Contagious Joy Now

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INTERACTIVETIMEWITHTHE RESIDENTS

“The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were His instructions to them: ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’” Luke 10:1-2

 Even if you are just one person who has decided to go into a Care Facility, you can make a difference. The dedication of one person can change the world. It is the commitment you make.
• Jesus sent His disciples out in teams of two and also ministered to the one. He was to the one person that they needed, as He was with the woman at the well in John chapter four.
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.

“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! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” John 4:35-38

Curtain Call – Give a Flower to Each Resident:

If you would like to ask your community for a flower donation, see sample script.

To signal your play is over—introduce the youth:

“Playing as the “Narrator,” (Name of youth).
• The youth/cast member will enter form behind the divider and take a bow.
• They will then grab a flower (Have flowers in the front) and present it to a resident in the audience.
• After the introductions, make sure each resident receives a flower. This helps:
o Each resident feel valued, seen, and loved.
o Begin the connection between you and the resident.

Invitation to Receive Jesus as Savior:

• Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the order of your next steps.
• Suggestions:
o The “Readers Theater” section is a great introduction to making the invitation to the residents to receive Jesus as Savior.
o The verses below are also a good introduction before praying.
o Or ask the residents to bow in prayer right after your performance if you feel they are ready.

“The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of
his name.” John 20:30

“For God days, ‘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 (Raising your hand, ask the audience..) Who needs a Savior?

Let’s Pray:
• God, You created us. (Pause)
• You love us. (Pause)
• You desire to have a relationship with us as our Father and Savior. (Pause)
• You died to pay the price for our sins. And because You have overcome death we
can too when we receive You as Lord!

• If you would like to receive Jesus as your Savior and forgiveness of sins, you can ask
Him now. Let’s say this prayer together:

• (Have the youth stand behind you and ask them (if they would like) to repeat this prayer after you.)

Our Father in Heaven. (Repeat)

• Thank You for loving us. (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)

• “To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) By praying this prayer, you have become a child of God.

• “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Chris has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:11)

• The number of those who receive Jesus is up to God. This may not be revealed to us; however, we trust God is the “Lord of the harvest” and seeds are being planted so rejoice at what He is doing! 

Mingle/Dance Song:

While the residents are sitting, put your hands out to dance allowing the resident to see your eyes and bright smile. Benefits of mingle/dance connecting:

o Allows you to connect with the resident while praising
God together.
o Increases movement which leads to greater
attentiveness and confidence in their physical abilities.
o Connects the residents with God’s Joy as you sing over
them—watch the Holy Spirit move!

“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

Suggested songs below or choose one of your favorites:
o “His Love Endures Forever” by Michael W. Smith
o “I Am Free” by Newsboys
o “King of Kings” by Hillsong
o “Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong
o “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker (Secular song most residents will recognize)

Pass Out the “Who I Am In Jesus” Handout and play songs as you pack up to leave: 

Song suggestions:
o “Love Lifted Me” by Encounter Music
o “Standing on the Promises of God” by Lifeway Worship
o “Victory in Jesus” by Christian Gospel Choir
o “Forever” by Chris Tomlin
o “Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship
o “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” by Patsy Cline
o “Jesus Paid it All” by Shane & Shane
o “Amazing Grace” by Peter Hollens
o “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” by Shane & Shane
o “Creation Calls “by Brian Doerksen
o “Aaron’s Blessing” by Fernando Ortega

Follow-Up Visit and Get to Know a Resident:

• As a follow-up to your play, you can go back spending more time individually
with a resident.

• Some residents receive few visitors and would love to have you come back to visit and get to know them better.

You may already have someone in mind that you connected with during the performance, but if not, you can 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.