by Britney Weber
Senior Staff Writer
“With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.” Found in Job 12:12, this verse speaks of the elderly as a source of prudence and sagacity– ones to be honored. And yet so often these souls are left forgotten, and their stories and knowledge lost with them.
One PCI group has taken this issue seriously. Senior Adult Ministry, or SAM, seeks to bring smiles to these overlooked people, demonstrating God’s love simply by listening to their stories and spending time with them.
“One lady, Miss Mary, I think, called me Penny because of my hair, and she would always encourage us to stay faithful to the Lord- quite like a prayer warrior,” said junior Kelly Shannon, last semester’s president of SAM.
Shannon got involved during her freshman year at Bryan after a chapel announcement was made for SAM.
“I really love senior citizens,” said Shannon, “and they don’t get as much attention as they deserve.”
On a typical trip, students sing, play the piano, give hand massages or manicures and simply listen to the stories and advice of the elderly.
Sophomore Sonja Meberg, current co-president of SAM, expressed the blessing the ministry has been to her since she joined a year ago.
“I’ve gotten to experience a whole new dimension of serving God. It’s been a blessing to me to get off the hill and become involved in some individuals’ lives who are longing for some conversation, a smile, or even the love of Christ manifested in another individual,” said Meberg.
One of the group’s newest members, junior Bryce McGuire, is hoping to use his musical talents on trips to soothe and encourage the aged.
“I look forward to using music to show love to these folks. It’s definitely a language that transcends difference in age,” said McGuire.
SAM currently goes on up to two trips a week but will add more trips as they have more studentsmore students getting become involved.
As of now, nursing homes visited by SAM include Laurelbrook Nursing Home and The Courtyard, and ; SAMare is hoping to include Heritage Senior Living Home in the near future.
“It is the perfect time to share my joy and energy with the precious people there,” said junior Bonnie Fowler, co-president of SAM. “Many elderly individuals are worn out and weary. I want to be a light of encouragement to them.”