AS the high winds blew and rain fell heavily last Sunday, there was clapping, dancing and sweet singing in the sanctuary of the Fairy Valley Wesleyan Holiness Church, at Fairy Valley, Christ Church.
Reverend F. Yarde, known for his dancing in the spirit and high notes of praise, joined with his congregation as members worshipped without reservation.
It was a special day, as the Wesleyan Women Ministry paid tribute to the seniors among them through song and dance to mark Senior Citizens Month.
The seniors were allowed to choose the worship songs for the morning service. As a result, hymns of yesterday were sung, including the upbeat Unclouded Day, Marching On and The Comforter Abides With Me.
Church member Brother Desmond Clarke was the speaker for the day. In his message, he urged the congregation to embrace the elderly.
Taking his main text from 1Timothy 5:17, he said elders who ruled [in the local church] should be counted worthy of double honour, particularly those who laboured in the Word and doctrine.
“Embrace, love and respect the elderly. Don’t throw them by the wayside. They still have a lot to offer,” Clarke said.
He reminded the congregation of the many sacrifices the elderly had made to provide for their households, and of the wealth of knowledge among them.
“By pushing them aside, we are pushing aside knowledge and history. There must be a good blend of seniors and young people [to take this world forward].”
Speaking specifically to the very young, Clarke said: “Look, listen and learn. You have not learned yet. Follow the wise and good instructions of the elderly.”
He reminded them that Samuel learnt how to listen to the voice of God through Eli’s mentorship, Joshua was the understudy of Moses, and Ruth was willing to commit to her mother-in-law Naomi.
Clarke pleaded: “Seek out those seniors who will lead you along the right path. They treaded the corn for us, now we must feed them. Find time for them; make yourself available to them and be patient with them.”
He said how we treated the elderly “will reflect on our account” when we stood before God. Likewise, Clarke urged seniors to respect the young.
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