“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

River View Hospital

River View Hospital is Maine's largest psychiatric hospital.  My wife and I have been going up there to do special chapel programs since the 1980's.  Then Covid-19 happened, and the hospital never reopened to special outside programs.  During this time, the chaplain, and my close friend, James Weathersbee retired from the hospital, and I wasn't sure we'd ever get back in again.  Then I got a call from Chaplian Kevan, the hospital's new chaplain, inviting us back.  Sue and I jumped at the chance!

As the mental health field has moved more and more toward community based housing and services, the population of River View has decreased, and the patients are often the most severely effected by mental illness.  They may be there for reasons such as suicidal tendencies, severe depression, addiction, psychosis, or other reasons, so any chance to bring some hope and joy to the people is valuable.  Upon arriving, we met the new chaplain, who had been a prison chaplain prior to getting this position.  He welcomed us and helped us bring our props into the locked gymnasium.

As show time approached, it was clear that we would have a large audience; there was a very good turn out.  A handful of the patients even remembered us from shows during the pre-covid era.  Sue ran the music for the show- a job she's getting more familiar with since we got a new sound system recently.  She was perfect.  Meanwhile, the audience was quite responsive throughout the show.  I ended with my illusion that tells the story of the repentant thief on the cross.  This is a very serious routine, and I usually only do it in prisons and jails, but I believed the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do it at the hospital.  It clearly resonated with many in the audience, and, when we were finished, Chaplain Kevan agreed that it spoke to where a lot of the people might be coming from.

The show was about an hour, after which Sue and I found a lottle Chinese restaurant outside of Augusta, with some of the best Chinese food we've ever had.  Not a typical date night for most couples, but it was a great and meaningful day.

Blog Archive

A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"I'm always thankful for you showing by example that you can be both humble and incredibly badass."  -young adult fan

                                                                                     

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

"Chapel was fire today!"  -High School Student

Tag Cloud