really made our services special this month at three of the homes, playing the violin. He played along with the worship team and also performed some special music. It was great. Thanks Ian and thanks to every one of you who come week after week. We appreciate all you do.

We look forward to even greater things in the New Year. It is so exciting to just wait on the Lord and see what He is going to do next. We will be completing our 5^th year the end of March and starting into our 6^th year in April. Please pray with me that we may lead more people to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During these past five years, 13 people have been saved but there are many more that need Jesus Christ in their life. So many empty lives, they have no peace and joy. Many times people tell me, “you all look so happy” and it’s a great way to start the conversation and tell them why we are happy and that we all know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and He gives us peace, joy and contentment.

Max Lucado wrote the following message in his book “On the Anvil”. “Thousands of years before Jesus was called the Lamb of God, God promised forgiveness. Someday, he promised Hosea, someday I will remember their sins no more. Someday, God confided to Jeremiah, these people will be my people and I will be their God. And someday, wrote David, the mistakes of men will be tossed, not under a rug or behind the sofa, but far, far away. As far as the east is from the west. And then that someday came, on a garbage heap outside of Jerusalem. Someday the almighty God, who has every right to make me burn forever, will look past my apathy, my gluttony, and all my sins and will point to the cross and invite me to come home…..forgiven…..forever”. Praise the Lord

May we ever be found faithful pointing others to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for January is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield –Jan. 3rd @ 2:30 p.m.

Senior Star @ Weber Rd (Saturday) Jan. 9^th @ 10:00 a.m,.

Salem Village, Joliet – Jan. 10^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – Jan.17th @ 2:30 p.m.,

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook, - (Saturday) Jan. 23^rd @ 10:00 a.m.

Sunny Hill, Joliet –Jan. 24^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox –Jan. 24^th @ 2:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke jmancke@sbcglobal.net.

Phone: 815-351-7659

TRIBUTE TO THE US MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES BY VICKI LUTCHMAN - "Home for Christmas"

2009-12-21T20:42:00.000-08:00

SONSHINE OUTREACH MINISTRIES IS BLESSED AND PLEASED TO PRESENT JOYCE MANCKE'S DAUGHTER - VICKI LUTCHMAN SINGING HER ORIGINAL SONG AND TRIBUTE TO THOSE FIGHTING IN THE WARS SINCE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. VIDEO PRESENTATION BY BERNIE LUTCHMAN (www.bernielutchman.blogspot.com)

MARY DID YOU KNOW - A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC!

2009-12-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS SHOES - Inspiration for Christmas 2009

2009-12-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER & CALENDAR

2009-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home
Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd.
Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook.

The month of November has quickly come and gone and it was a wonderful month, full of Blessings, both in the Nursing Home Ministry and in our home. We always look forward to Thanksgiving when all the family comes home and we reflect back on the many Blessings God has given us throughout the year. We have eleven grandchildren and each one of them, with exception of the two year old, has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and is committed to serving Him. Even the two year old always asked for his Bible story before going to sleep at night. We are richly blessed and all Glory, Honor and Praise belongs to God and God alone, for He alone is Worthy.

The story was told of a woman who was tired of struggling with life and all its problems. As soon as one problem was solved, another one would come, life was hard and she didn’t know where to turn and how she was going to make it and she wanted to give up. She was tired of all the fighting and struggling. Not knowing where to turn, she went to her mom and shared all her burdens with mom.

After her mother listened to her problems, she took her to the kitchen and filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil and in the first pot of water, she placed a bunch of carrots, in the second she placed eggs and in the last pot she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

After twenty minutes, she turned off the burners and placed the carrots and the eggs in a bowl, and ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup. She then turned to her daughter and asked, “Tell me what you see”. “Carrots, eggs and coffee” was her reply. Her mother brought her closer and asks her to feel the carrots, when she did; she noted that they were very soft. After pulling the shell off the egg, she observed that it was hard. Finally, the mom asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma and asked “What does all this mean, mom”?
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity; boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting, however after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile, its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique; however, after they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water and released fragrance and flavor. Which one do you relate to when problems arise, the carrot that becomes weak, the egg that hardens or the coffee bean that get better and change the situation around you? May we all be like the Coffee bean.

The Nursing Home services went well this month, although you can always tell when the football season has started as many of the residents will choose football over a church service, especially the men. One of our regular attendees at Lakewood was watching the game when I went to his room to let him know we were there and he told me he was not coming today, that he wanted to watch football, however, he really does enjoy the praise and worship service and during the service, he would come down to see what we were doing and then go back and watch football. It was pretty comical, he wanted so badly to see the game and attend the service. He finally chose to attend the last 10 minutes of the service.

Betty and I visited the Nursing home during the week and to our amazement, we saw John Larson, the 96 year old who just lost his wife after 75 years of marriage, walking around and around the outside of the Nursing home and no

one was with him and he wasn’t even using a cane. He said it was a nice day to do some exercise and walking just made him feel better. He is amazing.

We had a great crowd at Rosewood this month. Lots of good music. Karl sang a solo, Sandy sang a beautiful song, Sam played the violin and Vicki and Bernie sang Amazing Grace. It was a great service.

Senior Star went well and the attendance is increasing there. The memory care home has about 15 residents now and the assisted Living will be opening in January. We are looking forward to starting services there.

The activity director was confused this month at Sunny Hill and apologized over and over for making a mistake. I couldn’t figure out why the crowd was smaller than usual until one of the residents told us we were on the calendar for the following week. We always go on the 4th Sunday and that is normally the last Sunday of the month, however, November had five Sunday’s this month and he had put us on the resident calendars that we were coming on the fifth Sunday as that was the last Sunday of the month. We still had around 25 or 30 residents attend and it was a good service. Even if we only have 2 or 3, and Jesus is there with us, it is worth it all.

It was nice to have a Sunday off this month. We love the ministry and we work hard at it and that 5th Sunday always gives us a much needed break, however, after being off for a week, I am always anxious to get back. It is a wonderful ministry and it reminds me of the scripture verse in Matthew 10:39 that says, “He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it”. When I completely lose my life in this ministry, helping and serving others, it is then that I truly find all the Blessings that God has in store for us. He wants to bless us, but we have to completely lose our self, and serve Him in order to enjoy all the Blessings He wants to give us.

We did not have a service at Heritage Woods this month due to a scheduling problem at the home. Another church was scheduled on the date that we were to come and we agreed to wait until December until they resolved the scheduling problem. I understand the residents were not happy as they were really looking forward to our coming. All plans right now are to have services in December.

We will be giving out gifts during each service at each home in December. The sweaters are ready, “THANKS” to all the ladies who did the sewing, you did a beautiful job. A special “THANKS” to Angie and Karen Hanson who so graciously monogrammed our name “SonShine Ministries” on all the sweaters. I know it took a lot of time and energy and it is so very much appreciated. They look great. It is so neat to see how God provides our every need and sends people our way with a servant’s heart to do these kinds of things. I have never had to beg or plead for workers; everyone just volunteers and does a great job. Last year Margie Valade monogrammed all the sweaters and gave all her time and energy. We have never had to ask for money, God just continues to provide over and above our needs and He continues to multiply our talents with good music and it is a Blessing.

We also have blankets and non-skid socks as gifts. We will be giving “bibs” along with a bottle of lotion at Senior Star to the memory care residents. The activity director said they were in desperate need of bibs so we ordered 30 bibs and they can also be given to residents at other homes who are completely down and helpless. We do have some of them that come to the services. The family members bring them and that would be a great gift for them.

December will be a fun month, as well as a busy one so come and join us. We can use your help singing Christmas carols, distributing gifts or assisting with the residents...

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for December is as follows:
Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield –Dec. 6th @ 2:30 p.m.

Senior Star @ Weber Rd (Saturday) Dec 12th @ 10:00 am.

Salem Village, Joliet – Dec. 13th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – Dec.20th @ 2:30 p.m.

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook, - (Saturday) Dec 26th @ 9:30 a.m.

Sunny Hill, Joliet –Dec. 27th @ 2:30 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox –Dec. 27th @ 2:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.
Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke

Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net

Telephone: 815-351-7659

"MIDNIGHT CRY" BY IVAN PARKER - A TRUE CLASSIC.

2009-11-07T03:53:00.001-08:00

NOVEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

2009-11-07T03:42:00.000-08:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home Rosewood Care Center

Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd. Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook

The Nursing Home Ministry is filled with its mountain top experiences but also its valleys. Week after week we go and hold the Praise and Worship services and the Lord just showers us with new Blessings each and every time we go. It’s like the windows of Heaven opens up and we come home on top of the mountain with excitement, but then we have the valleys that we have to cross when we often loose dear friends that we have grown so close to and come to love as part of our family. Death is hard and yet we have to face it often as we work in this type of Ministry. I thank the Lord when one of our residents pass on and I know they had accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, then I can truly say “Thank you Lord, for they are home now, free from all pain and suffering”.

We had three very special residents that went home to be with the Lord this month. Ruth Larsen, who had celebrated her 75^th wedding anniversary with her husband John this year, went home to be with the Lord. They were a very special couple and always attended our services at Lakewood, in Plainfield. We celebrated their anniversary with them in May as their daughter brought in a cake and invited the SonShine Ministry to join in the celebration. Ruth will be missed.

Roland Brands from Lakewood went home to be with the Lord last week. I always enjoyed talking with him and we shared many things with each other. He loved talking about farming and how he quit school to help support his family when his dad died. The last time I talked with him a couple weeks before his death, I walked into his room and he had that big smile on his face and he said to me, “I would love to talk about farming again, but today I’m just to sick to talk”. I didn’t realize that would be the last time I saw him but Praise the Lord, he is no longer sick as his body has been made whole.

Theresa Rudy from Salem Village had also become a very close friend and never missed a service. Joliet Hospice called me to let me know the family wanted someone from our team to come to the Nursing home as she was very bad and not expected to survive the night. I was out of town so Ben, Betty and Robin went to the home and sat with the family. They also attended the funeral and Ben played the piano for the funeral.

I took up a lot of space talking about these three residents but they were friends, a part of our SonShine family. There are many residents that pass on that we do not mention in our newsletters but when the residents have been so faithful in attending all the services and have become so much a part of our family as these dear folks, it’s hard not to talk about it.

The SonShine Ministry is reaching out to the relatives and more and more we have many who are attending the services. People are hungry for the gospel. Many times they don’t realize why they feel so empty and alone until they hear the music and the devotionals and they come back looking for the peace and joy they feel. Please pray with us that we will reach more people for the Lord and they will come to know Him personally.

