As a pastor serving with the Elderly Ministry, I often officiate at funeral services. As members of the Seniors Fellowship grow older, whether they can personally attend the service when a fellow member passes away often depends on the location, weather, and their physical condition, let alone taking part in singing hymns. Therefore, when there are not enough members on the choir, I often invite church choir members or brothers and sisters from the 50+ Ministry to assist, singing together with members of the Seniors Fellowship so that, with the support of their companions, they may fulfil their heartfelt desire to bid farewell. There are also cases where the departed brother or sister had been frail or chronically ill, had not attended church for a long time, and did not have a specific fellowship or group, while their family members were not believers. In such situations, arranging a choir becomes more difficult. Yet, there are always brothers and sisters who willingly seize this opportunity to serve and bear witness to God’s love. In the past, some non-believing family members found comfort during the funeral service and were deeply touched when they learned that the brothers and sisters on the choir did not know the deceased, yet still served with one heart. They then began to connect with the church, learn about the gospel, and eventually were baptized and joined the church! There were also choir members who, though they did not know the deceased, were encouraged after serving. They learned that the departed brother or sister had remained steadfast in faith even at an advanced age, leaving a beautiful testimony among family members and even influencing them to believe in the Lord. Choir members often say that being able to participate in this ministry to honour respected elders fills their hearts with gratitude and a deep sense of privilege.

        A pastor once shared that she noticed a senior sister in her eighties who faithfully attended the Saturday prayer meeting every week. This sister served the Lord earnestly through prayer and often cared for the pastor, telling her that she prayed for her every week. Such thoughtfulness deeply encouraged the pastor, who gave thanks to the Lord for the senior sister’s faithful ministry.

        Indeed, serving the Lord does not necessarily require great talents. Small actions that can bring warmth to others and let them see God’s love are already great works for God. Last week at church, I met a senior sister who told me she was troubled by the fire incident in Tai Po. Although she did not know any of the victims personally, watching the news and hearing their accounts caused her to feel deeply sympathetic and saddened. After she shared her feelings with me, she said she felt much better. Sometimes, a simple greeting, a listening ear, or a warm smile can bring a touch of comfort and peace to someone who is feeling low.

        At this year’s Annual Church Member Conference, Senior Pastor Rev. Chow encouraged us to put into practice one “small act of loving others” in the coming year. Are you ready? What action will you take to express love? May God use our small actions and turn them into blessings for others!

        Postscript
We have learned from the C&MA Tai Po Alliance Church that the victims of the fire at Wang Fuk Court have sufficient material support for now, but what they need even more is care for their emotional and spiritual well-being. I encourage everyone to continue praying for them, to listen to and intercede for one another in your fellowship groups or small groups, or to use the cards prepared by the church to write words of encouragement and blessing to the victims as an expression of care and remembrance.