The focus of the meeting was based on Malachi :6: “... And He shall turn the hearts of the elders to the children and the hearts of the children to their elders.” He said he had always heard fruit is always best just before it falls off the tree. He said he feels a directive from God to tell seniors, “God is not through with you yet.”
Tiffany Sawyer, administrator, welcomed the board members to the luncheon meeting and Dr. Jerome Boone offered prayer.
Caffrey led the introductions of volunteers, directors and leaders, who minister in various community projects.
Brenda Hughes of BICC announced an event to be at Johnston Woods for “You and Seniors.” And from July to September “Healthy Families” will be emphasized with August declared “Families’ Month.”
Reba Terry, director of The Caring Place, presented a special project she implemented called “Words from Our Elders — Stories of Faith.” The goal, she explained, was to “increase a sense of self-worth.”
To start off the project, she enlisted 10 young couples to interview and video-tape 10 older people. She said she felt it is important that young and old get acquainted, connect and share with each other. A book, “Words From Our Elders,” was made from the transcribed stories and interviews.
The seniors told how they had “steppingstones” — landmark events — which brought them to where God wanted them to be. One said he was so glad he was chosen for the project because so many elderly are “put out to pasture — not needed anymore.”
The responses from both age groups showed they felt it was valuable time together. “Everyone’s story is valuable,” Terry said, and the seniors’ comments told that their sense of self-worth increased.
It was stressed how much the wisdom of seniors is needed. Caffrey said he knew a minister who, when discouraged, would go to the nursing home, seeking out a special person and kneel in front of her for prayer.
As board members were drawn into Terry’s inspiration for the young/senior connection, it was observed that this should not be an isolated event, but a “lifestyle.”