We have enjoyed some wonderful services this month. The room was packed at Lakewood with approximately 45 or more residents. The people at Lakewood really look forward to our coming and it makes a lot of difference when the activity director gets involved. Beth Ann is a great activity director and she loves our group and she always helps us get all the residents to the service and it helps us so much. We love her. Thank you so much Beth Ann.

Salem was well attended this month as well and we had a great service. My daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Bernie, came up from Springfield and sang along with other special music from the trio and also Gloria. My grandson Sam played the violin. It was a great time and the residents loved it.

Salem was our first home that we started holding services in, almost five years ago and it seems we are greeted more often with problems at this home than any of the others. The devil does his best to discourage us, however, its hasn’t worked yet. Last month, the radio was playing so loud it interfered with our service and no one knew how to disconnect the speakers nor were they willing to help us figure it out. The Lord answered our prayers this month with that problem. The State inspectors were due to come and do an inspection so the speakers had been disconnected this month but the piano was gone. After searching for the piano, we found it in a room in the lower level and we had to get all our men to push it down a long hallway and bring it up the elevator and once again we thanked the Lord that the devil didn’t get his way. We had a great service.

Senior Star is growing and we had 12 people attend the service this month. Even though it is memory care, we have great participation with these people. We had a lot of the SonShine team join us and it was fun.

We had a wonderful service at the new Assisted Living home, Heritage Woods, in September with over 40 residents attending the service and I was really looking forward to going there on Saturday, the last week of October, however, I came away very disappointed. The activity director had scheduled a Catholic service from 9:30 until 10:00 and we were supposed to start our service at 9:45 which we could not do because the other service was in progress. Then we had a problem with the cafeteria personnel complaining because we were using the dining area and it interfered with their lunch preparation so it was a bit frustrating and we must solve this problem before we can continue and be effective. I have placed a call in to the Activity director, but I have not heard from her as of the date of this newsletter, however, I will keep all you team members posted as to what we are doing in November.

We are thrilled to have Sandy Hundley join our Ministry team and sing with the Worship team each week. It is always nice to see new volunteers. Thanks Sandy, we love having you.

Thanks to all of you who have been helping with the sewing of the sweatshirts. We are nearing the end and I appreciate each and every one of you taking the time to sew them. I think we will be ready for December. You are all a Blessing to the Ministry, as well as, to others around you.

We have also purchased some “non-skid” footies and socks and will include a bottle of lotion with each pair and that will be one of our gifts. We will be wrapping them with a large ribbon and placing a Christmas tract with the gift as we have done in the past.

We have a good variety of gifts this year with the blankets we have always given, the sweatshirts and the footie/lotion combination. I am ordering “bibs” for the memory care residents at Senior Star. The Activity director said they are in need of bibs and that would make a good gift for them. We will need lots of volunteers in December to help us distribute the gifts so plan to join us if your schedule permits.

Thanks to all of you for your faithfulness and support. We appreciate each and every one of you. We also appreciate all our friends who receive the newsletter and many of you support the ministry with your gifts and prayers and we are so grateful. You are all a part of our Ministry team and we could not do what we do without you and we give God all the Glory, Honor and Praise.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for November is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Nov. 1^st @ 2:30 p.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – Nov. 8^th @ 2:30 p.m.,

Senior Star @ Weber Rd – (Saturday) Nov.14^th @ 10:00 a.m.

Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – Nov.15th @ 2:30 p.m.

Sunny Hill, Joliet – Nov. 22^nd @ 2:30 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox – Nov. 22nd @ 2:00 p.m.

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook, - (Saturday) Nov 28^th @ 10:00 a.m.,

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.Respectfully submitted by

Joyce Mancke

Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net

Telephone: 815-351-7659

2009-10-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER 2009 NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

2009-10-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me". Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home

Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home
Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd.

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook.

September was a great month for the SonShine Ministry. Over and over we have people telling us how much the Ministry Blesses them and how they look forward to seeing us each month. Some of the homes would like for us to have a service every week. A month is a long time. Imagine yourself hearing the songs and message of Jesus only once a month, and even worse than that, they are confined to the homes and cannot get out and they need that peace and assurance that only Jesus can give and they need someone to share it with them. People are hungry for the gospel. What a Blessing that God has called us into this Ministry and I give Him ALL Glory and Praise for all He is doing and how He is using each one of us to serve Him through this Ministry. I am humbled that He could use someone like me, for his Glory and I thank Him over and over.

I saw an obituary in the paper this week that explained the deceased person’s life by saying, “she had such a caring heart, she never looked at whether the glass was half full or half empty, she saw there was a need and she tried to fill it. There are so many needs, so many lonely and depressed people waiting for someone to come their way, someone to talk with, to share their load and their burdens with. Many of them do not have that personal relationship with Jesus. They need someone to tell them, to love them and to care. The fields are white unto harvest, but the laborers are so few.

Ben and Betty enjoyed some vacation time in California with their son, Ian, the first part of September and in their absence, we had Jim & Karen, Joe, Nellie and Kelly from Phalen Acres Church come up and help us out at Lakewood. We had a wonderful service with lots of special music. Thanks to all of you, it was a special time of fellowship. We welcome you back anytime. It is such a blessing to fellowship with God’s people.

Beth Ann, the activity director, was so excited and she gave her testimony as to how much she appreciates our group and the hard work we put into our program, and the fact that we come up with a new program of songs each month and how she even uses some of the songs in her activities with the residents throughout the week.

I had a long talk with Beth Ann after the service and she told me how God is working in her life to mold her into His Image. I shared with her the story of the silversmith and how he has to hold the silver in the fire until he can see his image and sometimes that’s how God works in our life, He wants to see His image in us. She was abused as a child and then in a relationship. She struggled most of her young life. She is the one I ask prayer for in the August newsletter as her husband was electrocuted from such a high voltage of electricity that his hip bone was shattered. She is now working and taking care of him and also traveling back and forth to Chicago to visit her son that is in a Nursing Home. She really needs our prayers.

When you have a “down” day and something doesn’t go exactly right, go visit someone else and listen to their story. It will make your load seem lighter.

We had a good service at Senior Star this month, with Leo and Linda Elechicon helping us out with the music. It was a good day of fellowship with the Memory Care residents.

Leo and Linda also joined us as we started services in our seventh home on Saturday, the 26th. Heritage Woods Assisted Living is located in Bolingbrook just off Boughton Road. We had a great service with over 40 residents attending and a lot of participation. Rev. Ruel Akut, pastor of Pillar of Faith Baptist Fellowship where Leo and Linda attend, gave the message from Psalm 23 and he gave a beautiful message. Sammy Odasco came with his 4 year old daughter, Kayleen, and she sang “Jesus Loves Me” and it was beautiful. What a Blessing to have all these people join our SonShine Outreach Ministry team. You are a Blessing to us and we look forward to working with you.

We had a great group of people at Rosewood and Salem Village this month. We appreciate all of you who come and sing or play special music.

We are in need of children who will sing or play an instrument. The older folks love the children. I encourage all of you who know any children who would be willing to participate to get in touch with me. We have seven homes now that we are having services in, so pick a Sunday afternoon or one of the two Saturdays’s and join us.

It was difficult to go to Sunny Hill this month as we are still grieving the loss of Verlin’s mom. We praise the Lord that she is now with Him and made whole, free from pain and suffering but the emptiness is still there. There is always a “void” when we loose someone we love. We have been the care giver for both my parents and Verlin’s parents for the past 14 years and one by one God has called them home to be with Him and we thank God for the assurance of knowing they are rejoicing and in the presence of Jesus today.

We had great attendance at Sunny Hill Nursing Home on the fourth Sunday. I noticed one of the ladies that was attending the service with her mom, who is a resident, seemed so stressed, as if, she was carrying a burden that she didn’t know how to deal with. I spoke with her after the service and her comment was, “you guys seem so happy and it is so obvious that you love what you are doing”. That really spoke to my heart because I believe she is looking and searching for what we have, which is, the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts and lives. I don’t know her name, but the Lord knows, so please pray for her and for me that I may be able to share the plan of salvation with her.

Paradise Park went well this month; however, Amanda is in need of our prayers. She was unable to attend the services as she is down with her back again. Please pray for her, she is struggling and it’s even harder with a family to take care of. She loves the ministry and I know she misses it when she cannot attend.

Christmas is not far away and I have already purchased over 200 sweatshirts so if anyone wants to help with the sewing please give me a call. We will do the same thing this year as we did last year, cut them down the middle and sew a border down each side and make a sweater out of them. We have 7 homes now so we have lots of work to do. We will have sweaters, blankets and possibly non-skid booties to give away as gifts this year.

Happy moments – Praise God. Difficult moments – Seek God. Quiet moments – Worship God. Painful moments – Trust God. Every moment – Thank God.

Exercise daily, Walk with the Lord.

PLEASE NOTE:

All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for October is as follows;
Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Oct. 4th @ 2:30 p.m.

Senior Star @ Weber Rd –(Saturday) Oct.10th @ 10:00 a.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – Oct. 11th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – Oct.18th @ 2:30 p.m.

Heritage Woods, Bolingbrook, - (Saturday) Oct. 24th @ 10:00 a.m.

Sunny Hill, Joliet – Oct. 25th @ 2:30 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox – Oct. 25th @ 2:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will Bless you for it.

Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net.

Phone: 1-815-351-7659

THE MOST POWERFUL SERMON YOU WILL SEE!!!

2009-09-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

2009-09-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home

Rosewood Care Center

Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living

Senior Star @ Weber Rd.

The summer has flown by so quickly and I can hardly believe it is September already and the kids are all back in school. Where did it go? Seems like only yesterday that I was typing the July newsletter and now August is gone. Time passes by so quickly, it is truly like a vapor, its here for a little while and then its gone and only the things that we have done for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will have a lasting value when its all over. I hope and pray that each one of you reading this news letter is fully committed to serving Jesus with all your heart, soul and mind. There is joy in serving Jesus and He is a friend that will never let you down. The 23rd Psalms says it all;

The Lord is my Shepherd -- That’s Relationship
I shall not want --That’s Supply
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures -- That’s Rest
He leadeth me beside the still waters -- That’s Refreshment
He restoreth my soul -- That’s Healing
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness -- That’s Guidance
For His name sake --That’s purpose
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- That’s Testing
I will fear no evil -- That’s Protection
For Thou art with me -- That’s Faithfulness
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -- That’s Discipline
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- That’s Hope
Thou annointest my head with oil -- That’s Consecration
My cup runneth over -- That’s Abundance
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life --That’s Blessing
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -- That’s Security
Forever -- That’s Eternity

God created each one of us so that He could have a relationship with us. He wants us to be close to Him, to walk with Him every hour of every day and talk with Him and get to know Him. He offers so much more than the world can give. Besides having a relationship with Him, He supplies every need we have. What an amazing thought, the world cannot do that. The world doesn’t care about our needs but Jesus cares. He gives us rest and refreshes us with new Blessings every day. He heals us when we’re sick, He guides us in the right direction and because of Him, we have a purpose in life, an inner peace, knowing that He is protecting us and Blessing us and keeping us safe and secure in His loving arms and what a day that will be when we are with Him forever, praising and rejoicing as we serve Him for Eternity.

