About Us
Contagious Joy Mission/Vision Statement
Mission
We equip believers of all ages to share the joy of Jesus with residents in care facilities, bringing hope and transforming lives.
Vision
Our vision is to see every care facility become a place where residents encounter the hope, love, and joy of Jesus through meaningful relationships with His people.
It was the summer of 1995 when I decided to try something different with my children. My thoughts kept turning to those living in care facilities, and I began to sense that this was exactly what Jesus meant when He said, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” — John 13:34–35
My husband was a tremendous support, and together we decided to put on a play for our local care facility. We invited neighborhood friends and family to join us, and God blessed it! Each year, both the care facilities and the children eagerly asked us to “do it again!” What began as a simple idea soon became a cherished summer tradition for our family—and one of the best decisions I have ever made.
After the plays ended and our children went off to college, I assumed that chapter of our lives was closed. Yet I often found myself reflecting on the joy we had experienced. Those seeds of joy had been planted deeply in my heart, and they left me longing for more.
In 2007, we decided to begin the plays again and visited several care facilities. Just as before, the joy was unmistakable—and contagious! The children who participated that year eagerly asked to return, and the care facilities enthusiastically requested we come back. It was clear God was moving. Something special was unfolding between the young and the elderly, and I watched my own faith grow as I witnessed the faith of these young participants reach astonishing heights.
I have seen downtrodden hearts lifted, smiles brighten weary days, and voices burst into song. Only God could do that.
The choice to follow God and simply show up has proven to be one of the best decisions of my life. Spreading Contagious Joy has transformed our family and me—and has impacted countless churches, families, and children who have taken part in the Contagious Joy program.
Lesson #1: Give the Glory to God
There was no mistaking that God placed it on my heart to visit care facilities and inspired me to write the play The Legend of the Flower in 1995. Yet, during that first summer, an employee asked if we were connected to a church or a particular faith, and I replied, “No.” In that moment, I was embarrassed to admit that God was behind it all, and I missed the opportunity to give Him the glory.
Later, I felt deeply convicted. Scripture teaches us, “So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:8), and Jesus Himself warned, “Everyone who acknowledges Me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven. But everyone who denies Me here on earth, I will also deny before My Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32–33). I realized I had done exactly what God asked me not to do—I hid the very source of our joy and purpose.
I asked God for forgiveness and prayed for another chance to honor Him openly. In His grace, He gave me one. He inspired me to write a new play—Esther—based on the biblical story of Queen Esther. This retelling was set in the 1950s, complete with songs the residents recognized and loved. Its message was simple and powerful: All things work together for the good of those who trust, believe, and obey God.
In the summer of 1997, Esther was performed in care facilities throughout our community. The joy it brought was undeniable. It blessed the residents, strengthened our faith, and reminded me that serving the Lord is never something to hide—it is something to celebrate.
Read More
Lesson #2: Money Isn’t the Most Important Thing.
As my children entered their college years, I shifted my focus to working outside the home to help support the financial demands. Over time, I began to experience success and became fully immersed in my career. But when 9/11 occurred, that tragic moment forced me to reexamine my priorities. I realized that the achievements I was pursuing—and the time and energy I was investing—were not nearly as fulfilling or spiritually profitable as the years I spent sharing Christ’s love through Contagious Joy.
Scripture warns us clearly about placing too much value on wealth: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” Paul urges us instead to “pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness,” and to “fight the good fight for the true faith.” (1 Timothy 6:10–12)
In those years after 9/11, I realized I had been drifting toward the very trap Paul described—trusting in my work and accomplishments, rather than in God. My career was growing, yet my soul was shrinking. The lesson I had taught my children years before through The Legend of the Lamp returned to me with renewed conviction: making money means very little compared to giving of ourselves to others.
Paul continues his instruction: “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God… Tell them to use their money to do good… to be rich in good works and generous to those in need.” (1 Timothy 6:17–19) True wealth is not stored in bank accounts—it is stored in heaven, built through kindness, generosity, and obedience to God.
In rediscovering these truths, I found myself once again drawn to the joy and purpose of serving others. Money may support life, but it will never define it. Only God can do that.
Lesson #3: Prayer is A Seed of Love Planted
One afternoon, while waiting in the lobby of a care facility to meet with the director, I glanced at the clock. It read 4:44. Whenever I see three identical numbers, I take it as a gentle reminder of God’s personal love for me. Across the room sat an employee named Gloria. Without hesitation, I smiled and said, “It is 4:44 p.m. God loves you!”
To my surprise, tears filled her eyes. “I needed to hear that,” she whispered.
As she shared the struggles she was facing, I felt prompted to ask if she would like to pray. When she said, “Yes,” we bowed our heads right there in the lobby. I hadn’t planned any of it, but I recognized that God had sent me. I understood now what Paul meant when he urged believers to “pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” (Ephesians 6:18) God had given me the words when I needed them, just as Paul asked the church to pray for him, “that I will keep on speaking boldly for Him, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:19–20)
Through experiences like this, I have learned that ministry begins and ends with prayer. Before we enter a care facility, we pray. Before we leave, we pray again. Prayer aligns our hearts with God. It changes us, guides us, and prepares us for the people He will place in our path. Scripture calls us to “never stop praying,” and to “be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18) I have found that when I approach others prayerfully, God meets me where I am. He provides wisdom, tenderness, and the right words at exactly the right time.
