Spotlight: Hope in our Care Homes

PARCHE is a registered charity, working alongside churches in Eastbourne. The letters stand for Pastoral Action for Residential Care Homes for the Elderly, and as the name suggests they provide teams to visit care homes and nursing homes. They offer worship services, one-to-one counseling for residents, training seminars for staff, special training for those visiting homes for people with dementia, and a selection of resources. The following is one example of the hope and transformation that their ministry can bring to the elderly.

Bill (not his real name), a nursing home resident, was depressed, withdrawn and sullen. The staff found him difficult and uncooperative. However, Bill was always present at a monthly service which was held in the lounge - although he refused even to have a hymn sheet, let alone take part! He was asked if he would prefer not to come, but always elected to attend the whole service.

The team that visited the nursing home each month always made a point of chatting to Bill, and the team leader in particular would try to encourage him and show him God's love and care. After many months, Bill accepted a hymn sheet and followed the words. Then a particular talk about forgiveness touched him deeply and he asked to speak privately with the team leader. This proved to be a special time where the Lord met him, forgave him, and lifted his guilt and depression. Bill was a transformed man.

The staff were amazed at his changed attitude and said that he was now a pleasure to know and to care for! For the next three months Bill joined in the times of worship with joy and then died quite suddenly. What rejoicing in heaven! There is Hope: each one is precious to God and nothing is too difficult for Him.

You can learn more about the work of PARCHE by visiting their web site at www.parche.org.uk.