In October at Emmanuel, we have a tradition of sharing our “Emmanuel Stories.” These are stories of impactful ministry that our members share during the sermon time. Lois Bohnsack shared this story on Sunday, October 4th:
Ann is my favorite. Oh, that doesn’t mean I don’t like Robert, Nell, Rosa, Jimmy and all the
others, because I do. But for some reason, Ann is my favorite. Maybe it’s her winning smile, or
maybe she reminds me of someone I used to know. She’s the first one I greet, and I always ask
if I can give her a hug before I leave. Does Ann know me? Sometimes I like to think there’s
a slight recognition. But realistically, I’m sure no matter how many times I walk in the door, it’s
the first time she’s ever seen me.
You see, Ann and all the others are residents at Meridian Center in the memory care unit. I met
these folks when Emmanuel along with St. Michael’s initiated the Remember Together program
a year ago this month. The objective was to brighten the residents’ day, to break up the
monotony of their day, to enrich their lives. But you know what? It has enriched mine! When I
see someone delight at completing a puzzle, or intently coloring a picture, smiling or laughing
when a balloon falls on their head – I am blessed and realize that we’re having an impact –
making a difference. These are special joys.
It’s also been a joy to get to know and serve with my team mates here at Emmanuel and St.
Michael’s. A great group of people to be sure. If you would like to brighten someone’s day and
make a difference, then come and join us. The effort is minimal, but the rewards are great.
I’m not surprised that Emmanuel would begin a program like Remember Together. For one of
our core values is Community. There’s a big difference in believing in Jesus and following
Jesus. To follow Jesus, we can look to Matthew 25 for guidance. Jesus said, “I was hungry,
thirsty, a stranger, sick, naked, and in prison.” Then Jesus praised those who answered those
needs to the least of these.
To me, interacting with the memory care residents is responding to Jesus when he says, “I was
in prison and you visited me.” Not that the doors are locked and they can’t leave – even though
that is the case – but because they’re imprisoned by a disease that’s erasing their memory.
Emmanuel’s interest in serving the community is expressed in many other ways – Open Door
Ministry, Communities in Schools. And last year, Elaine, Pastor Ethan and I attended a
dinner/presentation by the Barnabas Furniture Bank. Knowing of this organization was useful
when one of my neighbors asked for help.
Gary, my husband, and I live in an independent living community. Our neighbor in the next
apartment is 99 years old. Joseph is a very interesting person and is mentally sharp.
Unfortunately, his body reflects his age. With limited mobility, most of his time is spent in a
wheelchair, so he is unable to attend church which – as a retired minister – has always been a
vital part of his life. Every Sunday I’ll pick up an extra bulletin and take it to him. In this way
and through our conversations together, Joseph has become familiar with Emmanuel and our
activities. Another handicap for him is that he is very hard of hearing – especially over the
telephone – where even when he can hear, the words are often garbled.
He was making some changes in his apartment and wanted to donate his bed to Habitat for
Humanity ReStore. He called them but was unable to understand the woman on the other
end. He told me what he planned on doing and then asked, “Lois, would you call them for
me?”
“Of course,” I answered. “I’d be glad to.”
So I called the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in High Point. But the call didn’t go through. I
called again thinking maybe I dialed the wrong number. Still nothing. I tried the Habitat for
Humanity Restore in Greensboro. If I remember correctly, it rang but no one answered, and it
never went to voicemail. I tried a second time thinking again maybe I had misdialed. Same
results. Needless to say, I was becoming exasperated!
I said, “Joseph, through my church I learned about Barnabas Furniture Bank. They will come pick up your bed, sanitize the mattress, and donate it to a family in need. Would you like for me to try them?”
He stopped, looked at me, and said, “Your church is really involved in the community; aren’t
you?”
I smiled and said, “Yeah! We are. And I like that.”
And I think Jesus likes that too!
Oh. Barnabas Furniture Bank came and picked up the bed.