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These are unprecedented times. With care homes restricting visitors to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus, if we were to focus on the negative, it almost seems as if all we have built in the last 5 years has come tumbling down.
But we know that God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This virus does not come as a surprise to Him. He is still in control, He still has the whole world in His hands.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” Now is the time to rise up and join together to support those in our communities that are vulnerable in health or by their age, those that are lacking essentials, those that feel isolated and those that are afraid.
Because of this love and courage we receive from God, we at Embracing Age are working creatively to show our love to elderly care home residents in other ways, to support care home staff, and to use our resources and volunteer network to support older people now isolated in their own homes.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
So we can confidently pray for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done.
Answered Prayers from January...
- We asked you to pray for Tina’s training sessions for new volunteers in East Molesey, Rowlands Castle and Richmond. Each session went really well and we hope these seeds will bear much fruit when care home visits are able to be resumed again.
- We asked you to pray for the showcase of our intergenerational drama project, 'Over the Rainbow', a musical performed by students from a local school to residents at a local care home based on the residents’ lives. The performance went really well and it was a delight to see the residents humming along and dancing in their chairs (you can watch highlights and interviews with the residents and pupils here). We thank God for His blessing on this project and the joy and new experiences it brought the residents and the students.
February Prayer Pointers...
In these challenging times, we would especially value your prayers for:
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Wisdom - to know how we at Embracing Age should respond in this situation, and to find creative ways to keep care home residents connected with the outside world when relatives, friends and volunteers can no longer visit, and for open minds and opportunities to help us deliver those new systems.
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Care home residents - that they would know God’s peace and his presence, especially those with dementia who may be experiencing confusion and distress over the situation afresh each day.
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Our volunteers - that they will continue their friendships with the residents they usually visit, through postcards, phone calls and other methods, and to bless and sustain them and their families through the challenges they will face in their own personal lives.
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Relatives who have been cut off from visiting their loved ones, either in care homes and now also in their own homes - that they would know God's comfort and peace, and trust in the Lord.
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Care home staff - that God will protect and sustain them as they face further pressure to care for some of our frailest and most vulnerable neighbours.
As you spend time with the Lord, praying and seeking him both over the requests we have made and in other matters in your lives this month, we make Paul's final greeting to the church in Corinth our prayer for each one of you:
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all," (2 Corinthians 13:14).
Thank you for continuing to support us!
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