Many residents long to talk about their losses or the burdens they carry. When I ask if they would like prayer, I often find that not many have offered such a gift. Even a simple phrase like “God loves you” can plant a seed of hope—one that God can water long after I leave.
Serving the Lord is not about our abilities; it is about our availability. When we show up with a heart to glorify Him, He takes over. He sparks the vision. He shapes the moment. He may even awaken a passion in us to encourage others to join this ministry, where hearts are tender and opportunities are plentiful.
I am learning to stay attentive to the Holy Spirit. Not everyone is ready to receive the full joy of Jesus, but kindness always has a place. I never know who is listening, watching, or waiting for a word that God has prepared for them. My task is simple: pray, listen, love—and let God do the rest.
Lesson #4: Joy in Trials
How can I possibly consider it pure joy when I face trials? Scripture tells us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” (James 1:2–3) I used to wonder how that could be true—until I experienced it firsthand. When I choose to love even in the midst of pain, joy begins to displace the hurt. When I take what God has given me—His love—and give it to someone else, my perspective shifts, and endurance begins to take root.
James continues, “So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:4) That kind of completeness isn’t found in comfort or ease; it’s found in trusting God through difficulty and pouring His love into others along the way.
Joy is not the absence of hardship—it is the result of surrender. It emerges when I stop clinging to my struggles and place them in Jesus’ hands. When I go “all in” for Him, He lightens my load in unexpected ways. I have seen God transform my spirit simply by prompting me to serve someone else. In those moments, He awakens His Spirit within me—sometimes a Spirit that has been quietly dormant, waiting for obedience to bring it to life.
We have the privilege of walking into care facilities in the name of Jesus, reminding residents that they, too, will make it through. “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) His name carries power. Darkness cannot remain where Jesus is welcomed.
Jesus works through willing hearts. There is a unique joy—holy and contagious—that flows from the Holy Spirit when we offer simple acts of love: taking someone’s hand, sharing a smile, listening to their story, offering prayer, or speaking hope. In those sacred moments, heaven touches earth, burdens lift, and joy settles in—stronger than sorrow, deeper than pain.
Lesson #5: Praying and Singing Through the Battle
Do you ever feel as though you’re in a battle? I do. Battles show up everywhere—within our families and marriages, with our children and grandchildren, in our churches and neighborhoods, in workplaces and schools, and even in our health and finances. We battle fear of the enemy, fear of the future, and sometimes fear itself.
But here is what I am learning, and continue to learn: the battle is not won by fighting harder—it is won by kneeling lower. I fight my battles on my knees. When I pray, when I worship, when I surrender, something powerful happens. The burden shifts. Fear loses ground. The enemy retreats. God steps in.
This truth is vividly illustrated in 2 Chronicles 20, when a vast army advanced against Israel. King Jehoshaphat was terrified, but instead of relying on military strength, he cried out to the Lord:
“You alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!… O our God, won’t you stop them?” (v. 6,12)
Then came one of the most liberating declarations in Scripture:
“We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help.” (v. 12)
God responded with a command filled with assurance:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged… for the Lord is with you!” (v. 15)
But what happened next defies human logic. King Jehoshaphat didn’t send warriors to the front line—he sent worshipers:
“The king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising Him for His holy splendor. This is what they sang: ‘Give thanks to the LORD; His faithful love endures forever!’” (v. 21)
And then Scripture says:
“At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies… to start fighting among themselves.” (v. 22)
The battle was won by singing! Victory didn’t come through strength, strategy, or sword—it came through surrendered worship.
So now, when battles rise around me, I remember:
Fight on your knees. Worship while you wait. Sing in the face of fear.
Then stand back and watch the Lord fight for you.
Contagious Joy is all about doing something so special to help someone, while making them smile. It is something so simple, but it can change the world. Watching God connect these two generations with warmth and laughter while accomplishing His purposes was truly a joy! Our schedules were busy, full, and sometimes chaotic, but it was a wonderful and joyful time. I am awed by God that He entrusted these young hearts into our care for a season of serving, giving, and sharing.
— B.C. Blemaster, Contagious Joy Board Member
As a youth group leader, our team focused on three things: instruction in the Word of God, outreach or service opportunities, and recreation or fellowship. Using Contagious Joy material allowed our young people to use the creative arts to share the gospel (outreach) while enjoying fellowship with one another (recreation). It was fun for a purpose! The kids were able to exercise their gifts of drama, set design, etc., in a very warm and welcome atmosphere of the senior homes. Seniors loved being there, and they loved the seniors. God be glorified!”
