I went to see 99-year-old Edna earlier this week and arrived just as she was getting ready to go to lunch. She rolled her chair over to the bedside table and pulled out a depleted tube of lipstick. Sticking her little finger down inside, she tried to find the last remnant of color—but it was gone. After checking the brand and color, I told her I would go to the store and see if they had another. She merrily went off to lunch, and I headed to the nearest store.

After looking through a long row of lipstick displays, I finally found the correct brand and color. There was only one tube left in the shade she wanted! I paid for it and returned to the retirement home, placing it in a small bag with a card letting her know she is loved. I left it on her bed.

That same day, I spent some time with Connie. She is a very intelligent lady, and we had an uplifting conversation. She showed me some of her watercolor paintings, which help calm her emotions. We also talked about her family—she has a daughter and a two-year-old grandchild in South Texas. I gave her a hand cross, and we talked about how much Jesus loves her. We prayed together, and I let her know I would be back soon.

I had also just returned from visiting a man who lost his wife about a month ago. His son hasn’t been to visit, and his daughter lives in South Texas. Right now, he’s feeling very alone. I gave him a hand cross, and we had a good talk about how Jesus is always with him. I promised to return for more visits—with gifts of Milky Ways included! Barbara and David will also be making occasional surprise visits.

I visited with two men who share a room. We met Mac at Christmas when we brought him a tree. He’s not even 50 yet, but an injury has left him bedfast. George was recently moved in with him. He’s on oxygen and struggling with advanced breathing issues. When I visited, George was feeling pretty good, and I was able to start getting to know him as well. I gave each of them a cross and shared how Jesus died not just for their salvation, but also for their healing.

We all agreed that their current conditions are not what God desires for their lives. I also shared my husband’s testimony of recovery from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Almost five years ago, doctors gave him a diagnosis of just 3 to 5 hard years left. I was sitting in a chair behind him when they spoke that death sentence. My response was, “But we’ve got God!” There were three or four doctors in the room, and they all turned and stared at me like I was a kook.

Then I asked Mac and George, “You know what he was doing this morning? He was outside breaking up concrete.”

Before I left, I prayed for each of them.

My almost 90-year-old mother went with me on one of the visits. We arrived at lunchtime, so we visited with some old friends and made new ones in the lunchroom. She later told me she felt a little overwhelmed and asked how I could do what I do. I told her, “God told me to do it, so I have to.” He not only gives me the strength to do it, but also shows me just how much He loves these people.