People Speak Newsletter
June 2009
http://www.MarionDuckworthMinistries.com
Dan* was unemployed and depressed. “I was 58 years old and had no idea what to pursue.” When God plunked a passion in his life, he says he became even more confused.
That passion was to play the keyboard in senior facilities. When he was four years old, he began playing the piano. “But I could never perform in public because I had debilitating stage fright.” Now, he says he threw himself on God to provide strength, courage and ability. “I felt compelled to ‘step out of the boat’ even though my senses were convincing me that I would sink. It is unlikely that there was a prayer I did not pray.”
By faith, Dan purchased a keyboard and a month later arranged to play during lunch time at a nursing home. “I was amazed. Food servers were dancing and singing. Residents were elated. They sang, whistled and kept time to the music. Visitors were astonished and thanked me, explaining that they had never seen such an atmosphere in the dining room.”
Encouraged but still extremely hesitant, Dan began contacting long term and care homes, independent and assisted living facilities, adult foster care and memory care facilities. Even though doors seemed to open slowly, Dan says that he never considered giving up “It made me ask, seek and knock harder.”
He began to receive invitations to play and, as he became established, more doors opened by word-of-mouth and pre-sold him. By that time, he knew he was following the path God had for him. Invitations escalated. Last year, he performed more than 200 times in a variety of care facilities.
“After two years of performing, my personal finances came under pressure because I was spending down my savings. So I quit playing and went job hunting, but my desire to play was still very strong.” An activity director told him that he had proven his value to the senior community. After their discussion, Dan set a modest fee that all facilities could afford. That would enable him to survive financially until his sixty-second birthday when he could draw a pension and social security.
“It appears to me,” Dan says, “that eventually many residents assume they are invisible, worthless nobodies. Sensitive staff and activity directors can reinforce their sense of worth, but often simply do not have time.” Music, he has discovered, plays a valuable role in reinforcing residents’ inner life. Since he plays songs from their era, “It connects to folks emotional memories. Sometimes they suddenly become “young; others who never smile begin to beam. Caregivers are wonder struck at these transformations.
“When I play my closing song, “It is No Secret What God Can do,” nearly everyone sings—some with eyes closed, some with hands raised in worship, some with tears streaming down their faces.”
Dan’s rewards? “Knowing that my God-given talent is no longer buried.” Besides, “I consider these confined seniors to be among the widows and orphans of our society. It motivates me to keep myself pure so this ministry can be a partnership with God rather than something for pharisaical show.
I pray for each visit--that God will manifest His love in and through me to the residents. Otherwise, regardless of how much I impress others—I profit nothing!”
Blessings,
Marion Duckworth
*Dan is a pseudonym
Visit my website: http://www.marionduckworthministries.com
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