Now Connect
“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!” John 4:35-36
Now that your hearts and team are equipped, it’s time to CONNECT!
Connections happen one-on-one. This may look different with each resident you visit. Whoever is right in front of us is the one God brings—the one God causes you to make eye contact with. When we look into the residents’ eyes, they feel respected, valued, noticed, and heard. When we look at them with this kind of respect, talk with them, and hear their heart, God brings a connection that we cannot manufacture.
After the performance is the time the kids can interact and make connections with the residents one-on-one. Most importantly, this is when you get to invite the residents to receive Jesus as savior.
This time is so impactful for both kids and residents, so be sure to schedule at least 30 minutes after the skit/play’s end to make connections.
Here are our suggestions for how to spend your time.
Pass Out Flowers
Some of the sweetest moments between the youth and the residents happen after the performance, starting with the curtain call (when the play ends and you introduce the cast).
This is the first chance for the cast and residents to connect.
As you introduce each cast member, they can take a bow and then grab a flower and present it to a resident. After the introductions, the cast will enjoy passing out the remaining flowers, making sure each resident gets one. Each resident will feel seen and loved.
We have found that local florists or grocery stores will happily donate flowers for your performance.
Give an Invitation to Receive Jesus as Lord
Now that the residents have heard the message about Jesus, and have felt your genuine care, it is time to give the opportunity to receive Jesus as Lord. (The Lord will prompt you on the timing, but often we have given the invitation to receive Jesus as Lord right after introducing the cast and passing out flowers.)
Now is the time that the Lord will reap His harvest!
As an introduction, you may want to select a couple of our short Scripture-reading skits to perform before giving the invitation.
The verse below is also a good introduction, or pick others as you feel led:
“For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
Then, raise your hand and ask, “Who needs a Savior? Let’s pray.” (To help the residents understand how to pray, the youth can raise their hands and repeat this prayer after you to be the example, if they’re comfortable doing so.)
† God, You created me. (Repeat)
† Thank You for loving me. (Repeat)
† You are my Father and Savior. (Repeat)
† Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross. (Repeat)
† I have sinned. Please forgive me. (Repeat)
† Your death paid for my sins. (Repeat)
† Please come and be the Lord of my life. (Repeat)
† In Jesus’ name, amen.” (Repeat)
Mingle and Dance
Having detailed conversations can be difficult, especially with limited time and depending on the residents’ abilities. Music is a great way to connect. Play music and let the kids mingle and dance with the residents. While the residents are sitting, put your hands out to dance, allowing the resident to see your eyes and bright smile.
Many of the residents will enjoy connecting, dancing, and praising God together with the kids. Watch the Holy Spirit move during this time together!
Benefits of mingle/dance connecting:
- Increases movement, which leads to greater
attentiveness and confidence in the residents’ physical abilities. - Connects the residents with God’s Joy as you sing over
them. Watch the Holy Spirit move!
As an introduction to this time together, you can read the verse below.
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17
Here are a few songs that we suggest, or choose one of your favorites:
- “His Love Endures Forever” by Michael W. Smith
- “I Am Free” by Newsboys
- “King of Kings” by Hillsong
- “Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong
- “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker (a song most of the residents will know)
Pass Out the Who I Am in Jesus Handout
There can be mixed emotions as you begin to bring your visit to a close. We like to leave the residents with a copy of the Who I Am in Jesus handout. These are 15 Biblical truths that will bring encouragement long after your visit has ended.
Then, while you’re packing up to leave, play a few songs. Here are some suggestions:
- “Love Lifted Me” by Encounter Music
- “Standing on the Promises of God” by Lifeway Worship
- “Victory in Jesus” by Christian Gospel Choir
- “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” by Patsy Cline
- “Jesus Paid It All” by Shane & Shane
- “Amazing Grace” by Peter Hollens
- “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” by Shane & Shane
Plan a Follow-Up Visit to Get to Know a Resident
Please consider going back to the care facility to spend time individually with a resident. It’ll be a wonderful experience for the resident, any kids you bring, and you!
Some residents receive few visitors and would love for you to come back to visit. You may already have someone in mind that you connected with during the performance, but if not, ask the Activities Director for a list of residents who would like more visitors.
See “Contact Care Facility Activity Director” section to schedule a follow-up visit.
You can find a list of questions or you can ask questions on your own as the Lord prompts you.
We really can’t recommend this step enough.
Margie Became My Dear Friend.
After performing a play at a Care Facility, I asked the activities director if I could come back and visit separately with those who do not receive visitors.
She provided a list of residents who did not get visits. I was able to form a relationship with a dear friend, Margie.
Margie was 82 years old and never had children. She did not get many visits. We talked and I read the devotional Jesus Calling to her. God connected our hearts.
She could not walk and was paralyzed on the left side. Since she did not like chocolate and I did, she would save her cookies and give them to me on our visit.
I grew to love Margie very much. She would call me to pray with her about things that she was worried about.
She shared with me that she would like to buy a home and live together with her niece. This seemed like an impossible plan because of her physical limitations. Her belief that God could do the impossible was inspiring!
At 84 years old, Margie ended up buying a house through a realtor and settled everything on the phone. When the Care Facility van took her to her new home, they asked which house was hers. She replied, “I don’t know. I have not seen it yet.”
This is what faith can do! Margie believed that if it was God’s will—it would happen. She moved in with her niece where she spent her last four years. I continued to visit her at her home, and it was a blessing to share and pray with her in her final days. What an example and blessing Margie has been in my life!
After Margie’s homegoing, her niece Jeanmarie Stiles shared this thought:
“My Aunt Margie’s greatest happiness was meeting the Contagious Joy team and becoming their friend. It all started when my Aunt was in an assisted living home where she was not happy. Contagious Joy came in and did a play then everything changed. Her outlook became brighter, and her spirits were lifted. It was as if Contagious Joy had sparked her faith. She believed that God works things out for
us if we trust in Him. Contagious Joy = trust in God and find happiness in your faith.”