Nursing Home Ministry

Dear Family and Friends of Raymond Robert Junge,

Ray passed away this morning, July 22, 2008 at 7:21am. He went peacefully in his sleep and up to the very end never complained of any pain.

Ray was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in January of this year. Just the month prior to learning of his diagnosis he had a very memorable Christmas as for the first time in years (actually the first time ever), the entire family was all gathered together in one place (wife, sons, and grandchildren).

Shortly after learning of the diagnosis he went through Chemotherapy and for a time the Chemo was able to arrest the growth of the cancer in his lungs but unfortunately in early June it was discovered that the cancer had spread to his brain.

Ray went through radiation treatments to arrest the growth of the tumors in his brain but before the treatment could be completed, the tumors spread to his spine and he became paralyzed. Through it all he never once complained. Despite the paralysis he was able to get out and on several occasions he was able to visit his friends at the Elk's club and on two Sundays he was able to play the piano for the nursing home residents at Cotesmore where he was a chaplain.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm on Saturday July 26th, 2008 at Harbor Covenant Church, 5601 Gustafson Dr. N.W., Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 (final arrangements are still being made for the exact time and place so if you plan to attend, please check either the Tacoma News Tribune obituaries, or check with the family).

Ray requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Nursing Home Ministries:

NHM
PO Box 22246
Portland, OR 97269

503-771-4154

The following is the page Ray Maintained for his ministry for many years and is left in his memory

In 1975 Nursing Home Ministries was incorporated by Rev. Paul Sweeney, Rev. J. Franklin Dodson, and Rev. Leonard Martin. We have since become recognized by the States of Oregon, California, Washington, and Idaho. A board of directors, consisting of Christian businessmen and ministers of the greater Portland Area directs, governs and guides our organization.

Through commissioned Chaplains, volunteers, and many other workers we are gaining access to and ministering in hundreds of care centers throughout the Pacific Northwest. There is much work to do, and many centers yet to reach, but with the faithful support, help, and prayers of our workers and constituents we are steadily making great progress.

Statistics show that 85% of care center residents never receive a single visit from friends or relatives!!

We truly care about the elderly in the many facilities in our country. The ministry has been designed to provide "Person-to-Person" support and care to the elderly.

1. Chaplains. We recruit, train and commission Chaplains to serve in the care centers. These Chaplains hold Bible classes and minister to all who would desire such service or ministry.

2. Volunteers. We train people from various churches to visit on a one-on-one basis. We also try to assist churches in making this ministry a vital part of their overall outreach program or church-wide ministry.

The Literature Ministry. We provide large print Bibles, Scripture portions, and many kinds of devotional books. The residents of the care centers are greatly helped and encouraged by this, especially those who cannot move or travel by themselves. This ministry continues through the donations and funds received from our supporters.

Practical Helps. The many Mission Circle Groups, other volunteers and gifted individuals sew, craft, and make lap robes, bibs, and a host of other hand-crafted items. These donated gifts are treasured articles enthusiastically received by the shut in residents we serve.

Currently there are millions of elderly people residing in nursing homes and care centers across America. We now have representatives serving in more than two dozen cities in four states. As God provides, we will continue to minister across the country.

Chaplains, volunteers, faith supporters, and people who will pray daily for our staff, workers, and the elderly are a continuing need.

The help, gifts and prayers from God's people are our only resource. Everyone in the organization is responsible for raising their own support. Less than 10% of all gifts goes into the general fund for the operation of the organization. Our books are audited annually and our Board of Directors receives detailed reports quarterly. We are approved by the IRS as a non-profit organization.

We can assist you and your church to effectively minister to this great mission field of the elderly.