Couple brings joy to nursing home, children’s hospital patients

Posted: 9/29/07

Couple brings joy to nursing
home, children’s hospital patients

By Jessica Dooley

Communications Intern

PAIGE—John and Dianne Jones have no easy answer for why they launched a ministry that serves patients in nursing homes, Alzheimer’s facilities and children’s hospitals in a three-county area of South Central Texas.

“I have no clue why we started, except God led,” Jones said.

Jones—now pastor of Ridgeway Baptist Church in Paige—and his wife, Dianne, started Disciples Mission Ministries two years ago.

Every week, they visit the nursing homes to share the gospel through old hymns and preaching. At the children’s home, they teach through music and storybooks.

They find special satisfaction in their interaction with Alzheimer’s patients.

“It’s a moment of joy when they realize that people do remember them,” Jones said. “Even if they forget about the visit in two hours, it’s still worthwhile, because for that amount of time they are able to experience joy in Christ.”

Now Disciples Mission Ministries is trying to expand its scope to help patients with transportation needs.

“We found out this was a big need when my wife broke her ankle, and we had a hard time getting her to the doctor appointments because I was at work,” Jones explained.

“It was in the waiting room that we were able to talk with other patients and discover they had the same problem with transportation issues.”

But limited funds, rising gas prices and the challenge of finding a vehicle with a lift have hampered their ability to meet that need—at least so far.

While they are facing challenges in expanding their ministry, the Joneses are grateful for the blessings they are convinced God has bestowed on them.

“I get so much love, so much joy and an incredible sense of peace,” Mrs. Jones said. “It makes you feel wonderful. I don’t know how to express it any more than this.”