In 2022, St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) launched the Active Ageing Centre (AAC) programme and invited Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran) (YCCL) to join in this meaningful initiative. This national initiative aims to transform Active Ageing Centres into vibrant hubs that draw seniors out of their homes, helping them stay healthy and socially connected. The heart of […]

In 2022, St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) launched the Active Ageing Centre (AAC) programme and invited Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran) (YCCL) to join in this meaningful initiative. This national initiative aims to transform Active Ageing Centres into vibrant hubs that draw seniors out of their homes, helping them stay healthy and socially connected. The heart of the programme is befriending. Offering social support to seniors over 60 through house visits, personal interaction, and bonding activities. SLEC operates three such centres in the Yishun estate: Chong Pang, Nee Soon Central, and Nee Soon East.

YCCL began our journey in the Chong Pang district, responding to SLEC’s request. Every Monday, our team went door-to-door, introducing ourselves to seniors. At first, we faced challenges as connecting with seniors was not always easy, and we struggled to find enough befrienders. But God heard our prayers! By 2024, our team of 10 church befrienders was making 85 visits each month. During home visits, our befrienders assess each senior’s overall well-being, offer emotional support, and encourage participation in SLEC’s active ageing activities. Beyond building friendships through conversation and activities like card games, we also share the gospel and pray for those who are sick or troubled. Over two years of community befriending in Chong Pang, we have built meaningful relationships with over 100 community seniors.

One of the first seniors we befriended was Aunty Suzie, a Buddhist. She loved to cook and often shared meals with us and participated in church activities. Deeply touched by the care and love shown by our befrienders and pastors, Aunty Suzie took a step of faith, received Jesus into her life, and was baptised last Christmas. Praise be to God!

The Lord also opened doors for us to invite seniors from Nee Soon Central to our church through activities such as Meridian Stretching Classes, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultations, Dialect Fellowship, and the ‘Care for Seniors’ programme, which offers free haircuts and lunch thanks to volunteer barbers. These activities attract 15 to 20 new community seniors to our church each month, and some have even started attending our divine services.

In addition to befriending, we support SLEC in community screening and outreach. With the active involvement of our Dorcas, Golden Moments, and Care Group ministries, we have successfully organised Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Christmas block blessing programmes (going house-to-house to share God’s blessings and present oranges as a symbol of goodwill). Through these efforts, we have been able to reconnect with seniors and introduce them to SLEC’s Active Ageing Centres.

This year, YCCL Community Befriending Group received the North West WeCare Volunteer Award for actively contributing to the care and health of the North West Community. The award, presented by Mayor Alex Yam, is a testament to God’s faithfulness and was a morale booster for our team.

We are deeply grateful for our dedicated church community befrienders who commit their Monday mornings to visitations and Wednesday mornings to activities for seniors: Laura Chang, Judy Sim, Jenny Kwok, Wilson Wong, Irene, Jascy, Suzanna, Geok Hoon, Kok Cheong, Geok Seng, Diana Ho, and Elenita.

Through God’s grace and the partnership with St Luke’s ElderCare, we continue to witness lives touched and transformed, and we look forward to what He will do in the years ahead.

This story was also published in the December 2024 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

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