Hello! If you’re new to my website, I’m Nostalgia. I have my full Christian testimony on this page if you’re interested, but at this point in time, I’ve been playing for 2 different churches for over 2 years. I initially played guitar to help a charismatic church plant in another city, and then picked up the ocarina to help serve at a local church that only played hymns. After gaining confidence on my newer instrument and learning to read sheet music more fluently, I started memorizing hymns so I could be ready to play whenever the time calls for it. That then led to this idea of playing hymns for individuals or groups outside of the church, especially for the sick, elderly, or dying.
The Power Of Music In The Bible
I think many Christian musicians don’t realize the full power or potential of what we do, so we don’t always take it seriously, nor dedicate it fully for God and His purposes.
My spark started in late August 2025 when my pastor preached a sermon called ‘Bring Me A Minstrel’. In 2 Kings 3, Israel was in a lot of trouble as they prepared for a war but couldn’t find water. One of them called on Elisha the prophet, and Elisha then said “But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.” I had yet to re-read Kings in detail (and there’s just way too many stories in those books), but this was the first time I really noticed God’s presence being drawn to music itself.
My pastor also referred to 1 Chronicles 25 that says “Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals…”. Again, I didn’t even know that music could be used to prophesy in that way. His sermon ended with encouraging us all to sing louder, and clearly stating how music changes the atmosphere, can heal the sick or brokenhearted, and how there is a sermon in a song.
Now, I was aware of how music and instruments were used and scattered across the bible, the most famous being when David played the harp for King Saul and the evil spirits that were tormenting him left. Another famous scenario is when Israel marched around Jericho with trumpets, and on the last day, the walls came tumbling down. A lesser referenced story is from Acts 16, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”
What I also want you to notice is that none of these scenarios take place within a church, temple or synagogue. Many of us only hear Christian music at church or in the comfort of our own homes, but who knows what kind of ministering or healing power could happen if we brought these same songs to those who have yet to know God, or those who are isolated from their brothers and sisters due to illness or disabilities…
Why I Wanted To Start This Service
As I meditated more on the scriptures above, and how God could use consecrated musicians to bring about healing, spiritual warfare, and prophesy, I just felt like I could be doing way more with my musical talents or gifts than just playing a handful of songs on Sunday. I work from home and have a pretty flexible schedule, so I certainly had the time and potential to serve more in this regard. I started memorizing a list of songs before the year ended just to ensure I was ready and prepared to play more spontaneously (like the minstrel Elisha called), but I still wanted to rest and prayed about the idea, just in case I was getting ahead of myself.
I was aware that hospitals, care and retirement homes, and hospice care facilities would bring in musicians as music has many benefits (improved memory, energy boost, connection), but when I thought about the threads and articles I previously read through, it was always about secular musicians playing secular music. And hey, I get it. Especially in a multicultural city like my own (Toronto, Canada), they need to play music that anyone at that facility can enjoy. Just like how a Christian wouldn’t care to listen to Hindu music, I can understand that it wouldn’t be fair to subject people to music that contradicts their faith, or lack of it.
And while I’m sure some secular musicans wouldn’t mind taking on a Christian song request, it wouldn’t have the same power or effect that it would if it were performed by a consecrated worshipper of God. David was able to cast out demons through his playing because God’s spirit was within him. After Jesus rose and gave power to His disciples, a few other men tried to cast out demons out of a crazy man, and they replied “Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you?” (Acts 19:11-17). It’s not just about playing Christian music, it’s about the heart of the worshipper and God’s anointing on them. Not to mention, it wouldn’t build that same connection knowing the one covering the song doesn’t even believe in what they’re playing.
I’m already grieved to know churches are hiring non-Christians or worldly Christians to fill in roles for the sake of a full band (and I’ve been a witness to that at my previous church), but I would only feel more bothered and vexed to think that, my brothers and sisters who are already so isolated and going through a lot physically or mentally may only be subjected to secular music. While I’m sure secular music can have a positive effect on unsaved individuals, I know how that same music can vex a believer, as they won’t have the same views on where to receive joy, comfort, and meaning in life. Thank God we are in a generation where we can access recordings of music, but anyone can tell you that a live performance is different, and more so if it’s personal, if someone was serving you face-to-face through music.
There aren’t a whole lot of Christian musicians to begin with, and I’m sure many are too busy working and serving in church, and others may be too occupied writing and performing their own songs, but even if I’m just one person, I hope I can help provide soul-soothing songs to this neglected group of brethren. I was initially planning to play in-person for groups at these facilities, but going virtual means I can play more frequently for anyone around the world. I also love the idea of personalizing my services to the client’s needs, like David did for King Saul.
So How Does This Work?
Once you or your loved one are sure you would like to hire me to play for you, you would fill out this form that will help me understand the clients current state, along with their needs and desires regarding this service. This includes things like their age range, any mental or spiritual struggles, if they enjoy talking or would prefer to just listen, and a bit of their spiritual or religious background.
It would help me a lot to know if I’m playing for your dying elderly mother who grew up catholic and rejected the faith 40 years ago, VS talking to a person around my age who is born again and truly loves God, but is just going through a hard time and feels a little discouraged and alone. They may also not be Christian at all, but you’re hoping the music will touch them and help them reconsider. The more I know in advance, the better I can cater to them.
