All ages welcome

When I moved to Guatemala, I did it for the babies, the preschoolers, the kids, the adolescence, the teens. Basically, anyone younger than myself. Things have shifted a little bit just within the past few months.

The last Sunday of the month, I am starting to join a youth group in serving at a retirement home. Yes. A home filled with (most) over 70 years, with wheel chairs and walkers taking up half of the wide walkways, some hooked up to oxygen machines, and others waiting to grab an appointment with the onsite therapist or nurse.

A group of maybe 10 of us enter in the front gates to an open roof square, with most of the wheelchairs line up against the walls, while others are slowly walking around, soaking in the sun or following the visiting birds. We all walk our own path, taking time to have one on one conversations with those who live there, inviting them to come join us for service. Soon enough, we’ll create a train of wheelchairs, assisting in bringing everyone into the cafeteria for worship and a message.

They may weak, sick, in pain, or a mix of the three, but they can still worship! The cafeteria is filled with about 100-150 people ready to clap, sing along, and joyfully join us in praise. One of the pastors on our team will provide a 20 or so minute lesson for them, complete with stories, scripture and prayer for those who request it. There may only be a few hands lifted in the air for those who want prayer, but it is a powerful time for our team and the residents. Everyone can feel God’s presence.

We end the service with a glass of fruit punch and a snack before delivering the wheelchairs and their owner to their original spots. We take the time to clean and pack up before we make our last rounds of visiting. Sometimes, we have fun playing checkers and laughing out on the courtyard. Other times, we get to have real conversations with them, sharing scripture and inviting Jesus into their hearts and lives. With some memory problems, even if these conversations are with the same words and with the same people almost overtime we go, they are still receptive and open to learning.

At 75+ years old, they want to learn. They want to share stories. They want to be noticed and cared for. They’re just like kids in some ways, seeking attention, wisdom, and a listening ear. No matter how old they are, they still have the opportunity to grow or start a relationship with Jesus that will change their eternity, no matter how many years they may have left. It is eye opening to see these seniors for who they are, and to be able to give something back to them, as they have given so much for their children, grandchildren, maybe great-grandchildren, and their country. It is an honor to be a part of this team, giving our time and hearts to loving on and serving those who society sometimes overlook.