Article | - 3:34 pm
Combating Loneliness and Social Isolation in Elderly Communities
Caleb Group and Soul Winner Group Volunteers visited the Heritage Park Nursing Home in Bethany, OK, on June 23rd, 2024.
Oklahoma has over 16,000 residents living in nursing home facilities. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety are the most common mental health issues among older populations. Loneliness and social isolation are the primary risk factors for these issues.
With this in mind, The Universal Church created the Caleb Group to provide social, emotional, and spiritual support to the elderly in the church and the community.
Pastor Ismael, his wife Brittany, and seven volunteers of the Caleb Group and the Soul Winner Group, whose purpose is to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus through their communities among their neighbors, visited the Heritage Park Nursing Home in Bethany, OK, on June 23rd, 2024. The volunteers plan to continue the work, making it a part of their monthly schedule.
Fifteen seniors benefited from this event. Volunteers prayed for the seniors, shared the Word of God, and distributed the book In the Footsteps of Jesus. Female volunteers did a basic simple manicure on the ladies, and the male volunteers played Dominoes with the gentleman.
The seniors were delighted, and the nursing staff was grateful. One staff member commented that the residents barely have opportunities to hear the Word of God due to their conditions, and seeing the volunteers spending time with them shows how true believers ought to be with their neighbors.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)
The greatest reward is to see the salvation of souls—the transformation of lives of people who, upon hearing the Word of God, find salvation, peace, and rest for their souls.
If you would like to learn more about the Caleb Group for a family member or friend, would like to join the group, or support its next event or community outreach, please visit one of the locations of The Universal Church (click here) and speak to the pastor. You may also call 1-888-332-4141 for more information.
The Universal Church of Oklahoma is at 1712 N Rockwell Ave, Bethany, OK 73008.
