As
Director of Senior Housing and a pastoral minister in the United Church
of Christ, I have become increasingly aware of the oppressive vulnerability
of the frail elderly. I cannot ignore the desperate cries of people I have
visited--comments like: "If God exists, he sure never helped me." "Jesus
is a fairy tale." "My life's hell now." "I just don't believe in God anymore."
I believe the church has an important responsibility for helping people
find meaning and hope in their twilight years. What we see in America is
Christian mission in our own back yard.
Christian mission offers Christ to those without hope. Many of the frail elderly, particularly those from other countries and other cultures, lack the knowledge and resources to negotiate the complex social systems that we have developed to substitute for more traditional forms of home care by families. American culture presently offers none of the eastern world's respect for the aged. With the cultural youth focus in America, one in mission to the frail elderly must be vocal and act quickly on behalf of this vulnerable group as they face this world's final life passage.
Many American churches cling to the concept of foreign missions even as we move into the 21st century. In the greater Danbury area, the growth of multi-cultural minorities have brought those "foreigners" into our back yard. In a population of 300,000, there are more than 45 languages represented and Korean, Cambodian, Greek and Hispanic churches are on the rise. Our accustomed world view, mindset and frame of reference is being challenged daily. I believe many traditional churches in America are so preoccupied with the postmodern changes in our culture that God's Spirit can't guide them. Certainly in New England, the religious culture seems stagnant--not so much an agent of mission as its' focus.
In spite of its Christian beginnings, we seem numb to the gospel. Former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter said, "People who pray and believe in God are encouraged to keep it a secret and often a shameful one at that." In addition to the negative Christian atmosphere, federal and state budget decision have shifted priorities away from the frail elderly. However, with the growing American health care industry, churches have an opportunity to respond to the poor and long-term care recipients. Of course churches face hard decisions about their mission resources: educate youth, fight crime in infested urban areas, assist the homeless, focus on gay rights, racism, abuse, family dysfunction--or serve the frail elderly.
Around the edges of those smiling retirement travel ads, there are many fearful and forgotten people living behind locked doors. Euthanasia, living wills, age discrimination all impact the frail elderly. Crimes threatens all, especially the aged and infirm. Swindles and consumer fraud prey on the old and isolated. All of the social problems including education for youth impact the frail elderly in our society. What we see in America is an opportunity for mission at the stage of life when love and compassion can address the deepest questions of the human heart. The need is obvious!
In our area, 18 churches and two synagogues have begun a cooperative interfaith effort to reach this vulnerable population. We've developed an ecumenical healing ministry in local institutions, organized pastoral home visits, created a hospital chapel and chaplaincy program, developed a workplace Bible study and staffed a bi-monthly vesper service downtown. We are discovering new vitality in our own faith even as we reach out to the frail elderly in our community. I hope other churches will be encouraged to discover this mission field which exists in every city and town in America, because the need is great and the time is now!
Mary D. Patterson and her husband run the Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel CT.