By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

LAPLACE -Many residents at Twin Oaks Nursing Home look forward to the religious services offered during the week. They are especially fond of the ‘Voices of Freedom,” a group of religious leaders from various area churches that visit twice a week to deliver their message.

The Rev. Kevin Frederick Sr., pastor of Israelite Baptist Church in Lutcher, is part of that group.

He became involved through the Rev. Vernon Alexander of the Greater New St. Peter Church in Edgard. Alexander was instrumental in developing the ministry program four and a half years ago. “He saw the need at Twin Oaks Nursing Home,” said Frederick. “God was reaching out to the elderly people.”

The founder then discussed his ideas with Frederick and five other men, all friends and professional acquaintances. The group, called the Voices of Freedom, was born. An additional member, Bessie Green, was originally minister of music. Green passed away last month.

The messages the men present twice a week are a highlight for many at Twin Oaks. Some residents verbally comment to the group, while others that are not able to do this, use their facial expressions and eye contact to show they are pleased with the service. “You can see it in their eyes,” said Rev. Frederick. “They have an appreciation for each of the messengers in our group.”

In addition to their work at Twin Oaks, the Voices of Freedom visit the St. John Parish schools with their informal ministry program. “We target at-risk students,” said Frederick. “If they grab hold of our concepts, they can become stable and productive members of society.”

Frederick believes that volunteering is a natural way of life. “This is giving back our fair share,” he said. “I feel volunteering is something we owe to society.”

He added that giving of his time at Twin Oaks is a double joy. “On our part, to come here; and on their part, to see us come. It is a service that we give to humanity – to bring to levels of fruitfulness and productivity – no matter what age a person is. We reflect what Jesus did. He reached out to the young and old alike.”

Voices of Freedom also assists Twin Oaks in other ways. On the Friday before Mother’s Day, they were companions to the patients as they traveled to a local restaurant for a celebration lunch.

The pastor feels that volunteers must have patience. This attribute has allowed him to deal sensitively with the residents of Twin Oaks, he added.

His advice to someone contemplating volunteer work is to be faithful. “Be ready to face whatever conditions that are there,” he added. “Hopefully, your donation will help change things. One person can make a difference.”

In addition to Frederick and Alexander, the other members are Harold Brown Sr., Frank Miles, the Rev. Robert Craighead, the Rev. George Williams and Pastor Willie Smith.