As I think of my relationship with Jesus and how beautiful it is to know Him personally, I start thinking about all the people who don’t know Him and I have this burning desire to tell them about His love. I want them to know my friend, the one who gives me joy and peace and wakes me every morning with a new song in my heart. That’s my desire as I visit all these residents in the Nursing Homes.

I remember the time, when I was to timid to ask people what their relationship was with Jesus, but when I really fell in love with Him and committed my life completely to serving Him, it all comes so easy now. Many times, I walk into the room of a resident and simply say, “I want to tell you about my special friend” or “I came to visit you today, to make sure you know you are going to heaven when you die”. It doesn’t matter what denomination you are, the one thing we all have in common is, we all want to go to heaven but there are so many people who don’t know how to get there and I love telling them.

Rosadia, the lady that Gloria led to the Lord last month, is telling everyone she works with that she invited Jesus into her heart. She is busy handing out tracts to all her co-workers and we praise the Lord for her excitement and joy and desire to tell others. Rosadia’s dad is in Salem Village and we got to know her when she came to the home to visit her dad. It’s a Blessing to know that the ministry is reaching out into the community and into the work places. Its more than just a nursing home ministry, God’s love is contagious and we want it to reach out to everyone we meet.

I had some great visits this month with residents. There are so many wonderful and interesting stories of people’s lives. I love hearing them. One gentleman, his name is Roland, in his 90’s told me his story and I could relate to many things he said because I was also raised on a farm with lots of hard work. He was one of eight children and his father committed suicide when he was 16 years old and he had to quit school and work on the 100 acre farm to help his mom support the family. He talked about all the hard work and many hours of labor but he holds no resentment in his heart, he feels that was what God wanted him to do with his life. He later married and had six children of his own. His wife died a few years ago and he is now alone. He fell and broke his hip in February and he is now in the Nursing Home.

We had great services in August with about 35 residents attending the service at Lakewood. The Activity aid was as encouraging as she told me how the residents look forward to our coming and she wishes we could come every week. One of the residents was very emotional and needed to talk and we were able to pray with him and present the plan of salvation to him. He did not make a decision but we know that God only ask us to plant the seed and in His own timing, He will convict his heart. The neat thing about it all was his daughter was there with him and she listened to us as well, so perhaps it was her that God wanted us to share the gospel with. We may never know, but the one thing we do know, we did as we were led to do and God’s plan and timing is perfect.

Beth Ann, the activity director, and her husband Dwight needs our prayers. He was electrocuted at work with such a high voltage of electricity that it shattered the bone in his hip. He had to have surgery and is now in the nursing home going through therapy. I visited with him and shared with him that I felt God has saved his life for a reason and so many times God gets our attention in unusual ways but the important things is, try not to get discouraged but seek God’s guidance and Will for your life. There is a reason why God allows these things to happen. He is a Christian and understands but his life has had many trials and hard places. He needs our prayers.

Kim also needs our prayers as she was hurt in a bike accident and spent one night in the hospital. Kim is a very important part of our ministry and we really missed her on Sunday but most of all, please pray for her recovery.
Midge is in Africa and I have received two e-mails from her and I can tell by the e-mails that she is so excited to be there. She will be gone for six weeks. Please pray for her as she ministers to the people there and for her safety as she travels and also for her health. Continue to pray for one another. Exercise daily, Walk with the Lord

The next Sunday night singing will be held on Sunday, September 27th at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow the singing. Please make plans to join us and come ready to sing. Don’t stay home and miss a Blessing.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for August is as follows:
Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Sept 6th @ 2:30 p.m.,

Senior Star @ Weber Rd –(Saturday) Sept 12th @ 10:00 a.m.,
Salem Village, Joliet – Sept 13th @ 2:30 p.m.,
Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – Sept 20th @ 2:30 p.m.,
Sunny Hill, Joliet – Sept 27th @ 2:30 p.m.
Paradise Park, New Lenox – Sept 27th @ 2:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke jmancke@sbcglobal.net. 815-351-7659

AUGUST 2009 NEWSLETTER & AUGUST CALENDAR

2009-08-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd.

I am always thrilled to write these newsletters when I have really good news to share with you and this has been another exciting month, another soul has been saved. Rosaedia, a Mexican lady, who is the daughter of a gentleman that we visit at the Salem Village Nursing Home, invited Jesus into her heart on Tuesday, July 28^th. Natalia and Gloria have both visited with the gentleman many times, however he doesn’t really enjoy visitors and we have not been able to reach him. Since they only speak Spanish, I have not been able to communicate with them at all, other than a hug and a smile, however, Gloria and Rosaedia got to know each other and she really enjoys hearing Gloria sing and she would make comments that we always looked so happy and she was looking for that happiness. She came to our service this month, even though she didn’t understand all the words we were singing, she loved the joy that she felt in her heart. She agreed to meet Gloria at Ingalls Park on Tuesday and they spent a couple of hours together and Gloria explained the plan of salvation to her and led her to the Lord.

As I have said everytime someone comes to know the Lord, it takes all of us. Someone plants the seed, many people come along and water it, but it is God who gives the increase. I am so thankful that we have workers with willing hearts that will take the time, however long it takes, to lead a soul to Jesus Christ. If Gloria had not spent that two hours with her, she could have gone out into eternity without God, but now, we may see her dad, who is at Salem Village, come to know the Lord and also her relatives. She is so excited, she wants to tell everybody. She said she had the peace she has been looking for, for a long time. We Praise God for all He is doing in and through our Ministry Team and how He is speaking and revealing Himself to the residents we minister to each month.

The Bible says, “There is joy in heaven over one soul that repents” and our hearts are filled with joy that God has chosen us to be used for Him, to bring a lost soul to faith in Jesus Christ. Gloria was on shouting ground when she called me and what a Blessing to listen to her share the good news. We give Him all the praise, honor and glory.

On the 4^th of July, Ben and Betty Tan and Verlin and I, drove to Indianapolis and spent the day with Tom and Gela Graef, the missionaries that the SonShine Ministry supports. We spent the day helping them pack and package all their belongings to be shipped to Romania and what a Blessing it was. We enjoyed every minute. Before driving back home, we took the family, along with Tom’s mom and dad, Pastor Ron & Irene Graef, out to O’Charley's for dinner and we had a wonderful time. They are just great people with a heart for God and it was so refreshing. It was a really good day and a good way to spend the 4^th of July. The Graef’s will be leaving for Romania the first part of August and we wish them well and will continue to stay in touch with them.

All the services went well at all the homes this month with good attendance. Dorothy, the resident at Lakewood who sings with our worship team and also does special music with Karl, informed us she will be moving out of Lakewood and going to an Assisted Living home in Bolingbrook, however, she does not plan to miss any of our services and will be coming back each month to join us. She is an inspiration to all of us and we are so happy that she will continue to be a part of our Ministry. She loves the music and we need her talent. She has a beautiful alto voice.

We had 11 workers come to the Saturday morning services at Senior Star this month. They only have 6 or 7 residents, as the home just opened in May, but we had a great time of fellowship. We forgot the adapter for the keyboard which left us without a piano. Ben decided to go back to Lockport to get it, but we had to go ahead and get the service started and believe it or not, we all sang acapella, until he got back. This is a Memory Care home so most of the residents have a problem with memory and if something like this is going to happen; perhaps it’s good that it happened there. They won’t remember how we really sounded. God always works it out and watches over us.

We had a good crowd at Salem Village this month and lots of new faces. Christine, one of the residents, was very emotional as she had just lost her husband a few days before and we prayed with her. Another resident, Nancy had just lost her mom and we spent some extra time with her. It was a great service and it was obvious that the Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of people.

We had over 20 residents at Rosewood this month which is really good and great services at Sunny Hill. Lots of good special music.

Amanda reports Paradise Park with good attendance and good service. All their singers have Alto voices and they need some sopranos. Perhaps the Lord is leading some sopranos to help them out. They will be moving the services to a different building starting in August. I believe it is building number 5. We appreciate so very much all the Ministry team and young people that participate in that service.

Amanda Fuller’s back is improving, Praise the Lord for answered prayer. Please continue to remember her daily. Tony Pasderetz is doing well after his heart surgery even though he spent another couple nights at Silver Cross. He is back home now and on the mend and we give God the Glory for that answered prayer.

Missionary Tom and Gela Graef and family will be leaving for Romania the 1^st of August. Pray for them as they adjust to their new home and new life serving as missionaries to Romania. Bob Holmes, the one man Volleyball team, continues to need prayers for support of his ministry. He has a tremendous ministry, reaching many many teens for Christ who are into drugs, alcohol, sex and suicide. Over 30,000 teens have invited Jesus into their hearts since 911. It’s a great ministry.

Many of you know that Verlin’s stress test came back abnormal and he had to have an angiogram done and we are Praising God for the results of that. Only God can do miracles like this. His blockage has actually reduced from the angiogram that was done 12 years ago and he does not have to have surgery. The doctors are amazed and they don’t have the answer, BUT WE DO and we are Praising God for it all.

Many of you continue to ask if we “need” additional help with the services each week and I sometimes hesitate when I answer you. I want to make sure you all know, we would like for each and everyone of you to be a part of the Ministry, however, we realize not everyone enjoys working with Nursing Homes and we feel it is truly a calling from the Lord. If you feel God is leading you to work with the Nursing Home Ministry, you are always welcome to join us and we will put you to work. I am not sure that God “needs” any of us, but He wants us to have willing hearts to be submissive to His call and do what ever He leads us to do. May He find us all faithful as we seek His Will for our lives?

The Sunday night singing that was held on the 26th went really well and was well attended. Lots of great music and with good food and fellowship. You missed a Blessing if you were not able to attend.

