How It All Began
My involvement with the Seniors Kinship Group began about a year ago, when Pastor Adrian Lim and his wife Joyce suggested this ministry opportunity. 
I had been regularly attending Chinese Grace Bible Church (CGBC) for a couple of years and felt it was time to get involved by serving a fellowship group. According to the Lims, there was a definite need because this 12-person group had been mostly left to themselves to plan out their Bible study and social activities. As a result, they felt ignored and unappreciated at times. I was saddened to hear this, but wasn’t surprised given that in Western culture the elderly are often transferred to hospitals and nursing homes.
My Christian parents modeled a different way of loving and respecting the elderly within the traditional Filipino family setting. They supported their parents financially, providing a safe and valued place among their children and grandchildren where they could enjoy their remaining lives living with their extended family. This was the norm—perhaps even the expectation—of how Filipinos treat their elderly. Given my upbringing, I’ve always held a soft spot for the elderly.
I certainly had my reservations about committing to the Seniors Kinship. For one thing, I was very inexperienced serving this particular age group. I was apprehensive about personally connecting with them, given the big 40+ year age gap. In addition, I had imagined there would be overly high expectations of me. Pastor Adrian assured me that on the contrary, the Seniors were in fact very easy to serve. He challenged me to keep an open mind and to at least attend one of their Bible studies to find out for myself.
Soon enough, I was connected to Ed Wong, one of the group’s attendees. He explained that the Seniors Kinship would regularly meet in the Education Building the first and third Saturdays of the month. Ever since then, I’ve been an active member of the group. I have helped in facilitating the Bible study, hosting snacks, providing transportation, and planning activities. Looking back, Pastor Adrian was right! They’re very easy to serve; one just needs to be there with them—to fellowship and to study the Bible together.
What I’ve Learned
Seniors Kinship Social at No. 1 Buffet on September 17, 2016.
During the initial months of serving the Seniors Kinship Group, I thought I had the right attitude in serving, using my gifts with the assumption that I was blessing others. What a humbling experience! Instead, they were the ones blessing me! I have learned so many things from the Seniors Kinship Group. But if I have to sum it up into one word, it would be “Faithfulness.”
Merriam-Webster defines “faithfulness” as:
- Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, idea; loyal
- Consistent with truth or actuality
- Having or full of faith
Loyalty
The Seniors Kinship group is the most loyal small group I’ve ever known and attended. Their consistent and loyal devotion to one another is truly enviable. I found out during my first meeting that they have been faithfully meeting for over 30 years! I was so touched by their loyalty; even though their bodies are slowly deteriorating, they still make their best effort to see each other. Most of them have problems with poor eyesight and weak hearing. Some even need canes and walking aids. A few have failing memories! Still, they remain faithful. Their loyalty convicts me of my own selfishness and laziness; how I, though physically able, sometimes choose not to give time and priority to encourage others. The seniors certainly have been practicing “how to spur one another in love and good deeds… not neglect meeting together, but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Though physically weak, they are spiritually faithful!
Consistent with Truth
Moreover, the Seniors Kinship is faithful in studying God’s Word. I’ve sincerely enjoyed our deep Bible study discussions and can truly hear the wisdom behind their biblical knowledge, coupled with their rich life experiences. I’m constantly challenged and encouraged that not only do they know and love the Word, they also live it out in their lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. Even though there may be some occasional differences in theological understanding, they respect each other and unite in their common faith through Jesus Christ.
Full of Faith
Furthermore, I’m so blessed by the fullness of their faith. Over the course of the past year, the seniors have had their share of health problems; yet they remain faithful to God. They are strong and secure in their faith, full of hope and anticipation. I do believe that they’re ready and even anticipating that glorious day when they finally meet their Creator. I can only imagine when the Lord commends them, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). What an encouraging testimony of an enduring faith that is tested through time! They inspire me to continually “work out my salvation” (Philippians 2:12) and “to persevere in sufferings, which leads to character… and hope” (Romans 5:4).
Meant to Serve
Looking back, I do believe I’m meant to serve in the Seniors Kinship Group. With my cultural background, God created me to have this special affinity to the elderly. I suppose in my human and personal way, they help fill the void of the close relationships I’ve never had with my own grandparents. Both of my grandfathers passed away when I was very young, and since I constantly moved and lived in different countries, I never had the opportunity to be close to my grandmothers.
All in all, I do believe God shapes us for a purpose and that God will bring people into our lives to challenge us and to use us for His glory. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Seniors Kinship Group, who welcomed me with open arms. I love the Seniors Kinship Group! It’s been such a wonderful blessing witnessing and learning from their faithfulness.
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