Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ who calls us to serve in his name.
This month, similarly to last year, I will focus on Ministries Month celebrated by the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA), Financial Literacy Month by St Kitts -Nevis, International day of Older Persons by the U.N. and Cancer Awareness Month. Today I wish to focus on the elderly.
Friday 1st October 2021 marked the 25th anniversary of the celebration of “International Day of Older persons" under the theme “Digital Equity for All Ages.” Here is a quotation that would help you to better understand the theme: “Digital Equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy. Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.”
According to an article I read, the celebration is for “raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly”. These include elderly abuse and senescence. Did I hear you ask what is senescence? It is ‘ the condition or process of deterioration with age.’
Another reason for the celebration of “International Day of Older persons" is that it is a day in which we should show our appreciation for the contributions that older persons make to our society.
How do we show appreciation to the elders in our church and our church society? There are several ways in which we can do so but here are some very simple ways:
Pay a visit to them and have a conversation with them about their life in society
Present them with a certificate, a gift or a simple citation highlighting the contribution they have made to society.
Give them an opportunity to share their experience and expertise with groups of young people within the Church, school and the larger community physically or virtually.
I encourage us as a church to find an opportunity to involve the elderly in some small way and to show them our appreciation for the contribution they have made and continue to make to our church and society. Let us hear the cry of the elderly in the words of Psalm 71:9 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t forsake me now when my strength is failing.
Love and best wishes to your wonderful family, from my family and myself.
Yours in Christ
Tyrone Hunkins
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