Exercise daily, Walk with the Lord.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for August is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Aug 2^nd @ 2:30 p.m.

Senior Star @ Weber Rd –(Saturday) Aug. 8^th @ 10:00 a.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – Aug 9^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – Aug 16^th @ 2:30 p.m.,

Sunny Hill, Joliet – Aug 23^rd @ 2:30 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox – Aug 23^rd @ 2:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke

Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net

Telephone: 815-351-7659

JULY 2009 NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

2009-07-12T15:49:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd.

I’m overwhelmed with all the joy and excitement that is happening within the SonShine Ministry, I hardly know where to began. Please keep in mind as I babble on and on with excitement that I realize, it is nothing that I or any of the team has done, “only Jesus” can make these things happen. He alone, must receive ALL the Praise, All Honor and ALL the Glory, we are only the clay that He is molding and using as He unfolds His plans for this Ministry for His Honor and Glory.

This week we had a very special Blessing and I just keep rejoicing with a song in my heart as one of our very dear friends, Tony, invited Jesus into his heart. Have you ever been so excited that you laugh and cry at the same time, just rejoicing with him over his salvation? His precious wife, Robin, has been praying for him, as we all have been, but she planted the seed, a lot of friends began watering it, but it was God that gave the increase and we Praise Him and give Him the Glory. We all have a new brother in Christ. Praise the Lord, He is so good.

We recently took a trip to Kentucky with a group of 30 people, to visit the Creation Museum and what a Blessing it was. It is hard to pick out just one thing that inspired you most, because it was all so good, but I keep thinking about the Planetarium as it talked about how vast this universe is and how small the earth is in comparison, and yet man is only a speck compared to all God has created and yet He loves each one of us and knows us by name. He made us to have and enjoy a relationship with Him. It is a humbling experience.

We walked through the “Garden of Eden” with all the flowers, the animals and the stream of water flowing down from the river and Adam and Eve was enjoying a perfect evening in the cool of the day. Can’t you just picture what awaits each one of us who know Jesus? Perfect bodies that are made whole, many that on this earth have been wrecked with pain and suffering. There will be no tears, only joy and happiness.

What a day that will be when we see Jesus.Gail Weir’s mom, Pauline Krebs, went home to be with the Lord this past week. Pastor Bert Baker led her to the Lord and what a thrill to know she is now with Jesus, singing and rejoicing with Him. Gail shared with me on Sunday, at the wake, how much her mom loved the SonShine Ministry and how she had never heard the song “In the Garden” until we sang it at one of the services and it had become her favorite song.

The Ministry team that holds the services at Paradise Park sang it last month for her. What a Blessing. Thanks Amanda, Judy and all the team, we appreciate all you do.

Another one of our faithful residents went home to be with the Lord in May. Floyce Sanders never missed a service at Salem Village throughout the 4 years and 2 months that we have been going there. She loved the singing and she would often tell me how she and her family use to attend Ridgewood Baptist many years ago and how much she loved it.

She had so many good memories and often shared them with me. We will miss her.

The services went well at the new facility, Senior Star @ Weber Road. They just opened the Memory Care unit in May and we had 7 residents attend the service. The services are held on Saturday morning @ 10:00 a.m. So if any of you are available on Saturday, come on out and join us.

We had a great time. I read the 23^rd Psalms and the residents quoted it with me without looking at a Bible and they knew every verse. They loved all the hymns and sang along with us.

We are really praying about the new building at Senior Star that will be opening in January that will house 270 residents. This will be an “assisted living” residence and what an opportunity for us to serve. We feel like the Lord has opened the door for us and we ask all of you to be in prayer regarding our starting services there, that people may come to know the Lord.

The services at Rosewood have been changed to start at 2:30 p.m. instead of 2:00 as we have always done, so mark your calendars. This will give the workers time to clean the dinner tables from lunch.

All the services went really well this month, good participation, good crowds and the Lord just keeps on Blessing and Blessing.

Gloria Lee sang Amazing Grace at Sunny Hill and that was special. Her grandchildren, Austin and Nina helped me get the residents to the service. They helped me push wheel chairs and the residents love the children. Thanks guys, for your help. Austin sang with the worship team. We try to involve everyone that comes. We want you to be a Blessing to others.

The trio, Kim, Karl and Margie sang and they always do a beautiful job. Larry, the activity director, came over to me and said, “those guys need to go professional” and of course, I agreed with him. They are a big hit with all of us.

We really appreciate all our worship team and our pianist, Lisa, Grace, Dr. Kent and Barb. We have a wonderful group of people.

As soon as “Hanes sweatshirts” arrive in the stores, I will be buying them for Christmas. If any of you want to help with the sewing, please give me a call or e-mail me. With all of the homes we have now, we will be giving out more gifts this year, so we must start early in order to get them all done. We cut them down the front and sew a pretty border down both sides and make a sweater for them. We usually give them a choice of a blanket or sweater.

We have already purchased 50 blankets; however, we will probably need more since some of the homes have 50 or 60 residents that come to our service. We will need approximately 250 gifts this year.

We have prayed the prayer of Jabez, “that He would Bless us and enlarge our territory” and He has indeed done that, however, we have not stopped praying that prayer so look for bigger Blessings to come as we continue on in faith believing.

The next Sunday night singing is on July 26^th at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lockport. Come and bring your talents. We have a great time of fellowship and testimony. Refreshments are served after the service. If you enjoy singing, you will want to join us. Invite a friend.

Amanda Fuller is still in need of our prayers. Please continue to remember her daily. Tony Pasderetz is having heart surgery this month; he needs your prayers, as well as, Robin and the family. Missionary Tom and Gela Graef and family will be leaving for Romania the 1^st of August. We Praise the Lord that they have received 100% of their support and they are ready to go. The house is up for sale and the packing and shipping all their belongings have begun. They are very excited.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for July is as follows:

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – July 5th @ 2:30 p.m.

Senior Star @ Weber Rd –(Saturday) July 11^th @ 10:00 a.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – July 12^th @ 2:30 p.m.,

Rosewood Rehab Center, Joliet – July 19^th @ 2:30 p.m.,

Sunny Hill, Joliet –July 26^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox – July 26^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke

Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net.

Telephone: 1-815-351-7659

SO INSPIRING AND FULL OF THE POWER OF GOD

2009-06-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

JUNE 2009 MINISTRY NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

2009-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home Rosewood Care Center

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Paradise Park Assisted Living Senior Star @ Weber Rd.

I received a good article in an e-mail recently and thought it was worth sharing called “The Road of Life” and it goes as follows:

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him, but later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable, it was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness, He said, “PEDAL”. I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure, and when I’d say, “I’m scared,” He’d lean back and touch my hand. I gained love, peace, acceptance and joy; gifts to take on my journey, My Lord have and mine. And we were off again.

He said, “Give the gifts away. They’re extra baggage, they are too much weight.” So I did, I gave them to the people we met, and I found that in giving, I received, and still my burden was light.

At first, I did not trust Him to have control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten, scary passages, and I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I’m sure I just can’t do it anymore, He just smiles and says, “PEDAL”.

As I read the article, I couldn’t help but feel like I was the one on the bike with Jesus riding with me. There have been so many delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at high speed and sometimes I felt like it was all I could do to hang on. But the really wonderful thing about it all is I have learned to trust Him completely and I have gained love, peace and joy that the world cannot take away, but they are gifts that we can give away.

I remember how excited we were when we were asked to take on a second Nursing Home. We all thought, WOW “do you think we can do two”, that’s a lot. Then a third home called us and we really began praying about what to do and then a fourth one, leaving us with no more Sunday afternoons.

Then a few months ago we were asked to do services at a fifth home and it is a very large home, and we didn’t have any more Sundays left and we cried out to Jesus and said, “Lord you called us to do this, you have opened another door, there must be a way”, so the Lord just parted the waters and we walked through on dry ground. We were able to split the Ministry team and now we have two Ministry teams and what a Blessing it is, we have more people involved, as well as, a youth group. I can hear Him say “keep Pedaling”.

Last week, we received another call, the activity director from a brand new facility, called “Senior Star” at Weber Road, called and said “I really want your group to come here”. This is an independent and assisted living home and will house just fewer than 300 people. They also have a home for Memory Care. What an opportunity to share the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So what do you think our answer was?? ? Well our services will start there in June on Saturday morning with the possibility of expanding and having two services a month there. “Just keep pedaling, for Jesus”.

Lots of great things happening and God is pouring out His Blessing upon us. One of the missionaries that we sponsor, Tom and Gela Graef & family are going to Romania. Praise the Lord, the support is coming in and they have their house up for sale and hope to be on the field by August 1^st. Keep praying for them, as well as, Bob Holmes, the one man Volleyball Team and Midge Pittman and Amanda Fuller from our own Ministry team who has not been feeling well.

Services were really good at all the homes this month and very well attended. We had over 60 in attendance at Lakewood. We have been having relatives and visitors of the residents attend and several have asked for prayer. A lady named Carol was sobbing after the service on Sunday and I prayed with her and gave her my phone number and I hope to hear from her. She was carrying a heavy burden. Please pray for her.

One of the residents wrote a poem entitled, “Old Hymns” and she quoted it for us at one of the services, and it was really nice. We received a $25.00 check from another resident, Praise the Lord. We thank the Lord for all the gifts of money that we continually receive each month. We couldn’t do all we do without you.

After the services at Lakewood, we were invited to share in the 74th Anniversary party of John and Ruth Larson. The party was given by their daughters. What a Blessing to have shared 74 years together.

Please mark your calendars; there will be NO service at Rosewood in June, due to Fathers Day. The home does their own special thing for fathers that day. Also, the service time has been changed to 2:30 beginning in July. Make sure you mark your calendars.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for June is as follows:

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – June 7th @ 2:30 p.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – June 14 ^the @ 2:30 p.m.

Sunny Hill, Joliet –June 28^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Senior Star @ Weber Rd. June 13^th @ 10:00 a.m. (Saturday)

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke
Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net
Telephone: 815-351-7659

APRIL 2009 NEWSLETTER AND MAY 2009 CALENDAR

2009-05-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home
Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home
Paradise Park Assisted Living

Our hearts are filled with joy and Thanksgiving for the beautiful services we experienced in the month of April. The choir of the First Baptist Church of Lockport performed an Easter Cantata at Lakewood Nursing Home and it was beautiful. We had over 20 choir members and 5 additional workers plus some of the nursing home staff, along with almost 50 residents, totaling over 75 in attendance. The room was packed and I don’t believe another wheel chair would have fit in the room. We thank God for all of you who participated, you were great and we appreciate all your hard work. Thank you so very much.

