elder outreach @ G.S.S.M.B.C.
"The church of love on the grow"
inspirationThis project was inspired by one of my favorite people, Deacon Guinn. Our weekly Wednesday visits continued after the COVID-19 crisis, and I got the idea to bring groceries with me upon my visits. This grew into a project that would serve our elder community.
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project specifics
There are six senior members I have been helping each week by means of delivering groceries and toiletries (weekly) and occasionally running miscellaneous errands on an as-needed basis. Through this, I was able to enlist the help of each elder to assist me with the Prison Mail Ministry at our church. The Prison Mail Ministry is a letter and card writing ministry that serves those incarcerated to let them know that they are important, loved, and to offer them encouragement and hope. Each week we send out encouraging cards and letters to inmates across the nation.
community partner: H.O.T.E.l. ministry
Enlisting the help of H.O.T.E.L. Ministry provided each elder with groceries and toiletries on a weekly basis. I pick these up each Monday and deliver them to each elder I serve. Occasionally, a separate store trip is needed to pick up specific items not supplied by H.O.T.E.L. Ministry, and I pick these up each week when I do my own personal shopping.
recruiting help for g.s.s.m.b.c. prison mail ministry
Each week when I deliver groceries, I enclose 9 cards with pre-addressed, stamped envelopes that are then sent to inmates across the nation to lift their spirits and give them hope. We want them to know that they are important, and they are loved. This ministry is just one of many at G.S.S.M.B.C. that is designed to encourage the community and build relationships in order to work with the community, and not just for the community. Our mission statement makes it clear that our ultimate goal is to show the love of Christ Jesus to each and every member of our community, no matter who they are or what they believe.
my visits with deacon
Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of my week is Wednesday afternoons, when I get to visit with my dear friend, Deacon Guinn. These visits have benefited me in countless ways, the first of which is wise council. I have learned more from Deacon and the elders in my church than I have from any teacher or institution. I firmly believe that our elderly population is undervalued and under-appreciated, and I sincerely wonder if this will ever change. Nevertheless, my visits with Deacon are a treasure to me, and I am blessed to have him in my life.
unmet needs
This community is in need of individuals to visit with the elderly in our community, many of which are lonely and alone. This small act of love has a great impact and is far more rewarding than the (small) sacrifice of time. There are many assisted living communities and nursing homes that are in need of volunteers that can visit with someone in need. There are many ways in which to serve in this capacity. All it takes is a small sacrifice of time.
Our Prison Mail Ministry is always looking to expand our reach, and would also love to see more people reaching out to our incarcerated communities. To serve in this capacity is simple and time efficient, and you don't have to be involved in any church or organization. Even just one letter or card a month can make a difference.
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