By Kay Owen-Larson

“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.  They shall bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that God is upright; He is my Rock, and there is not unrighteousness in Him.” Psalm 92:13-15

I am a missionary to one of the most forgotten people groups in America.  You might be shocked and surprised to find that the group I work with are the residents of our communities’ care centers. The generation that was called the “Great Generation” is now called the “Forgotten Generation.”

Did you know that almost 85 percent of the residents of our care centers nation-wide do not have regular visitors. They are lonely, depressed and wonder where God is. They often feel neglected, forgotten and abandoned by families, friends and society at large but they should NOT be forgotten. Sister Teresa, while visiting a nursing home in America made this statement, “ There is a pain, far worse than hunger or poverty; it is the pain of being rejected.” The Lord’s heart is touched by the plight of the elderly in our nation and what touches His heart should touch ours.

We should ask ourselves this question, “What am I doing to reach out in love to the elderly?” So many need Christ as their Savior and there is no one to tell them. My heart is to “love on” as many of those as I can in this wonderful group while there is still time.

The elderly have led exciting and adventurous lives and there are many things we can learn from them. A100 year old man who lives in a local care center said to me, “Where are all the children? I have so many stories to tell and no one to tell them to.” Our elders enjoy having visitors, but they especially love to be visited by children with whom they can share some of their life stories.

We all lead full and busy lives, but the day will come when all of us will need extra love and special attention. Remember, what we sow is what we reap…..what are you sowing?

“Rise in the presence of the aged. Show respect for the elderly and revere your God.”  Leviticus 19:32.