One of the residents at Lakewood wrote a beautiful poem and wants to recite it at our next service in May and that is always a special time, when the residents participate. We are looking forward to that.

We had good attendance at all the homes this month, even on Easter Sunday when so many people are with their families. Dolly, the daughter of one of the residents played the piano for us at Salem Village and that was a Blessing. She has volunteered to play for us whenever we need her at Salem. God always provides as He so graciously provided another piano player for us at Sunny Hill this month. Lisa was unable to attend the services and we were privileged to have Grace Lepper join us and she did a beautiful job at the piano. We are looking forward to her working with us at Sunny Hill.

We were saddened this month with the death of Delbert Gray, (J.R. as we all called him). As many of you have heard me talk about him in the past, he was a big part of our ministry at Salem Village. I led him to the Lord over 2 years ago and he loved our visits, reading and singing to him. He especially enjoyed the Zucchini bread I baked for him almost every week. He was a special friend. I was out of town when they had his funeral, however, Ben was able to attend his wake and his funeral and the family was so very grateful that he took the time to come and they have expressed over and over how much they appreciate our Ministry and all we do.

J.R. was paralyzed on his left side and was unable to use his left arm. He only had one leg and he could barely talk above a whisper, but I rejoice in knowing he is now with the Lord and he has a brand new body. During our Bible studies we had together, we often talked about what heaven would be like and the fact that he would have a perfect body when he got to heaven, no more pain, no more tears or heartaches. He would be able to talk and sing. I believe he is now in heaven rejoicing and praising God.

Please pray for his family. We also want to lift up our prayers on behalf of Amanda Fuller who has been flat of her back for several weeks now. That is so hard when you have three small children. She needs our love and support and especially our prayers. We thank the Lord that Midge had her back surgery and is getting better each day. God is still in control and He still answers prayer. Don’t forget to pray for our missionaries that we support, Bob Holmes, the one man volleyball team and Tom and Gela Graef. The Graef’s are praying that they will be in Romania by the end of the year, please pray with them that their needed support will come in. Bob is in need of additional support; even $10.00 per month will be a Blessing. Schools are cutting back and the current support is just not enough to cover his expenses. Pray about it, perhaps the Lord would lead you to give to these missionaries. We also need to pray for Judy Pine and her family in the loss of her father.

If you haven’t come to one of our singing fellowships, you have missed a Blessing. We are having a great time of singing, testimony and fellowship together. The next singing is planned for the 5th Sunday of May which will be May 31st at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Come and join us and bring your talent with you. We would like to have special music from any of you who would like to participate. It’s a great time of fellowship together. Don’t miss it.

We don’t change the message, the message changes us.

The following poem, entitled “Crabby Old Man” was found among the belongings of an old man who died in a Nursing Home.

What do you see nurses? …What do you see? What are you thinking, when you’re looking at me?
A crabby old man …not very wise, Uncertain of habit, .with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food and makes no reply. When you say in a loud voice….”I do wish you’d try”
Who seems not to notice the things that you do, and forever is losing a sock or a shoe?

Who, resisting or not…lets you do as you will, with bathing and feeding, the long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse. You’re not looking at me.
I’ll tell you who I am…As I sit here so still, as I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten, with a father and mother, brothers and sisters, who love one another

A young boy of sixteen, with wings on his feet, dreaming that soon now, a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at twenty, my heart gives a leap, remembering, and the vows that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now, I have young of my own, who need me to guide…and a secure happy home.
A man of thirty my young now grown fast, bound to each other, with ties that should last.

At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone, but my woman’s beside me to see I don’t mourn
At fifty, once more, babies play ‘round my knee, again, we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my wife is now dead. I look at the future…..I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own and I think of the years and the love that I’ve known.

I’m now an old man….and nature is cruel, Ties jest to make old age, look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles…..grace and vigor departs. There is now a stone, where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass, a young guy still dwells, and now and again, my battered heart swells
I remember the joys, I remember the pain and I’m loving and living life over again.

I think of the years… all too few…gone to fast, and accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people …..Open and see, not a crabby old man… Look closer…..”It’s me”!!

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for May is as follows;
Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – May 3rd @ 2:30 p.m.,
Salem Village, Joliet – May 10 Th @ 2:30 p.m.
Rosewood Rehab Ctr. –Joliet - May 17th @ 2:00 p.m.
Sunny Hill, Joliet –May 24th @ 2:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke
Email:jmancke@sbcglobal.net.
Telephone: 815-351-7659

RESURRECTION SUNDAY ~ IT'S COMING!!

2009-04-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

MARCH 2009 NEWSLETTER AND APRIL 2009 CALENDAR

2009-03-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home Rosewood Care Center

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Paradise Park Assisted Living

The years come and go swiftly. They are truly like a vapor, you see it for a moment and then it’s gone as quickly as it came. Once again it is time to reflect on the past and give Praise and Glory to God for all He has accomplished. March will end our 4^th year in the Nursing Home Ministry and April will be the beginning of our 5^th year. Some people reminded us many times how burned out we would become and warned us not to get involved in more than one home. Others encouraged us and supported us faithfully. We have had all kinds of comments over the past 4 years, some we stored away in our hearts to reflect on them often, others we try not to remember. It’s truly been a great 4 years.

During these past years, we have never had to worry about volunteers, God has always provided laborers and we have a wonderful team of people and the neat thing about it all is, they all have a servant’s heart. We have never worried about money, our needs have always been met and we have been able to purchase a P.A. system, a piano keyboard, a printer, music stands, 2 four wheel carts and a file cabinet. We give out gifts at Christmas time. This past year we gave out over 165 sweaters and blankets. A small box of sugar free candy is presented to the residents for their birthdays along with a Happy Birthday tract. Just another way to get a tract in their hands. A carnation is given to all the ladies on Mothers Day.

The Newsletter is now going out to approximately 175 people each month. Worship services are held in 4 Nursing Homes and 1 assisted living home.

Eleven residents have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and I have had the opportunity of presenting the Plan of Salvation to many people, including one atheist. I have held the hand of residents as they took their last breath and stood by many of the families as they mourned the loss of their loved ones. The hardest part of the ministry is seeing residents die and go out into eternity without Jesus.

Most all of the material things that I have purchased over the past 4 years have either been tossed or they no longer have the same value they had when I purchased them. Some of the things, I don’t even remember, they never meant anything to me, it was just something I thought was important at the moment, but the past 4 years have provided so many Blessings. Blessings that cannot be purchased and they will last for eternity. They will never get tossed out into the garbage and no one can take them away, they have an eternal value.

They have brought joy and happiness that material wealth cannot provide and I can truly understand how we will Praise and Glorify Jesus for eternity when we get to heaven. I am so humbled and grateful for all He has done for and through this Ministry and all the Blessings He has given each one of the Ministry team. Our lives have been changed forever and for His Glory. I pray each day that I can see people as Jesus sees them and I can love as He loves. My prayer is that we will always be found faithful, serving Him.

March was a great month; the attendance was really good at all the homes. We always have good attendance and participation at Lakewood. The residents there really enjoy the service and would like for us to come every week. Many of them know the songs and they sing along with us and Barb Brennwald is so faithful to play the piano each month for us. We have had some great comments about her beautiful playing.

We had several outside visitors at the service at Rosewood this month and lots of great comments from the residents. Jerry Miller brought his Banjo and did a special number along with Dr. Kent on the piano and it was great. The Trio, Karl Darley, Kim Brinkman and Margie Valade always do a great job singing with Lisa Brinkman on the piano. Lisa plays piano at Salem and Sunny Hill for us. They are all a real asset to the team.

We moved our clocks ahead to day light saving time on the second Sunday and I was so tired that day, I kept thinking, if I am this tired, the residents will probably be worse and we may not have very many at the service and much to my surprise, when we arrived, several ladies were waiting for us and a couple of them said, “we thought you would never get here”. They were anxious for the service to start and it was a great day. We had several outside visitors attend the service also.

We have completed our second month at Sunny Hill and it is going really well. We had about 45 residents and visitors attend the service. Lots of great comments. Lots of good music and devotionals. Gloria Lee joined us this month and sang, “How Great Thou Art” and Midge Pittman did a great job with the devotional.

Kevin Valade, Tony and Robin Pasderetz are a big asset to the team. Kevin does a wonderful job visiting with the residents and that is such an important thing, making them feel like someone cares. Robin sings with the worship team and we need all the singers we can get and Tony is an answer to prayer, helping load and unload all the equipment. It is beautiful how we all work together and just fit in wherever the need.

Paradise Park had a great service with record attendance as well. Jonathan and Amanda Fuller and Judy Pine are working with the youth at that home and they are having great services. The young people are using their talents with music, singing, piano, guitar or whatever the talent may be and the residents love it. What a Blessing to see our youth involved in this type of service. Praise the Lord.

Southern evangelist Vance Havner gives us the real key to keeping to our task and finding joy. He said “We are not just looking for something to happen; we are looking for Someone to come”. As we look forward with great anticipation to His coming back, our prayer is that we will stay busy and stay focused on what he has called us to do, and that is, to Serve Him, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

ALERT!!~~:

Beginning in April, we are planning a Sunday night sing, every 4^th Sunday at First Baptist Church, 800 Thornton St., Lockport. at 6:00 p.m. Come and bring your talents or share a testimony with us of what God is doing in your life. Perhaps you just need to fellowship with God’s people. This singing is a great time of fellowship and we invite everyone to come. We will have refreshments after the singing; after all, real Baptist fellowships always involve food.

Our schedule for April is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – April 5th @ 2:30 p.m., Salem Village, Joliet – April 12^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Ctr. –Joliet - April 19th @ 2:00 p.m. and Sunny Hill, Joliet –April 26^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke jmancke@sbcglobal.net. 815-351-7659

FEBRUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER AND MARCH 2009 CALENDAR

2009-03-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home
Rosewood Care Center Sunny Hill Nursing Home
Paradise Park Assisted Living

I don’t believe we have ever experienced a month like we have just had in February. So many good things have happened; I hope I can fit it all into the Newsletter. Regardless how much we have already grown since we started four years ago, I keep praying the prayer of Jabez, that God would Bless us and enlarge our territory and He continues to answer in ways that we cannot comprehend.

