Newsletter — February-April 2020

Clockwise from top left – Ross and Tammy enjoy visiting many historical sites; Lisa and Jonathan and family serve as tour guides; Grand-twins Evelyne and Isaiah love to “help” in the kitchen; Solomon, “Solo,” enjoys taking Grandpa on a treasure hunt; Ross leads a chapel service at a Christian ex-pat school; “Grammy Tammy” and “Grandpa Rossy” playing tourists

February-April 2020 Newsletter

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Hab. 2:14 (NIV)    

Family Update – Without a doubt, the highlight of 2019 for Tammy and me was our four-week trip to Middle East to visit our daughter Lisa, husband Jon, and treasured grand-children Evelyne, Isaiah and Solomon.  In addition to some wonderful family time and music-making, I was privileged to lead worship at the English-speaking Christian church at the Cultural Center and also lead a chapel service at the Christian expat school.   We were also able to visit some amazing historical sites and meet many of Lisa and Jon’s friends and co-workers.  On our last day with them, Lisa invited us to join her and Jon at a visit to her doctor to see the sonogram of the two precious baby boys she is carrying – yes, Lisa is expecting another set of fraternal twins in May!  With Solomon turning 2 in April and the twins turning 4 in June, they will certainly have their hands full and I am certain would appreciate your prayers for Lisa and the twins’ delivery, and for the assistance they will need for their growing and delightful family.

Other Ministry Visits – November-December 2019   

Immediately our return from overseas I had the opportunity to serve on Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) at Royal Oaks Retirement Community in Bradbury CA in their Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and Independent Living areas for one hour each.  Though these programs include a variety of musical styles, weaving both piano solos and vocals, there are invariably a number of requests for hymns and other sacred pieces.  This often leads to my being able to tell an inspirational story or two!  The incredible therapeutic power of music has been well-documented, especially in these wonderful facilities catering to folks in the twilight of their lives.  I have had many family members comment on what a difference these programs make in the lives of their loved ones – many of whom often feel lonely and disconnected — this is my opportunity to bring joy and happiness and hope into their day.  During December, I had opportunities to serve in four other communities similar to this one!

It was wonderful to make a return visit to South Bay Christian Church in San Jose, CA.  I believe this was the 20^th time to have been privileged to serve there in our 23 years of “State of the Heart!”  Our dear, long-time friends Pastor Mel and Barbara Dahlgren and Aletha and Brad Mann were delightful hosts and the dear brothers and sisters were so enthusiastic and encouraging as we worshiped together on the third weekend of Advent and as we enjoyed a Community Christmas Singalong that evening.  The following morning, I made a return visit to One in Christ Community Church in San Leandro CA and thoroughly enjoyed leading worship for Pastor Jun and Yolando Caranto and their beautiful congregation.  At both these venues, a delicious potluck was served and fellowship was excellent!

The weather cooperated the following December weekend when I traveled to Washington D.C. in order to serve once again at the Central Seventh-Day Baptist Church in Mitchellville MD and at Living Hope Christian Fellowship in Vienna VA.   I am so grateful to my hosts, Barbara and Dusty Miller and Sylvie and Torney Van Acker, for their hospitality, and to Pastor Dr. Lawrence Watt in Maryland, and Bonnie Edwards, Juanita Carlisle and Barbara Miller, pastoral team members in Vienna.  The rental car company graciously gave me a big Ford 150 four-wheel drive pickup truck for the price of an economy car, but thankfully there was no significant snow or ice that weekend and my 200 plus miles of driving went smoothly.

Ministry Contact Information

We are an established 501C3 California non-profit corporation and tax-deductible donations and CD orders can be done online at www.stateoftheheart.org or by calling 626-818-7113 or by writing to “State of the Heart Ministries” at P.O. Box 56, Sierra Madre CA  91024-0056

Ross’ Ministry Schedule – February-May 2020