Author: Beth Case

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Epworth Villa is our Mission Field by Resident Cathy Nichols

In 2007, I was blessed to have participated in a three-week medical mission trip to the island of Papua in Indonesia. I had planned to address that amazing journey or the importance of financially supporting foreign missionaries (I support one in Japan and one in Turkey), but the Spirit laid it on my heart to discuss how each of us as Epworth Villa residents can be missionaries at home.

All of us can, and should, give to others. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Many churches have signs that can be read as one leaves the sanctuary stating, “You are now entering the mission field.”


It is comforting and warms the heart to see many of our residents assist others. One resident makes personalized birthday cards for those on her floor. Some other residents diligently send much-appreciated birthday and thank you cards. Other residents make it a point to look prospective residents and their families in the eye and smile as they tour our beautiful community.


Another way to see Epworth as your mission field is to eat with a resident who is eating alone in one of our dining venues. We have all come upon a lost new resident or visitor. Ask if you can help and guide him/her to the proper destination.


Epworth Villa is our mission field. We can all be Epworth Villa missionaries. What will you do?

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Easter and Forgiveness – by Carolyn Taylor

This Easter season, with the theme of forgiveness, has been a contemplative one for me. I have struggled with forgiveness for the past 22+ years, ever since an individual violently took my husband of forty years away from me and our family. The Prayer of Forgiveness says “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” This individual gave no thought to the lives he was impacting in our family and also in his family; only his current sense of hurt and deprivation caused by his own actions.

As I listened to the stories of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis, and the parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 21, I again revisited my mixed emotions last year when the individual died of natural causes while still in prison. Was I glad to finally have this nightmare over, no more hearings even after all this time, or should I be sad at the loss of life, even one in his limited environment?

As the King said to the unforgiving servant as he put him in jail, “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” I choose now not to live in the jail of unforgiveness, but to commit my life to be free to be happy and commit my spirit to the Lord.

As it says in Psalm 31:
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge
Let me never be put to shame;
In your righteousness deliver me!
Incline your ear to me,
Rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
A strong fortress to save me!
PRAISE BE TO GOD.

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Spontaneous Prayer – by Jimette McLean

Thank you, Jesus! Lord, forgive me. Bless those in Ukraine. Help me, God. These four prayers are spontaneous utterances that I have spoken in the past week. They are examples of four types of prayers that I encouraged Confirmands to use in their prayer journals: thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and petition. The truth is, these short, spontaneous prayers are much more my style than the longer conversation or meditative style of prayer that some prefer.


“Thank you, Jesus” may come in response to something as simple as the elevator being on my floor when I’m in a hurry or when I get a phone call from a long-time friend. “Lord, forgive me” is appropriate more frequently than I actually pray it but comes when I have thought unkind thoughts about someone, for example.


Prayers of intercession come maybe while watching the news, or hearing about someone’s illness, or even when seeing a homeless person while driving. There are many opportunities to lift up a quick prayer for someone. Just saying a name is enough — God knows the needs more than I do!

And finally, petition: prayers for myself are much needed — particularly praying for patience. I recognize the value in the longer, more thoughtful conversations with God — I read the Upper Room every day as well as a Lenten devotional, and each evening I write five things for which I am thankful. But still, for me, the admonishment to “continue instant in prayer” is best acted out spontaneously. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.