Victor Onukaogu
Patient Care Technician , OBH Interfaith
A Song of Gratitude and Purpose
"In all honesty, I count myself truly blessed to be a part of the OBH Choir. In a company and organization with thousands of workers and only a few choir members, I feel deeply honored that God chose me to be among them. I thank God sincerely for the opportunity to serve Him through my voice at OBH.
As the Psalmist David said, “I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord.” When I first heard about the choir, my heart was filled with joy because singing is something I genuinely love to do. Singing itself is a gift, but singing to glorify God, honor Him, and bring joy through that gift is what truly makes the difference. That is a blessing beyond measure.
I began singing at a very tender age, from children’s choir to adult choir, and I have remained a member ever since. Music has always been an integral part of my life. It was truly a great pleasure singing alongside everyone at OBH. In each person, I saw love, passion, and genuine joy in singing praises to our Creator, and that alone became a great source of motivation for me.
Singing to the people, especially the patients, moved me deeply. There were tears, some tears of joy and others of remembrance of the good old days and of how good God was, and still is, to them. One clear example was the elderly woman who followed us around because she remembered those precious days. It was evident that she still carried the passion and love for singing praises to her Creator, and that joy radiated beautifully from her.
There are so many lives that were touched, even if we may never fully know how many. Yet God opened our eyes to see that we should count ourselves blessed. It was only by His grace that we were able to come together and honor Him, not because we were the best, but because we were chosen. I pray that the purpose of being chosen will continue to manifest through us, that as we sing, healing will be released and souls will be won for God.
As I reflect on the outing, I truly did not want it to end. The love and unity I witnessed among us was beautiful to behold, and I pray that it continues to grow even stronger. It reminds me of the saying that whatever has a beginning must have an ending. We started well, and we ended well, and I strongly believe that next year will be even better.
I would be remiss if I did not express my heartfelt gratitude to the person and the people whom God gave the vision to organize this event and who faithfully obeyed. Thank you for your obedience, dedication, and service.
I also extend my sincere thanks to the management of OBH. God bless you all. Thank you to all group administrators and my fellow choristers. May God continue to use us all for the glory of His name and the growth of His Kingdom. Amen.
God bless everyone at OBH. God bless OBH leadership. God bless OBH in its entirety. May God replenish all that we gave, our time, effort, and service, as we poured ourselves out in love and obedience.
Nilcee Kitani Schneider
Reiki Practitioner for the Medically Fragile Young Adults
Rutland Nursing Home @ Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center
“Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be in a choir, but never got the chance, and now, being a part of the OBH’s choir group, my wish has finally come true.
In this group, I met not only colleagues, but new friends, and the positive energy flowing whenever we meet is very inspiring.
Music is a constant source of energy that creates an amazing universal connection. Through melody, rhythm and harmony, even without words, it proves our shared humanity.
To see smiles on people’s faces as they hear the music being sung or played is so uplifting to me.
I am very happy and grateful to be a part of this amazing community.”
Sharon Ramlochan
Nursing Department, OBH Kingsbrook
" PRICELESS!!! Being able to reach the hearts of all we perform to, as we do each time through sacrifice and love. We practice and show up! To see the joy on faces, from patients to staff, melt our hearts tells us it’s worth it—so yes, it’s priceless!!!! "