For some time now, we have been praying about a Ministry at Sunny Hill Nursing Home. We have had several people ask us to come, and our answer has always been, “we will be happy to come if God works it out so we can”, thinking in our minds that it would be impossible to take on another Nursing Home since we have four already and there are only four Sundays in a month, however, we must never under estimate what God can do. We continued to pray for His Will to be done and we let Him know our heartbeat and our willingness to go where ever He sends us and isn’t it just like Jesus, to make it all work out.

I was praying about this one day when the Lord revealed His answer to me. Amanda Fuller and her son Rhys along with the Cherry Family and Judy Pine, our pianist, are a very faithful part of the Ministry team at Paradise Park and what a Blessing it would be if the Lord just used them to continue on with the services there. Amanda has always had a soft heart for this home. She and her husband, Jonathan, also work with the youth at their church and they could get the youth group involved and what a Blessing that would be. So I prayed “Lord you have given me the answer so I am assuming you have already spoken to Amanda”, and with that in mind, I picked up the phone and called her and before I could say a word, Amanda says, “I was just getting ready to call you”. I think we would like to do the services at Paradise Park” and I simply said “Thank you Jesus”.

He always works it out. We never want to cancel services at any of the homes that we have started, however, we were sure God was calling us to Sunny Hill, and the key to it all is, you never jump ahead of God, you just ask Him and He will work it all out for you. What a mighty God we serve. The amazing thing about it all, Sunny Hill just had a church cancel their ministry on the same Sunday afternoon that we would have available to come. Our first service was on the 4th Sunday of February and we had a wonderful service. After the service, a gentleman wanted to talk and I sat down beside him and he said, “I have a weight in my chest and it’s so heavy” and I prayed with him to receive Christ. It was a good day and it was a re-affirmation that God had opened these doors and made it all possible.

We had a great service at Lakewood in Plainfield on the first Sunday with almost 60 people present. The residents there really look forward to our coming and they wanted to sing a song for us this month. They sang “You are my Savior” to the tune of “You are my Sunshine” and what a Blessing that was. So many times you do Ministries like this to be a Blessing to others and you feel like you walk away receiving all the Blessings. It was great to hear all the residents singing. Our own Ministry team, Nellie and Joe Anglin sang a special number and Karl, Margie and Kim sang a special number so we had some really good music this month, good preaching and good devotional.

We continue to have the services in the Dining area at Salem and that seems to be working out well. We don’t have to haul the equipment so far and we don’t have the elevator problems that we use to have. Despite the fact that Rosewood had a lot of sick people this month, we still had a good service. Each one of the homes has their own personalities and it never gets boring. We look forward to seeing the residents that we have become so close to and we have them at each of the homes.

We have changed our weekly visitation at the homes, instead of going to Salem each week; we are visiting each individual Nursing Home the week prior to going there on Sunday for the service. That allows us to visit all the homes and get to know all the people and it allows us to reach out to so many more people. We pass out lots of tracts and brochures. Our visits are never the same, some visits are really good and we can talk about Jesus with just about everyone we meet. Others days we just listen or pray with residents who are sick, depressed and hurting. We never know from one week to the next what God has in store for us, we just ask for wisdom and His perfect Will to be done and we pray that He will lead us to the ones who need us that day.

I want to share with all of you, another outreach the Sonshine Ministry has decided to do, and that is to support 2 Missionaries whose Ministries have become dear to our hearts. Since so many of you contribute to the Ministry, I want you to know who these Missionaries are.

First of all, Bob Holmes, the One man Volleyball guy, visited our church last year and he has a Ministry of going into the schools and playing volleyball with the various teams, and he usually always wins, and then he preaches at a rally, to a group of young people on how to “beat the odds” against drinking, suicide, drugs and sex. He has had over 30,000 kids raise their hand for salvation since 9/11. He has an incredible ministry but desperately needs supporters. We have agreed to give him $50.00 per month so we can be a part of this great Ministry. (You can personally support this Missionary for as little as $10.00 per month).

Secondly, Tom Graef and his family are going to Romania as missionaries. This family visited our church last year and we fell in love with them. They not only presented their heartbeat for going to Romania at our church, but they helped us in the Nursing Home service in the afternoon. They have been a real Blessing and inspiration to us. They are currently working with youth in their church and are leading many to the Lord. We pledged $50.00 per month for support to this wonderful family.

The mission and heartbeat of the Sonshine Outreach Ministry is to lead people to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There are so many people in our world who live in darkness and have no knowledge that Jesus saves and can give them a new life in Him. While our ministry is mainly with the Nursing Homes, we are also thrilled to be a part of the Ministries of these two Missionaries who are leading so many young people to the Lord. We are very wise stewards of God’s money and feel it will be multiplied many times over as we give to these Missionaries.

I praise the Lord that He is using this ministry to reach out to so many people and it continues to grow and we are humbled that God is using each one of us as His servant.

Beginning in April, we are planning a Sunday night sing, every 4th Sunday, 6:00pm Come bring your talents.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for March is as follows;
Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Mar 1st @ 2:30 p.m.,
Salem Village, Joliet – Mar 8th @ 2:30 p.m.
Rosewood Rehab Ctr. –Joliet -Mar...15th @ 2:00 p.m.
Sunny Hill, Joliet –Mar. 22nd @ 2:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Come join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke
EMAIL: jmancke@sbcglobal.net

Telephone: 815-351-7659

GREAT TO WATCH - AN INTERVIEW WITH GOD

2009-03-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

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JANUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER AND FEBRUARY CALENDAR

2009-01-29T02:49:00.000-08:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home
Rosewood Care Center Paradise Park Assisted Living

Sometimes a spoken word just does not cover it. . . . you just burst forth into singing. David, the psalmist, knew how to sing. His sin had been great, his repentance sincere, and his forgiveness complete. Naturally it follows that he would be filled with rejoicing. In Psalm 13:5 David says, “I trust in your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in your salvation.” His confidence in God coupled with God’s response to his struggles led him to remember that God is faithful and good. No one sees, knows, and cares like the Lord. There is no substitute for getting in “tune” with God and His purposes. It would be impossible to know how many difficulties we avoid just by singing the Lord’s song of full salvation.

There is an attraction to the joy-filled life. Those under the pressure of this world of sin can see the contrast and be drawn to the example they see. What an opportunity to tell them of One who can give them full forgiveness and newness of life.

One of the residents who attended the services at Paradise Park was amazed at how happy our Ministry team is. She told me a couple of times, “I just can’t get over how happy all of you are”. I think that is one of the best compliments you could give our Ministry team because it is an example of what Jesus Christ really means to each one of us. The joy and happiness just radiates from each face. We have an amazing team of people, so full of love and encouragement to one another. I can not say enough about our group. I have never seen a team of people that fit together so perfectly, like pieces to a puzzle, and I believe with all my heart, that God brought us all together to work in this Ministry for His Honor and Glory. There is such a sweet, sweet spirit when we are together.

Betty Tan and I visited the Lakewood Nursing Home last week and we gave out “sugar free candy” and “happy birthday tracts” to all the residents with birthdays in January. The little box has 3 pieces of candy in it and they are so proud of that little box, it’s like we have given them an expensive gift. It really opens the door to tell them about the greatest gift that was ever given, the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We spent about 40 minutes with one of the residents sharing the plan of salvation. She was frustrated and angry about things that are happening in her life and I shared with her, how much Jesus loves her and even though she did not pray the sinner’s prayer, she was very interested in what we were saying. I will meet with her again.

Another gentleman was sitting in the hallway just outside the doorway to his room and he was so sad. His wife shares a room with him and she was sick. I stood by his wheel chair for a long time and just listened to his stories, the stories of his life, the good years that have quickly passed and now the struggles that he is facing. Their children do not come to see them very often, nor seem to care. Even with all the health problems he and his wife are going through, he is concerned about his children and wants to see them so badly. I prayed with him and will be going back to see him again.

As he was talking, I couldn’t help but think about how much God cares for us and how He loves us, and I thought about how He would like for us to talk with Him more often, to pray, to read His word and draw closer to Him, and yet, so many times, we are like this gentleman’s children, we are cold and we go our own ways. May God have Mercy on all of us.

Our services are working out well with the new meeting place at Salem. We have moved from the Sunken Garden in the Lower Level to the main floor in the dining room. It is so much easier for the residents. They don’t have to walk as far and it is much easier for us hauling in all the equipment. We are also having more visitors now that we are on the main level. They come in to see their loved ones and while they are waiting for the elevators, they hear the singing and several have asked if they could come to the services. We had several visitors last month and that is exciting.

God continues to work all things out for His Glory and the Windows of Heaven are open and the Blessings just keep on coming and for all this we give Him all the Praise and all the Glory. Before sending His disciples out as witnesses, He commanded them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. Herein is the secret to victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. There is no lack of power while the Spirit abides in his fullness. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens each one of us.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it? What if we gave it to our kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency? I believe that is the way God intended it to be. He wants to be first in our lives.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for February is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Feb 1st @ 2:30 p.m.
Salem Village, Joliet – Feb 8th @ 2:30 p.m.
Rosewood Rehab Ctr. –Joliet -Feb.15th @ 2:00 p.m.
Paradise Park, New Lenox –Feb. 22nd @ 2:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to come and join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke
Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net
Telephone: 815-351-7659

BERNIE LUTCHMAN INTERVIEW WITH SEAL AMERICA'S TRAVELLING PRAYER MINISTRY THROUGH 50 US STATE CAPITOLS - SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS; SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

2009-01-15T22:36:00.001-08:00

DECEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER, AND JANUARY 2009 CALENDAR

2009-01-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home
Rosewood Care Center Paradise Park Assisted Living

Something to think about: What does it mean to give more than 100% of you?? ? Have you ever thought about it or have you ever made a commitment to give 100% of your life to serving the Lord.

I received this from a friend and thought it was very interesting. If the alphabet were represented by numbers, that is, A = 1, B = 2, C = 3 and on through the alphabet. Every letter in the alphabet would be represented by a number and once you have spelled out the word using the numbers, you would then add the numbers together to get the total. Hardwork and knowledge would get you close to 100%. Knowledge actually adds up to 96% and hardwork adds up to 98%. If you spell the word Attitude, it would actually equal 100%. But even with all the ” knowledge”, “hardwork” and your “attitude” you are still not over 100%, however, the “Love of God” will put you over the top. Spell out “Love of God” and you will be at 101%.

