In January of 1997, I was encouraged by two seasoned servants of the Lord to 'help' them in their ministry to the residents of Vallhaven Care Center in Neenah, Wisconsin. The two gentleman have since gone home to be with the Lord. They were 90 years and 88 years, when the Lord called them.

The younger man, Max, began this ministry 17 years ago. He sang a special song a week before he died, as a resident of the Care Center for about a month. He left us two days after Fathers Day last year. Six months before this, he asked if I would 'keep this ministry going'. I was already giving messages, but Max was 'in control'. I told him, "I am going to need your prayers". He answered, "I already pray for you every night". He had become the father to me I never had. He was caring, and loved to attend prayer meetings; never mind which church.

A mutual friend of ours was receiving materials from THE SONSHINE SOCIETY. Since she was a shut in herself, she gave me what she had collected. I have been ordering from them ever since. They have wonderful relevant materials for these 'special people'.

One recent Sunday I arrived at Vallhaven Care Center, only to discover, I had left my message at home. The subject was GRACE. I told three of my helpers to pray for me. We sang a few songs, and I sang a song I wrote in 1995 called LET THE LOVE OF JESUS SHINE INTO YOUR SOUL. I opened my Bible to Romans 3:19, and began from there to explain how much God loves us, how much He wants to help us. I also explained what that long word 'propitiation' means. Two helpers told me later they never heard me give a better message.

That was total reliance on the Lord. It's scary, but that is exactly what Jesus wants to teach us. Right now, we need prayer for the health of my two oldest helpers. Irene has asthma, and lately a lot of strain and soreness in her legs. She lives across the street from the Care Center in an apartment building. She is 80 years old, and insists on walking over. She doesn't want to be a 'bother'. Some times I insist on picking her up. When she gets to the Care Center, it's like she becomes super energized. Nothing holds her back from bringing people to the worship service. And she always feels so much better.

My other older helper is 72 years. Carl went through a heart cautherization two weeks ago, after ignoring chest pains for almost a year. He is recuperating now. Carl had been giving messages at least twice a month. He came to help us last Sunday. We had 34 attendees, with almost no walking room. It is not easy to find willing, faithful helpers as these two are.

We have a new helper. Her name is Ethel. Her husband, Chester, 95 years young lives at the Care Center. I found out she had been a missionary when she very young. They were both involved in Ministry in their marriage. Chester had been with the Gideons, and a Sunday School bus driver. To make a long story short, Ethel has given three messages. She is a real blessing.

God bless you for all you do in helping us 'layministers'.

One of God's many Care Center servants,
Lois Wiederhoeft
email: loiswiederhoeft901@hotmail.com