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As I pondered participating in the 2008 Annual Work Day at the Annual Conference in Florence, I was being pulled by two different forces. First, I didn’t work the first year (2007) and “things” got done. I remember going back to the motel and taking a nap. But another force said “at least look at the options” for 2008.  I perused the application form at the Conference Web Site.  Gosh, look at all these jobs.  This ministry is truly a handyman’s delight. Changing light bulbs are a challenge for me. Plus, I wasn’t thrilled about facing the Florence heat at 2 p.m. Let me look for an A/C environment.  Found it! A prayer line would be just the thing I wanted. This was in my comfort zone and I would be inside.  I checked yes on the form and I was in business. What is this message?  Sorry, work area slots in this category are full. Oh well, I will check on this when I get to Florence.

When I signed the Work Area Log at Conference, I found out I was assigned to visit a nursing home on Tuesday.  Plans do change and I will still get my t-shirt.

Tuesday morning after hearing Dr. H. Eddie Fox, the World Director of Evangelism, I was on a spiritual upswing. I checked with the Work Day folks and found I had been assigned to another work team. I couldn’t believe my eyes – Hospice Home visits  2-4 p.m. today. My uplifted spirit began to crash. God knows I get nervous walking into a hospital much less seeing terminally ill people.  I would rather weed a cactus garden in the 97-degree heat than visit a Hospice Home.

In the middle of my own pity party, I was moved to pray. What had I done? Ringing of hands, cold sweats, almost out of control – what was going on?  I had left God out of my planning. I prayed, “God give me wisdom, patience, and may you fill my heart with the Holy Spirit. May all I do bring glory to You”.

At  our team meeting gathering  (21 Methodists) met with our leader. He gave out printed driving directions to the Hospice Home. I was hoping we would get a nice A/C church bus. I know I am complaining again. I would be driving in uncharted area for me, but I had directions. Getting in my car and turning on the A/C I begin to read the directions. All these street names but no turn directions. Do I turn left or right?  God, I know the home is east from the Civic Center, like going to the airport. Please keep me calm and give me directions: Left turn, left turn, I just crossed Hwy. 52. It goes by my motel. I can just turn here and go into my room, watch the History Channel and have a cold Dr. Pepper. Satan keeps on trying.   I see Evans Street. I must be close. I went around the McLeod Medical Complex twice and didn’t see the home. I pull into an insurance agency, ran inside, “Please give me directions to the Hospice Home." “Sir, go two lights down this street and turn left, go to the next light and turn right. The home will be on the left.”  Boy was I lucky! I assure you no luck to this – I had asked God and He gave me the directions.

As I entered the foyer of the home, a very kind volunteer told me where to go. Here we were again, 21 folks from Walnut Grove to Hickory Grove and all points in between wearing out new t-shirts.  As we waited for the supervisor, we began to talk about what we could do? Someone said, “Why don’t we sing hymns in the hallway?" I said, “We need to get prayed up before do anything". “ Our leader replied, “Mr. Smith, why don’t you lead us in prayer?" My mouth fell open; it felt like it was stuffed with cotton. “Lord, please give me words” and He did. Over the next 2 minutes or so I really don’t remember what I prayed. As I finished, a warm feeling came over me. I knew God would give me the patience to listen, keep me quiet unless words were needed, be positive and have a smile on my face.  Yes, we did begin to sing the old hymns. When one song was finished, someone else would pick up and we would go again. Victory in Jesus, Faith of our Fathers, Old Rugged Cross, and the words flowed and joy could be seen on each face.

As we moved into the patient area, a nurse gave us a tour of a vacant room. Everything in the room has a purpose of making the patient comfortable in a home-like setting.  Doors from the room opened onto a patio where the bed can be rolled out. As long as a pet is on a leash, it can visit. A pullout bed gives a family member a place to rest.

A patient’s family asked if some of us would like to visit their grandfather.  A few of us walked into the room. We held hands, placing our hand on the bed and on his  granddaughter.  Prayers were lifted up for this family and to bring peace to this patient, a moment of silence with all holding hands . Others quoted scripture. Upon leaving the room, I could see tears in the granddaughter’s eyes. These were tears of joy. You see Jesus had just visited this dear family. We sang softly as our time to leave fast approached.  We were no longer strangers. We had bonded allowing Jesus to completely take charge of the past hours.

A nurse told us the following. I taught nursing for 30 years.  I retired two years ago. I wanted some work to do, and God gave me this opportunity. It is wonderful – you see some person in the medical field see God bring a new life into the world. I get to see God bring a Christian brother and sister back to their eternal home.

As I walked through the beautiful court yard, I spotted Gracie the house pet.  As I petted the cat’s head, I could hear a soft purr reminding me of how quietly Jesus had spoken to me.  As I looked on the day’s events, I was fearful, afraid I didn’t have the ability for this work. I was reminded if we take  the time God will give us the ability to do  anything that is placed before us.  I praise Him that I had this opportunity.  A spiritual moment in my life that I will never forget – you bet !

Paul Smith, Lay Delegate, Wesley Memorial UMC, 2008