It doesn’t matter how much knowledge we have or how hard we work, or even the attitude we have, without the “Love of God” where would we be. Only through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will our lives make a difference as we serve Him. My commitment for 2009 is to keep a right attitude, a clean heart, and use the knowledge He has given me and through our hardwork as we labor in the mission fields wherein He has called us, to share the Love of God with everyone we come in contact with.

As I have personally experienced His Blessings the past 3 ½ years, it makes me want to work even harder the next 3 ½ years to see even greater things happen for His Glory. Like Jabez, I pray that the Lord will continue to Bless this Ministry and that He will enlarge our territory, that His hand would be upon us and that He will keep us from evil. I believe that is the heartbeat of each one of our people that work in this Ministry.

What an exciting month we have experienced with all the Nursing Homes. December is always a busy month, singing Christmas carols and passing out gifts. It's such a Blessing to see the residents faces light up and see how happy it makes them when they receive a gift. There is no greater joy than that of serving others and as we give the gift to each of the residents, it reminds us over and over of the greatest gift that was ever given, when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, gave His life that we may have eternal life through Him. “He paid a debt He didn’t owe, because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay”. All because of the “Love of God”.

We had great attendance at all the Nursing homes this month and great participation. The First Baptist Church choir sang the Cantata “Christmas is a Birthday” at Lakewood and Salem Village. We had about 75 residents and volunteers attending the services at Lakewood and approximately 80 at Salem Village. We gave almost 200 blankets and sweaters away between all the homes, as well as, seniors or shut-in outside the homes.

We had un-expected participation in our service at Salem Village. What we thought was going to be a problem, turned out to be a Blessing. A black children’s choir from Christ Temple church in Joliet was suppose to perform at 1:30 at the home and they did not arrive until 2:30 which is the start of our service. I invited them to sing only 2 of the songs they were prepared to sing, at the beginning of the service and they did a great job. They sure have a way of expressing themselves, it was really good.

We also had good attendance at Rosewood and several visitors, relatives and friends of the residents, attended the service. We had a full house. We always have a small crowd, approximately 10 or 12 residents, at Paradise Park as it is a small Assisted Living home with a maximum capacity of 16 residents in each home but there are 4 homes. We walked around and visited all the homes and gave out gifts to the Memory Care residents. It was a great service.

To all of you who helped us during the month of December, “thank you, thank you, and thank you”. We appreciate you all so very much. I wish I could list every name but will not do that for fear of leaving someone out. Thanks to all of you who helped with the sweat shirts, buying, cutting, sewing whatever your part, we thank you. For all who sang in the cantata and with the worship team or sang special music or played an instrument, we thank you. For the devotional and the preaching, we thank you. For those who helped with hauling in the equipment and all the boxes of blankets and sweaters, especially during the one Sunday when it was so cold, windy and icy, we thank you. For passing out program, pushing wheel chairs, serving refreshments, whatever your part, we thank you and most of all God loves it when we are all busy doing His work. What a Blessing it is.

As the Ministry continues to grow, we are seeing more and more people join us and we are so happy to have you. You are making a difference and each one of you bring a special talent that fits right in. It doesn’t matter how large or how small your talent is, when you use it, God will multiply it for His Glory.

The story was told of a young woman who attended a church service one night when she felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God’s call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs and prostitution but the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor’s son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problem began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor’s son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter so they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry, the pastor’s son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this; “My fiancée’s past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not”.
The whole church began to weep as they realized their mistake and had judged to quickly. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely, then it cannot cleanse us completely and we would all be in a lot of trouble.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for January is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Jan. 4th @ 2:30 p.m.
Salem Village, Joliet – Jan. 11th @ 2:30 p.m.
Rosewood Rehab Ctr. –Joliet -Jan. 18th @ 2:00 p.m.
Paradise Park, New Lenox –Jan. 25th @ 2:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to come and join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke
Contact Information: jmancke@sbcglobal.net
Telephone number: 815-351-7659

NOVEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER

2008-12-08T00:29:00.000-08:00

Lakewood Nursing Home Salem Village Nursing Home

Rosewood Care Center Paradise Park Assisted Living

The month of November was a challenge to say the least and the devil tried so very hard to destroy our joy and our desire to continue on but “PRAISE THE LORD” he did not succeed. We are committed to serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With Him on our side, we cannot fail.

When we arrived at Lakewood Nursing Home, the first Sunday of the month, we were unloading all the equipment, (we have 2 four wheel carts full of equipment) and we heard an announcement come over the speakers that was loud enough for us to hear outside by our vehicles where we were unloading. They were making an announcement to all the aides, asking them to bring all the residents to the dining room for a piano recital by a group of youth and it was to be held at the same time that our services were to begin in the same dining room.

The bottom line to the story is, Nursing Homes have a hard time keeping employees and they had recently hired a new Director and she knew nothing about our Ministry, thus she scheduled the recital. It didn’t take her long to figure out that she had made a mistake as several of the residents were very upset because we were unable to have the service. One of the homes has had 5 new directors since we started 3 ½ years ago. Most of them do not know the Lord and often do not appreciate our Ministry. SonShine Outreach Ministries has actually stayed at the Nursing Homes longer than most of the employees. We sometimes feel like we are working with foreign missions.

The second week, we were at Salem Village Nursing Home and the Director there decided we did not need heat and she had maintenance turn it off. The residents were not happy because it was too cold for many of them to come to the service. Our attendance was about half as many as we usually have and we had to cover a few of them with blankets. Those are the ones who really appreciate the Ministry and are committed to it.

The third Sunday at Rosewood Care Center was good. We had good attendance and we were privileged to have Lisa Brinkman join our Ministry Team. She sings and plays piano which is a Blessing. Thank you for coming Lisa, we need you. By the third week, we also needed the encouragement and it was great to be blessed with Lisa joining our team.

The fourth Sunday, at Paradise Park Assisted Living, was a great service and we had great attendance, but we were all very sad. One of our very biggest supporters, Ruth Doctor, had just dropped dead on Monday before the service and we missed her so much. She was always there to greet us when we arrived at the home and she always made sure she attended every service. She was a very special lady. We get attached to so many of the residents and they are like our family. It hurts when they leave us, but we Praise the Lord, that we know some day we will see Ruth again. She loved the Lord and we know she is home now.

Well despite all the trials and little problems that happened in November, the Blessings by far, surpassed all the disappointments. Praise the Lord, its great to be a child of God and know He is watching over us every minute and every hour of the day. I serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; we can’t fail when we are on the Lord’s side. I’m so glad He loves me and cares for me and even with all my failures and disappointments to Him, He still looks beyond all my faults and supplies every need I’ve ever had. Hallelujah!!! What a Savior. I love Him so much.

December will be a great month. We have a lot going on at all the homes in December. It will be a very busy month but an exciting one. First Baptist Church choir, along with several other volunteers from various churches, are planning to sing the Cantata, “Christmas is a Birthday” at the Nursing homes.

The sweaters are done and ready to pass out. We have 110 sweaters and approximately 65 blankets to give out. The gifts are only given to the residents who attend the services. Gospel “Christmas” tracts are passed out with the gift. I have already received word from one of the homes that our attendance will be larger in December because they know they are receiving a free Christmas present.

That’s o.k. I’ll be happy to give them two gifts if they will give me the chance to tell them about Jesus and His love for them which is the greatest gift they will ever receive.

A young preacher was walking with an older more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do; he was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked up to a rose bush, handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing any of the petals. He looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry. But, because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try and unfold the rosebud while keeping every petal intact. It wasn’t long before he realized how impossible this was to do. Noticing the young preacher’s inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, he began to recite the following poem:

It is only a tiny rosebud, a flower of God’s design; but I cannot unfold the petals with these clumsy hands of mine. The secret of unfolding flowers. is not known to such as I, GOD opens this flower so sweetly, Then, in my hands, they die. If I cannot unfold a rosebud, The flower of God’s design, Then how can I have the wisdom, To unfold this life of mine? So, I’ll trust in Him for leading, Each moment of my day. I will look to Him for His guidance, each step of the Pilgrim’s way. The pathway that lays before me, only my Heavenly Father knows. I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments, just as He unfolds the rose.

May we run the race with patience, knowing that God is the author and finisher of our faith?

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sunshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail your gift to SonShine Outreach Ministries, c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for December is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Dec. 7^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – Dec. 14^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Ctr. –Joliet -Dec.21th @ 2:00 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox –Dec... 28^th @ 2:00 p.m.

Please come and join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke jmancke@sbcglobal.net. 815-351-7659

SURVIVOR GIANNA JESSEN - BEST EVIDENCE FOR BEING PRO-LIFE AND LOVING CHRIST!

2008-11-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

OCTOBER 2008 NEWSLETTER

2008-11-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Salem Village Nursing Home Paradise Park Assisted Living
Rosewood Care Center Lakewood Nursing Home

October was a good month, good services at all the Nursing Homes, good attendance, lots of Blessings that only God Himself can give and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner/fellowship with lots of good singing. Thanks to all of you who came and also to those who participated with special music. Many thanks to those who helped with the dinner or brought food or drink. We appreciate ALL of you. We couldn’t do all we do without “U” and we appreciate so very much, your encouragement. There were nine churches represented so you can see how spread out we have become.

We also appreciate each one of you who are so faithful in giving every month. Your support has allowed us to do more for the residents and even the elderly who are sick at home. Whether you are a resident or a shut–in at home, everyone enjoys a visit, homemade cookies or just knowing someone cares and will be praying for them. If you know of someone who has a need and you think a visit from one of us will help, just let us know.

The past three years, we have given out “lap blankets” to all the residents during the month of December and we have approximately 60 on hand for this year, which were either donated or left over from last year. (We gave out 99 blankets last year). Instead of buying more blankets this year, Barb Durham, suggested a wonderful idea to us and, that is, to buy the fleece sweat shirts and cut them down the middle and sew a border down each side making a sweater out of them. Thanks Barb, we love your input. We purchased 110 sweat shirts at $4.50 each, which was a great sale, and we have 11 or 12 different colors. Thus, we have about 8 ladies sewing and singing as we go. How exciting is that. We will give the residents a choice this year between the blankets and sweaters. It is so exciting to see God working in our lives and the Ministry. We purchased the shirts in October and we are almost done with the sewing, we have had so many volunteers that said, “I want to help”.

He not only provided the volunteers to do the sewing, He provided the money to buy them. We had spent approximately $350.00 on the Chili/sandwich fellowship and the sweat shirts cost $500.00 plus we bought material for the borders and that really brought our bank account down, however, we are a people of faith and without a doubt, we KNOW that GOD will provide.

