Soon-To-Be Student Life Mission Campers,
Because of some crazy mission project scheduling difficulties Student Life had at various camps this summer, they got our mission assignment to us later than normal, which is okay because we’re flexible, since our aim is to, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 1:1-3).
That said, this does put us in a bit of a time crunch, and I am very much wanting (and needing) your help. So, I’m going to tell you what we’re doing first, but only if you promise not to stop reading there. I need you to keep reading to figure out how you can help get us ready to minister effectively in the place God has placed us. And… here we go.
God has given us the responsibility of demonstrating what James calls “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27). We’re going to minister to the elderly, most of who are widows or widowers at The Arbor & Terrace of West Monroe. This means that we’ll encounter a tremendous range of health conditions, general alertness, etc., making ministry rather easy in some cases and extremely difficult in others. And this also means that we’ll likely function as a tremendous encouragement to people, some of whom, are very lonely and/or very discouraged. Further, this should provide great satisfaction for us if our aim is to honor Christ and make a big deal out of Him to the people we’re serving, both in the way we speak to them and act toward them.
1) Read.
- Matthew 25:31-40.
- James 1:27.
- A Generous Justice by Tim Keller (Chapter 1)
- How Do I Deal With Awkward Silence When Visiting Folks?
- What Are The Common Excuses Used To Neglect Visiting The Sick And The Dying?
- What Are Helpful, Instructive Ways To Ask For Prayer Requests During Visitation?
2) Think (i.e., Brainstorm).
How can we most effectively love on and minister to these people? Here are some ideas to help get your wheels spinning:
- Manicures for the ladies.
- Dominos.
- Have one of the residents teach us to dance… old school style.
- Going on walks with those who are able.
- Craft of some sort? Maybe a craft with cut-outs of things they love (i.e., pictures of family, flowers, mountains, beaches, etc.)
- Story time (i.e., we (us and the residents) tell our favorite childhood memories).
- Bingo.
- Bunco.
Send me your thoughts and let’s think through supplies, etc. I’m serious about this one. Formally entertaining the elderly is not my strong suit, although I’m excited to grow in that with your help!
3) Pray.
In short, we need God to give us genuine, patient, selfless love for the men and women at The Arbor & Terrace, we need God to open doors for us to tell the Gospel to them, and we need God to exalt Himself in and through us. Pray, pray, pray!
I’m excited and I hope you are, too! Holla at me with your ideas!
Looking Forward To Serving Alongside You Soon,
Chad
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