Dear en,
How encouraging it was to read in June’s
en Tim and Margaret Bruton’s article about the COGs (Carers for the Older Generation) group. I hope it will inspire other carers to begin similar groups in their churches. Access to all that support, information, experience and prayer can make a huge difference to the ability to keep going in what are often very difficult and emotional circumstances.
I wonder whether the COGs have considered opening up the group to unbelieving carers in their vicinity? What an opportunity to share the compassion and good news of the gospel! Would other church members consider working as carers to the elderly or disabled, to support the Christian COGs and to bring the love of God into unbelievers’ homes?
I passionately believe that this is an area in which Christians can shine into the darkness of our society. If we will not stoop to wash someone’s feet, who else will?
If you have COGs in your church, may I encourage you to be imaginative in supporting them? When they come home after a difficult meeting with Social Services or two hours spent feeding their parent with a teaspoon, how wonderful it would be to find that someone had cut the grass, or prepared their supper, or posted a bar of chocolate through the letter box! I will never forget the kindness of a Christian friend who brought round a casserole, a cake ‘and a new face flannel to wash your face when you’ve been crying’.
Yours,