After the dinner/fellowship was over and we announced our plans to buy sweat shirts, the word got around and money started coming in from all over. We received over $1,100.00 in October. Praise the Lord. I believe with all my heart that God is using this Ministry and I am so grateful that He allows me to serve Him in this way. I’m humbled when I see Him working through the lives of His people and in the lives of others. It’s not work, it’s a privilege to serve the Lord and to tell others about our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Its ALL for HIS Glory.

I think of the story of Jesus healing the blind man. He touched his eyes and asked him, “Can you see at all?” The man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees walking around”. So Jesus touched his eyes a second time – and then he saw men as Christ saw them. I pray with all my heart, that God will give each one of us a “SECOND TOUCH” that we may see people as He sees them, that we may love as He loves and that our nation will come back to God and our churches and its people will experience a real revival.

We had a new Activity Director at Lakewood in Plainfield this month and she is wonderful. The Worship Team sang “I Saw the Light” and she had the residents singing and clapping their hands. (We had approximately 45 residents present) She also brought us a list of residents with Birthdays. We had 13 birthdays to celebrate and, as you know,

We give out sugar free fudge to all residents with birthdays. It is nicely sealed in plastic wrap and placed in a small gift box with our name “SonShine Outreach Ministries” engraved on top of the box.

A “Happy Birthday Tract” is also included. It’s the first time we have ever had an Activity director bring us a list of birthdays and make it easy for us to recognize the residents who are having birthdays. WELL, guess who forgot to bring the candy?? ? I was really beating myself up, not realizing that it all happened for a reason and God knew it all ahead of time. I kept apologizing and promised the residents that I would make a special visit to all of them who had birthdays in October.

During my visit to the Home to make good my promise, I wasn’t there long until I understood why it all happened the way it did. Despite the fact that I made a mistake, forgetting the candy, God had a plan all along. I had some of the most incredible visits and was able to share the love of Jesus with so many of the residents. I came away from the Home that day, thanking God that through all my human errors and faults, He can use me for HIS Glory to serve others. It was a wonderful day.

EXERCISE DAILY, WALK WITH THE LORD

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail them to c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. if you are a member of First Baptist Church of Lockport, and would like to give through the church, just indicate on your offering envelope the amount you want to designate to the ministry. All other gifts should be made payable to Sonshine Outreach Ministries. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for November is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Nov. 2nd @ 2:30 p.m.,
Salem Village, Joliet – Nov. 9th @ 2:30 p.m.
Rosewood Rehab Ctr. – Joliet - Nov. 16th @ 2:00 p.m
Paradise Park, New Lenox – Nov. 23rd @ 2:00 p.m.

Please come and join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke jmancke@sbcglobal.net. 815-351-7659

SEPTEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER

2008-10-03T00:56:00.000-07:00

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me". Matt: 25:40

Salem Village Nursing Home Paradise Park Assisted Living
Rosewood Care Center Lakewood Nursing Home

Just a little humor…..Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day, they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, “Now don’t get mad at me….I know we’ve been friends for a long time….but I just can’t think of your name! I’ve thought and thought, but I can’t remember it. Please tell me what your name is.” Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, “How soon do you need to know?”

I can relate to those two ladies. The past few weeks have been so busy; I can hardly remember my own name. Trying to balance all the responsibilities of home, children, grandchildren, church, choir, Nursing home services and visitation, as well as, all the quarterly tax reports and payroll of Verlin’s cleaning business and the continuous care of his mom who has cancer. Then on top of that, we haven’t been successful in selling a house we own and so desperately wanted to sell, so we had to get it ready to rent which created a lot of work.

This morning when I got up, after going for my 2 mile walk, which I do every morning, I started thinking about the many things I had to do today, and how they were stacking up, one on top of the other, and after praying about it all and asking the Lord to help me get it all accomplished, the answer came. Although, He didn’t answer the way I was expecting Him to, my heart was telling me to set all the chores aside and go to the Nursing Home. Someone needed a friend to pray with them today. (I visit regularly on Thursdays, but today was Tuesday). When I arrived at the Nursing Home, one of the residents had just lost her sister and she needed a friend. I sat and listen to her talk about her family and about growing up with her sister as a child. We discussed several verses of scripture and we prayed together. We talked about life and we talked about death and what it will be like when our time comes to go home to be with our Lord. To see Him face to face where we will be rejoicing and praising Him forever and forever. No more tears, no heartache and no more pain. We shared a very special time together. I left her room to go visit another resident and realized she had just died and I was able to spend some time with her roommate. After leaving her room, one of the nurse’s aides came running up to me and hugged me very tightly and ask me to pray for her and her family. After the day was done, I then knew why the Lord said, “Go, someone needs you today”.

I arrived home shortly after noon and all the chores that had to be done today, started falling in place and I simply prayed, “Thank you Lord, it’s been a good day”. I’m so glad I listened to the still small voice and obeyed because if I had not listened, I would have missed the Blessings.

We are looking forward to the coming months. The holidays will soon be approaching, we are making plans for presenting some special music during the holidays for the Nursing Homes and we are already buying Christmas gifts to pass out during the month of December at all the Homes. We will be announcing our plans for the coming months at our October Fellowship and will provide more information in our October Newsletters.

If you are not involved in the Nursing Home Ministry, you are missing out on all the Blessings. Please consider joining us. We appreciate all the volunteers. Thank you all so very much.

Many Thanks to Pastor Palmer and Pastor Steve Holdren for giving the devotional at the Nursing Homes during the month of September as Karl took a much needed break. It was great and we enjoyed you being with us.

Also, Thanks to Tricia Holdren and daughters for special music presented and to Nellie Anglin and Jennifer for singing the song that Jennifer wrote. Kim and Margie did a beautiful job singing. It was all very special.

We welcome Karl back, all rested and ready to go. It’s not easy to be committed to every Sunday of the month and we realize from time to time, we all need a break. It’s much better to take a break then get burned out and not come back at all. We continue to thank the Lord for all of you who are so faithful.

There was an old deacon in a church who often prayed and when he did so, he would always pray, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side”.

After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, “Well sir, you see, it’s like this….I got an old barn out back. It’s been there a long time, it’s withstood a lot of storms, and it’s stood for many years.

It’s still standing…but one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on the leaning side so it wouldn’t fall.

Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I’ve been around a long time.

I’ve withstood a lot of life’s storms. I’ve withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I’ve withstood a lot of hard times and I’m still standing too.

But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, because I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times.

Sometime we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn’t. So we need to pray, “Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.

Many times we are like Jonah, we don’t blatantly turn our backs on God, and we just get on a ship going in the opposite directions.

We can make a difference in our daily walk if we “EXERCISE DAILY AND WALK WITH THE LORD”.

PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail them to c/o Joyce Mancke, 509 Rhonda Dr., Lockport, IL. 6044l. If you are a member of First Baptist Church of Lockport, and would like to give through the church, just indicate on your offering envelope the amount you want to designate to the ministry. All other gifts should be made payable to Sonshine Outreach Ministries. Your gifts are tax deductible and you will receive an end of the year statement.

Our schedule for October is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Oct. 5th @ 2:30 p.m.
Salem Village, Joliet – Oct. 12th @ 2:30 p.m.
Rosewood Rehab Ctr. – Joliet - Oct. 19th @ 2:00 p.m
Paradise Park, New Lenox – Oct. 26th @ 2:00 p.m.

Please come and join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke
Email: jmancke@sbcglobal.net.
Telephone: 815-351-7659

AUGUST 2008 NEWSLETTER

2008-09-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Matt: 25:40

Salem Village Nursing Home Paradise Park Assisted Living

Rosewood Care Center Lakewood Nursing Home

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and four year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table, but the grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about father”, said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor”.

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled his food.

The four-year old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up”. The four year old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents, they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family, and for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a more positive note, I’ve learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I’ve learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them then they’re gone.

I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life”.

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you, but, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing your very best for God, happiness will find you.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

I’ve learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

We experienced lots of Blessings during the month of August in our Nursing Home services. Despite the fact that we were a little short handed at Lakewood, we had a wonderful service. Dorothy, a resident of Lakewood, sang with the worship team and also sang a special with Karl. Karl and Margie sang a special and they always do a nice job. The people at Lakewood really look forward to our coming on the first Sunday each month. Many of them continue to tell us, our services are the one thing they look forward to each month.

The second Sunday, services were held at Salem Village and the residents are still talking about it. Lynda Downey, Ruth Johnson and Elaine Neuse brought the children from their Sunday School Class from Ridgewood Baptist Church and they sang a couple songs and passed out song sheets to the residents that they had made in class. They really put a lot of time and work into their project. It was wonderful and I had many comments the following week when I visited the residents at Salem. Thank you all for your hard work and for coming. It was a very special day.

We also had a Missionary, Thomas Grief, and his families, who are headed to Romania, join us for the service and the family sang a song together and he gave the devotional. They really touched our lives. What a Blessing they were.

Illiana Ponce played a piano special which is always beautiful.

We still serve cookies and tea at Salem and the residents continue to ask for more and more cookies. Something homemade is really special to them.

We had a full house at Paradise Park and special music was presented by Rhys Fuller. If you have never heard this little guy, you need to come to one of our services. He will bless your heart. He sang “He is Able”. What an inspiration he is. Thank you Rhys for your faithfulness and for your mom, Amanda, who so faithfully brings you.

THE DATE IS SET: October 4^th @ 5:00 p.m. We will be having a dinner/singing fellowship, like the old time Camp meeting we had the end of last year. You do not want to miss this fellowship. We had seven churches represented at our last meeting and we had a wonderful time. Many people have asked us to; please have another one, so we are listening to you. Please come and bring your talents of song, musical instruments and testimony.

We will have chili and sandwich rings, just like last year. It is not a fund raiser; however, we need to offset the cost so we will have a box for you to drop in your contribution to go toward the expense of the dinner.

EXERCISE DAILY, WALK WITH THE LORD.

Our schedule for September is as follows;

Lakewood Nursing Home, Plainfield – Sept. 7th @ 2:30 p.m.

Salem Village, Joliet – Sept. 14^th @ 2:30 p.m.

Rosewood Rehab Ctr. – Joliet - Sept. 21st @ 2:00 p.m.

Paradise Park, New Lenox – Sept. 28^th @ 2:00 p.m.

Please come and join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke, jmancke@sbcglobal.net. 815-351-7659

THE JESUS TV CHANNEL

2008-08-19T02:04:00.000-07:00

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