Legacy of a Tenacious Lady
“I feel that nursing home ministry is important because it is the last opportunity for people.” – Doris Abruzzi
Doris Abruzzi was middle-aged when she followed the Lord’s prompting for full-time ministry. Leaving her employment in New York City, she moved to the Midwest to take Jewish studies at Moody Bible Institute. As her Practical Christian Ministry she went to nursing homes which had a significant number of Jewish patients on Chicago’s north side.
When Doris joined Life in Messiah in 1995, she expressed her desire to continue nursing home ministry. “I also witness one on one at places where a conversation can easily be started – restaurants or shopping malls, etc. – or really just any place.” Planting gospel seeds was a delight for a woman with a heart for soul-winning.
But her love for the Jewish people and a passion for their salvation were the primary factors in her choosing to engage multiple times each week in a ministry which attracts few believers. After all, children are much more receptive to the gospel, and they have their whole lives ahead of them, we reason. Old people are resistant to change. Many are hard of hearing, or forgetful. Some are cantankerous! And that “nursing home smell . . . .”
But God wired this diminutive “let me at ‘em!” Italian woman from New York for tough assignments. With her sincerity Doris won over the rabbis and social services directors who serve as gatekeepers. Her persistence in showing love touched those most battered by life. Her gracious engagement with even the most hard-bitten skeptics earned their respect and kept open the door for dialogue. Some who refused to join her Bible studies would wheel themselves close enough to hear.
And always they would hear the message of salvation through faith in the Jewish Messiah, Jesus. The gospel just naturally flowed out of Doris – even in her newsletters. “In Bible studies, I always emphasize salvation – no matter what we are discussing, it always goes back to salvation (Eph. 2:8‑9). Many people who ‘believe’ really think that salvation is to be earned. I explain the good works are our reward (after salvation) but not cause for our entrance into heaven.”
How does one persist, without complaint, in a difficult ministry for almost a quarter century? Two things stand out: passion and prayer. Doris loved Yeshua and she loved people. She yearned for their salvation.
Not only did Doris earnestly intercede for their souls, she enlisted a band of prayer warriors to pray for her contacts by name. And no one shouted “Hallelujah!” louder than did Doris when someone placed their trust in the Savior. In 2010 she reported, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised! I am so happy to tell you that Lillian, the Jewish lady who accepted Messiah Yeshua last month, is growing in the Lord! Lillian is always waiting for me and she is reading her Bible!”
On February 27, 2020 Doris entered into the presence of the Savior whom she loved. Doubtless she is enjoying fellowship with those whom she introduced to Him while here on earth.
In addition to the rich reward she stored up in heaven through her years of faithful service, to our surprise Doris left behind a sizable estate. Her lifestyle of personal frugality with generosity toward others meant organizations and ministries like LIFE would be blessed with significant gifts even after her departure from this planet.
On that day when our Lord rewards His saints, likely many will be surprised by the awards given to people like Doris. Never in the limelight, but always at her station, Doris faithfully demonstrated Messiah’s love and clearly taught the simple gospel. “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Written by Levi Hazen, LIFE Executive Director
Do you have a “Doris” in your life? Someone who faithfully labors behind the scenes, never seeking the limelight, humbly serving people not in a position to repay them? Why not take time this week to drop them a note of encouragement?
At LIFE, we are grateful for every donation, small or large. We recognize some are given sacrificially. We know of individuals who have postponed personal purchases or projects to give to the Lord’s work. We want you to know we are grateful! And we know Who ultimately values – and rewards – “the widow’s mite” given from a generous heart.
For those who have included LIFE in your estate planning, thank you. (And for those who have been “meaning to get around to it,” perhaps Doris’ stewardship will prompt you to take action this week.)