Girls’ Brigade in the Old Folks Home

What is compassion? Compassion is showing kindness and forgiveness towards others. God is compassionate. So is His Son Jesus. Jesus is a Saviour who cares deeply about people. He expects us to show compassion towards others , just as He did.

From 12th till 14th December, 2012, six pioneer girls from the 1st Petaling Jaya Company of the Girls’ Brigade in Malaysia showed compassion by rendering 25 hours of social service towards the elderly at My Father’s Home. The girls together with our advisor , Miss Lee Fuang spent three days and two nights at the home to complete our compulsory service. The purpose of the camp was to help us build relationships with those we served and to build good attitudes.

On the first day, we helped to push wheelchairs to their sanctuary for their thanksgiving worship session. After that, we performed drill, much to their amusement. The residents were delighted when we served them durian cakes and drinks . We spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning their sanctuary and a new home for future old folks. It was indeed a great and meaningful way to spend an auspicious day (12/12/12) .

The next day, we decided to spend some quality time with them by talking and sharing stories with them. Surprisingly , the old folks had plenty of stories to share too. It brought joy to our hearts when we saw their faces light up when we listened to them. As Christmas was drawing nearer, we helped to decorate their sanctuary. After lunch, we helped to push wheelchairs to the sanctuary because we had planned a special Christmas tea party for them. We started with praise and worship followed by our drill performance. We acted in a short drama based on 1 Kings 3:16-28 (King Solomon’s wise judgment), sang a song (The wise man) and played Passing the Parcel with them. They all received a mug as a Christmas gift. Food and drinks were served after that.

On the last day, we accompanied the old folks to Pavillion and Starhill Gallery located in Kuala Lumpur to see Christmas decorations. The residents were blessed and privileged when they were treated to a delicious lunch at Dragon-I. Indeed, we were all very tired but it was a rewarding experience and we enjoyed our time there.

As it is written in Psalm 86:15 , “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in mercy and truth.

Girl’s Brigade Old Folks Home Photo 1 – 8

SHARINGS

From this community service , I have learned that everyone has a story behind them. You just have to listen and from there , I have learnt to see life in a different perspective.
~ Khoo Li Ying (16 years old)

I’d love to go back to serve! Although I felt helpless at first towards the old people, then I realised that what I can do is to bring God’s love to them during their final years. Chores may be slightly tiring, BUT it’s the thought that counts!
~ Tan Hzu Shing (17 years old)

I feel that it’s a good experience staying in an old folks home and I learnt to be more patient as well as to be more compassionate.
~ Leong Jia Qian (16 years old)

I realised that community service is very important because it gave me a chance to give back to my community. Showing compassion toward the old folks gave me a sense of fulfilment. It was a humbling experience.
~ Ho Zan Mei (16 years old)

I realized how ungrateful humans can be, leaving their mum or dad all alone by themselves in the old folks home. All they wished for is to see their children again not knowing that they have already given up hope on them. I know when parents grow older, they may increase the burden of their children, but it is also the responsibility of the children to take care of their parents as parents have showered them with so much love and care. In this three days, I was given the chance to stay there and take care of them. My heart was overcome with sympathy for them. They spend their days meaninglessly there. I hope that society will change their mindset. Don’t think of parents as being troublesome, God will be upset as it does not honour Him.
~ Tan Hzu Lin (16 years old)

I didn’t realise God was preparing us to experience the true meaning of Christmas. I found it when we spent 3D/2N with about 100 old folks, many of whom were stricken with illness, lonely and helpless and hoping their children would take them home and for some they just passed their time aimlessly. The girls held back tears, some cried…. “My Father’s Home” ministry do wonderful work in caring for them, still ……. unanswered questions and heartache … We went home with a heavy heart and a helpless feeling and we remind each other that Jesus, who is full of compassion and love, is our only Hope! Christmas had come into our heart that day.
~ Lee Fuang

I felt that it was a very good experience because it was actually my first time pushing wheelchairs, talking to old folks and staying in an old folks home. I’ve also learned to be less selfish and more caring. I hope to visit the old folks home again some day! 🙂
~ Jacqueline (16 years old)