— Diana Santos, Youth Leader, Palisades Community Bible Church
“As a Bible Study leader of a group home situation, Contagious Joy allowed young people to experience the arts in a way that they probably would NOT have otherwise. These kids struggle to get through a day sometimes with never a chance to be a lead role, or support character, or soloist in a play or drama. One young man had a very hard time reading, yet after two weeks of practice had all of his lines memorized because a staff person took time to read the script to him. The lines of the play parallel a Bible story that we pray are now embedded in his mind as a seed for God to grow. What a blessing!
— Brenda Hendricks, Youth Leader
Contagious Joy has shown me what it truly means to serve others. For a period of my life, I felt extremely lost. I was angry with myself; I was angry with my family; I was angry with my life. I felt as if I were unraveling. Contagious Joy changed my whole outlook. Where there was anger, there was now hope. Where there was anxiety, there was now friendship. When I signed up for Contagious Joy, I thought I would be bringing joy to others and part of that is true, but it also brought joy to myself. It forced me to grow, to learn, and to become more confident. I recommend Contagious Joy to anyone because, through it, I have become the person I have always wanted to be.
April Lugo, Angel Tree Child, Cast Member 2007-2012
Contagious Joy was something that came around to me out of nowhere. I was someone at the time who needed something spontaneous and unplanned to help steer me off of the course I was on. I was friends with the wrong crowd, I was coming from a broken family, dealing with depression and unattainable pressures from family. Faith wasn’t an aspect of my everyday life. Faith was a stranger, not something I was well acquainted with or familiar with. God has a funny way of giving you something you absolutely need when you don’t know you need it and when you were absolutely not expecting it. Contagious Joy gave me an opportunity to express myself creatively, foster friendships with people that were from my church that would be good influences for me.
It gave me a safe place to have fun that also exposed me to a different aspect of life in nursing homes that I had never been exposed to before. For the first time I realized that there were needs that extended beyond myself and other people who could benefit from the fun free entertainment that I could offer and connection that I could make with them after and before the plays. If I could bring a smile to someone, let them be heard as they told their life stories, and make them feel seen when we would come around offering flowers, that would be enough for me. Contagious Joy gave me an opportunity to see that there was a much bigger world aside from me and that I could contribute to it all while building positive friendships that were fostered in a positive and safe Christ-honoring place.”
— Taylor Breinich, Cast Member 2008–2012
Participating in Contagious Joy plays has been a special experience for our children and family. It has helped our children develop a greater sense of confidence, pride, and empathy/respect for older individuals, all while giving them an opportunity to spread the Good News and make fun memories with their cousins. If you are looking to fuel your children and family in any of these ways, consider getting involved with Contagious Joy.”
— Rose & Jay Van Lieu
Looking back on some of the decisions I have made in the past, I have come to the realization that the tougher the decision was to make, the more I benefited from it. I was in my sophomore year of high school—as school let out, I was very excited for a summer filled with friends, fun, and very little responsibility. At the peak of my excitement, my mother approached me with the idea of performing a play for elderly people who live in care facilities. As soon as I stopped laughing, I replied, “Sorry Mom, I have plans.” I quickly fell back into my summer fantasy world.
A few weeks passed and my summer was not what I anticipated. Then I decided to confront my mom and let her know I changed my mind. I needed to do something constructive, so that’s when I was determined to take part in the play she had asked me about earlier. She already had gathered a few neighborhood children, my sister, and a couple of friends together. They were all excited to do this play, with or without me.
In the beginning, I had no idea that the adventure I was beginning to embark on was going to have such a tremendous impact on my life.
I expected the residents to receive at least a little joy out of the play, but what I did not expect was what I got in return. I left each performance with such a warm feeling inside and I couldn’t wait to go to the next care facility and do it all over again. I was surprised at what little effort it took to put a smile on someone’s face and change their whole day. I am extremely pleased with my decision to donate a small amount of my time for others’ well-being, and whether I should make this exchange again will be the easiest decision I will ever make.
— Chris Nissen
As a child, my mom always wanted us to be busy and use our time in a productive manner serving others. Her passion was bringing happiness to the elderly, so she decided to put on some plays for local nursing homes. During the times of practices and performances, we had a lot of laughs and made new friendships. More importantly, seeing the joy on the residents’ faces was something I’ll never forget.
Now my own children are involved in putting on plays, and it has been such a blessing to watch them give of themselves to make others happy. It has truly taught them the meaning of selflessness and has also given them more confidence in the process. I am so thankful for these experiences—for myself as a child and for my own children!” — Michelle Merrill
At first, I thought that putting on plays for nursing homes would be boring. It wasn’t until after the first play that I realized how it made me feel when I saw the smiles on the seniors’ faces. When I looked out at them, I could see them clapping and smiling, and it made me smile. It made me realize how good it feels to give to others. I didn’t feel a lot of pressure to be perfect. I realized that no matter what, they will listen to you without a care if you aren’t perfect.”
— Ethan Merrill
I took part in a Contagious Joy play when I was four years old. That was 15 years ago! I still remember my experience to this day. I felt a sense of community and hope and had a lot of fun in the process. I am thankful for this experience and hope others will feel the same joy that I did when they participate.”
— Brynn Keyser, Neighbor