After you fill out the form, we would discuss any further details if necessary and confirm a date/time. After that, you would make your full deposit via PayPal or Ko-Fi (I can also take e-transfer if you’re based in Canada). After that, depending on how we decided to meet (Facebook, WhatsApp, Zoom, etc), you would ensure your side is set up on your device at least 5 minutes beforehand, and we’ll get started. 2-Way video is the default, but you can also let me know if you would prefer it to be 1-Way (my camera on, their camera off. I understand that not everyone wants to be seen at certain times), or audio only.
While my main objective is to play as many hymns as I can during this time, I am quite attentive and will go wherever the session leads me. For example, if the client is actually quite talkative, and seems more excited to share their testimony or sing to themselves, I would allow them to do whatever is more comforting to them. If they are a seeker or a ‘prodigal son’, and they start asking me questions about the faith, I’m more than happy to answer theological questions, and ready to share verses that may help them draw closer or return to God.
If we end up having a deeper discussion, as long as my job doesn’t need me urgently, I’m more than willing to stay on a little longer to teach or minister to them, at no extra cost to you. My main mission at the end of the session is to ensure they feel uplifted, encouraged, and blessed.
My Music Playlists
Initially, I was just going to list all the songs I memorized, along with songs I was familiar with, so you can choose whichever ones you wanted; however, I know we won’t remember all the hymns we know, and you may desire too many for the timeframe. So to simplify the process, I have created 5 playlists from the 62 songs I have chosen to memorize. These are songs that I know sound beautiful on my instrument and are sure to bless the hearer. The playlists are divided by genre or mood, and have 14-16 songs: Traditional, Melancholic, Joyful, Contemporary, and East Asian.
TRADITIONAL includes all the classic hymns that are in countless hymnals and have been sung by almost every church, such as “Amazing Grace”, “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing”, “Great Is They Faithfulness”, “Jesus Paid It All”, and “The Old Rugged Cross”. The playlist has a nice blend of encouraging, joyful songs and thoughtful, melancholic songs. This is a safe choice for the elderly who may not care for newer songs or for anyone who you’re not sure what music they would prefer at the time. [Listen to the songs here].
MELANCHOLIC includes the slower and more meditative classic hymns. They’re great for someone who wants to meditate on God’s goodness and promises, and for those who just need a safe place to process their emotions, or grieve. The bible tells us that there will be trials and tribulations (John 16:33), and to bare one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Ecclesiastes 7:3 also says “Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better”, so we should allow one another space to feel whatever they are feeling. This list includes hymns like “Abide With Me”, “As The Deer”, “I Need Thee Every Hour”, “Just As I Am”, and “Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”. [Listen to the songs here].
JOYFUL includes the happier sounding hymns of the bunch. They’re great for when someone feels discouraged or going through a scary time, but they are looking to lift their mood and restore their hope in God. Psalms 100 starts with “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” We know that God inhabits the praise of His people (Psalm 22:3), so we can feel God nearest when we choose to rejoice regardless of our circumstances. This list includes hymns like “A Shelter In The Time Of Storm”, “Glory To His Name”, “Jesus Loves Even Me”, “Learning On The Everlasting Arms”, “Love Lifted Me”, and “Sweet By And By”. [Listen to the songs here].
CONTEMPORARY refers to newer hymns and songs that have taken the church by storm. They tend to have a more Western or Pop like song structure (Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus), and they have simpler, catchier lyrics that may replay in one’s head well after the song is done. They are great for people who grew up in more modern churches (those that use full bands, or who like to sing new songs) and include songs like “10,000 Reasons”, “Above All”, “Give Thanks”, “Goodness Of God”, “Here I Am To Worship”, “His Mercy Is More” and “You Are My All In All”. [Listen to the songs here].
EAST ASIAN is a unique one, but I feel it is more than necessary considering their population. I’ve been listening to Japanese music since I was 12, and I made a band and blog to help promote their music. I was also introduced to Kpop music when I was 16, so East Asian music is dear to my heart. It’s been interesting digging for their Christian music as they use a sound that is familiar to them, while also singing about their own struggles and experiences. Chinese Christians are regularly persecuted and oppressed in their communist, surveillance state, and Japanese Christians feel alone and isolated since only 1-2% of their country are of the faith. So while the West may sing more songs about how good God is for providing our needs and coming through on our prayers, they tend to sing more about the peace and comfort they find in the presence of God, along with their desire for others to know God too so we can all be united. I’ve made sure to include some of the biggest hits from each country, such as “You Sit On The Throne (你坐著為王)” from China, “Flowers ( 花も)” from Japan, “Jacob’s Blessing (야곱의 축복)” from Korea, “Many and Great” from the Philippines, and “Come Holy Spirit” from Singapore. I’ve also included a couple Western hits that has been translated into most of their languages like “Give Thanks (大いなる方に/거룩하신 하나님/獻上感恩)” and “Still (静まって知れ Still/주 품에/安靜)”. [Listen to the songs here].
While these playlists are created by songs I have memorized, you are free to swap songs from another playlist as desired. Each service also comes with one FREE optional hymn of your choice from anywhere else. I can’t memorize the 1000s of Christian songs out there, but I can certainly learn and practice your favourite hymn before our session. The only requirement is that the sheets for the hymn must be available on Hymnary.org so I can jump right in to learning and practicing it.
Final Words
If you’re interested in my service, please check out the main service page here as it has the full playlists along with an FAQ section.
If you’re interested in surpporting my mission/ministry, any words of encouragement can be sent to chromaticdreamers@gmail.com, and donations can be made on my Ko-Fi page.
Thank you for reading to the end. God Bless!~