Halloween Ministry?

I'm always looking for unique opportunities to minister for our Lord.  On October 31st I donned my leprechaun attire and visited a nearby nursing home.  I purchased 80 tiny jack-0-lanterns and went on a reverse trick-or-treating mission giving one to each resident.  The visiting took a little over three hours as I talked with each resident and prayed with several.  The 80 tiny gifts only cost $22, but you would have thought the leprechaun was handing out real gold by many of the reactions.  I think the Lord blessed me more than the recipients.  It was a wonderful visit.

Many of the staff wondered about the location of the leprechaun's gold and were surprised when I produced a "gold" coin for them from my green jack-o-lantern (hey, it matched the hat).  A friend provided me with the gold coins inscribed with a verse of scripture.  The tokens were left over from Vacation Bible School.  One of the residents, looking at my bright green container, said "you picked that one a little early."

Now, I know some may take issue with the idea of even recognizing "Halloween".  I prefer to think by witnessing, sharing scripture, praying and laughing with residents a little "light" illuminated the evening.  In Matthew 5:14-15 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house."

Nursing home residents - 80

80 small gift items - $22

Time spent visiting - 3 hours

Joy & smiles of residents - PRICELESS!!