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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Worship (corporate) (10/04/07)
Some pastors are so close to their congregation that they feel like they may as well be living with them.

Hosea Marlowe does.

Sunday mornings at Morningstar Nursing Home, Hosea stands at the front of the dining room as the residents come in. Before each service starts, Hosea sits and prays for God’s guidance.

Hosea hasn’t always been a pastor. He’s lived at Morningstar for 10 years and attended the weekly worship services for all of those years. One Sunday, two years ago, Hosea arrived in the dining room and was told that the speaker had canceled.

”Isn’t there someone who can lead a service?” he asked the nurse.

She shrugged. “Not unless you want to do it.”

Hosea wasn’t prepared to be a pastor, but he looked around and saw the people who were coming and knew God was asking him to bring them His Word. So, for the first time, Hosea bowed his head, prayed and stepped to the front of that room.

He’d done it again every Sunday for two years. Hosea never prepared his messages. He never knew what he’d be talking about before Sunday morning; the Lord told him, each week, after he prayed.

As he waited for the Lord to give him the message, Hosea looked around.

Johanna always sat in front, next to the hymnals. Like him, Johanna had felt adrift when she’d first come to Morningstar. Because she could walk better than most, Johanna passed out hymnals and helped push others to services.

I’m so thankful that You have given me enough strength to help the others.

Billy sat with his head bowed quietly. Hosea sensed Billy was struggling with something. Each week, Hosea prayed. Each week he sensed Billy’s struggle still went on.

If he knew what I’ve done, he wouldn’t let me sit here. The Lord promises to forgive us, but I can’t believe He could forgive me. When I sit here, I feel hope that it could be true. Maybe today…

Across the aisle, Hosea saw Dr. Weiss. Hosea knew the doctor was Jewish, yet he always seemed to arrive in time for the service.

God, I don’t know why I always end up here on Sunday mornings. But something about this man’s words touches my soul. If you want to speak to me today, I’m listening….

Hosea knew Nan couldn’t speak but her eyes glowed when he read the Word, and sometimes he thought he saw her nod when he spoke.

I praise You with my heart, Lord though my mouth is silent.

No one could understand Luna’s words. Her eyes were clouded by confusion, but when the old hymns were sung, she came alive and clearly sang every word - from memory.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms - leaning on the everlasting arms!

Hosea’s heart went out to Joseph. He’d heard the nurses whispering that Joseph didn’t have much longer to live. Did the Lord want him to say something special to comfort Joseph?

Lord, I’ll be seeing you soon. Please help me bear the pain and if I’s Your will, I’d like to see Eva and my grandkids before You take me home.

Hosea knew Tim was going through pain of his own. Tim had been in a wheelchair since his teen years but had always remained active. Lately, Hosea noted Tim was spending more time in his bedroom and that he seemed to be in more pain.

Lord, You’ve always helped me serve You. Now, I’ve had to slow down. Is there anything You still need me for?

At 10 am, he saw Kim. The smiling nurse brought the medication cart to the dining room and began to bring medications to the residents. Kim had told Hosea that she planned her Sunday routine so she could be there to hear the services.

I thank You for Brother Marlowe, who brings Your Word each week, Lord. It makes up for not being able to attend my own church.

He bowed his head again. What could he say to reach all these souls? He looked at each of them, with their separate needs and finally knew what his message for today would be. He stood up and spoke: “Good morning. Can we please sing song number 16?”

Johanna passed out the hymnals. Hosea smiled at his brothers and sisters and the gathered voices sang:

”We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord….”
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This article has been read 1194 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
julie wood
10/11/07
I loved this story!!! I could totally relate to it, as I volunteer at two nursing homes and know people like the ones in this story. I have a friend at one who is like both Nan and Luna--she can't talk at all, but she can sing the words to hymns beautifully and her eyes glow during the singing. Wonderfully touching and realistic portrayals of the residents as diverse individuals!

I was drawn in by the title, too--could not help wondering what "Morningstar" was like. The use of a specific name sparked my curiosity.

Great job!
Lynda Schultz 
10/12/07
This is so good. It brought tears to my eyes thinking of the countless "forgotten" by church, and sometimes even by family, in our nursing homes and seniors residences. Thank God for people like Brother Marlowe.
Karen Wilber
10/14/07
This is so touching. My dad was in a nursing home for a year. He was "Luna". I also was curious about the title and the individual stories kept me reading to the end. Nicely paced and an uplifting story.
Sheri Gordon
10/19/07
Congratulations on your highly commended. This is very well written, and so touching. Nice job with the topic.
Celeste Duckworth
10/23/07
I worked in a retirement center where many residents had a story etched in their lives,what a marvelous way to show us the residents with dove's eyes, the way God sees them. Made me remember all my past friends and cry for them as I was only 18 then.