Carlinville, IL
November 14-16 2003

WOW!! Another awesome time with 15 brothers & sisters from 12 Care Center Ministries. The fellowship, the prayer, sharing of ideas & planning for the future was all a great blessing. The richest time for me was on Sunday morning when we gathered for a time of sharing in "The Lord's Supper" and prayer. I don't know if I could describe the depth of God's love and presence in that room.

We decided on an official name and purpose statement.

Our name is: Christian Fellowship of Care Center Ministries

Our purpose is: As a Christ-centered fellowship, we are committed to gather to provide encouragement for leaders of Care-Center Ministries. We do this through spiritual renewal, networking, fellowship and sharing resources.

I thought this past weekend was awesome. Having had an opportunity to come along side my brothers and sisters in Christ who have been on this journey for some time I found to be really uplifting. Especially during our times of prayer and worship. I need to thank Paul for "Some will, some won't, so what, next call." That's perfect!

There was a lot of wisdom in that room this past weekend and it showed as we all worked together to put the ministry name and statements together. All of the different angles we bring to the table really make the ministry all that much stronger. I can't wait until Phoenix in March.

Doug Lee = Outreach for Christ to the Nursing Home Ministries, Clarkston, MI

Thank you for inviting me to the Nursing Home Ministry meeting in Carlinville, IL. The meetings were very inspirational and up lifting. I was encouraged to see the younger folks taking such an interest in the nursing home ministry. There is a harvest field in the nursing homes of our land, and it is white!!!

Pastor Frank Oertel = The Sonshine Society, Seattle, WA

I was very encouraged and blessed by the events of the weekend. I entered into the meeting discouraged and wondering how long I was going to continue Autumn Years Ministries. For the longest time, I have been considering going back into pastoring, perhaps a seniors ministry in a larger church. Once I met all at the fellowship, I knew that we all are in the same situation and I am not alone. I left encouraged and with new vision. Can hardly wait till we meet again!

Chuck Mosher = Autumn Years Ministries, Hillsboro, New Hampshire

We have never been in a group more unified in their purpose. The strength of this fellowship is so precious and powerful that God will be able to accomplish wonderful things through us. ("If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven" Matt 18:19)

Pastors Terry & Glenda Mason = Extended Care/Nursing Home Outreach, Victory Christian Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma

It was more than I even expected. I received such encouragement from others that have such loving caring hearts for the elderly. I brought an activity director who was so blown away by hearing from the other side of care center ministry and is now moving towards becoming my assistant. God is doing an awesome work in all of us so that we can do an awesome work in His Care Centers. The harvest is plentiful! This is God moving among us.

Pastor Sharon Henning = Senior Adult Ministry & Special People, Phoenix, AZ

I was so excited to hear and see what the Lord was doing in other nursing home ministries, since I am an Activity Director in the field trying to let my light shine in a world where many people only think of themselves. I see a harvest field that is ripe for the picking and not enough workers to get the job done. I feel in my heart that we are on the way to see the glory of the Lord's presence in these special people's lives and intheir environments, and I don't want to miss it!

Cherie Brown = Activities Director, Detroit, Michigan

What a blessing to "discover" all the wonderful people and their ministries from across the country all in one place! It was a real boost for me to get to know others with a heart for the Lord and for seniors, and to share "war stories" and successes as we work to expand His kingdom. It was truly a powerful, uplifting experience for me. It has also blessed Home Free Ministries and given us a boost in our work, as well as provided me with a network of Christian men and women in similar ministries that I can count on for prayer, encouragement and ideas (Not to mention terrific fellowship).

Jerry Fagerland = Home Free Ministries, Lino Lakes, MN

Once again the gathering surpassed expectations. I think we are all being persuaded by our Lord just how precious this ministry is, and how committed He is to it...and to us. The bonds of fellowship amongst us are strengthening as well. I'm sure this is the ending of the foundation laying stage, and that we will be building together more and more in the months to come.

Tom McCormick, Toronto, Canada

When a group of fifteen ministry leaders from all corners of the country come together in a spirit of unity and fellowship, you know God is in the midst. I sincerely appreciate those who made this time possible through their giving. It will be an investment that will produce fruit for many years to come.

Stan Means = Elder Source by Dobson Ministries

From our point of view, the meeting in Carlinville was a resounding success. Though our progress in solidifying who we are and what we are doing was wonderful, the real success was that our Master visited with us all along the way! His footprints were all over our fellowship and our communion with Him was rich and edifying. We anticipate with great expectations where He will lead us in the coming meetings. Longing for March to come!

Jerry & Dar Johnson = Chapter and Verse Ministries, Inc., Norfolk, VA

It really was a great weekend for Mary and I. The networking opportunities are priceless and the times of sharing were both encouraging and very refreshing. This is the beginning of a wonderful move of God among care facility ministries and their leaders. I'm ready to help you in any way you need me for organizing the next meeting. Mary and I are looking forward to the next meeting.

Paul Falkowski = Desert Ministries, Omaha, NE

This fellowship is a dream coming into reality and I see the favor of our Lord all through it. I am deeply humbled and greatly encouraged by what He is doing. I truly believe that our Father has ordained this fellowship for purposes beyond or own imagination and expectations.

May His kingdom reign in and through us! Hebrews 10:22-25.

Bill Goodrich = God Cares Ministry, Avon Lake, OH