At the end of July, over 20 seniors and I went on a joyful outing to Whidbey Island for a whole day. Except for a few co-workers, we were all in our 60s and 70s, with the oldest being 92. The restaurant owner was surprised when he found this out during the dinner. During the outing, I had conversations with my co-workers about the things that happened during the pandemic years. We remember those who had passed away and those who wanted to join us on this trip but couldn’t, due to health concerns. We did our best to comfort them.

The Elderly Ministry may not be as visible as other church ministries, but there are always some brothers and sisters willing to serve the senior citizens with love, which is what we should encourage. Unlike in children’s, youth, or even family ministries, where growth can be easily observed, the impacts of the elderly ministry are not always obvious. We witness the decline of the elderly day by day. All we can do is encourage our brothers and sisters to show greater love and patience in serving them.

A few months ago, we started holding monthly gospel meetings at the Legacy House in Seattle’s Chinatown. Every time, more than 10 elderly people would already be waiting in the living room before the meeting started. We sang hymns, shared some words of God and testimonies, and had individual conversations with each. Although the time spent with them was not that long, it was special to these elderly people, who spend their days in solitude and loneliness. Their children have their own families and can’t visit them often, let alone their grandchildren living far away. Therefore, any caring from outsiders is considered an extra blessing to them.
I often wonder how I would feel if I were one of them and have younger brothers and sisters coming to care for me. I have been serving the Lord for over 40 years, and recently, when presiding over a funeral service, I imagined what it would be like if I were the one lying in there and someone else is preaching. When one day, the person lying there is you, how would you feel?

The author of Ecclesiastes said: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ’I find no pleasure in them.’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Youth doesn’t mean you are literally young; “find no pleasure” doesn’t necessarily mean being physically ill in bed, but being old and feeling lonely. “Remember your Creator” means remembering the meaning and value God has placed in your life. Will you, while still alive or even during the prime of your life, retreat back into your comfort zone and be calculating when it comes to serving in your church? Or will you live as a shining example, glorifying God and blessing others?
(Translated by Bob Tang)