Would you "witness" to a .....

Of course.

My witness would be to take care of them, treat them with dignity, and help keep them connected with reality. In moments of lucidity, I would explain why I am going such a thing for them.

A "witness" is not a verbal sales pitch, but it is an natural expression of the life of God demonstrated in actions, attitudes, words, and patience.

I have worked/sat with a number of people with Alzheimer's/dementia over the years. It is very difficult since their brains seem to "reset" every couple of minutes.

 

I work in an adult day care as a clinical associate, so yes, I do. I approach it different ways at different times. Usually the conversation starts by a question asked to me by one of our folks there.

 

May God bless your work there brother.

 

preach the gospel to every creature!

 

Amen! No exceptions.

My father had Alzheimer's after preaching the Gospel for 60 years. In his last illness, when he checked into the hospital Mom was filling out the forms and asked him, "What shall I put for religion?" He answered clearly through his Alzheimer's fog, "I don't have a religion, I have a Savior."

 

I believe I have shared this before but it is relevant here so:


The first ministry I ever served in was the nursing home ministry for 4.5 years. There was one particualr place I went to every Sunday where I held as close a regular church service I could. We would sing along with a cd from a group that makes music cd's for that type of ministry. Then I would preach and I always gave an invitation. After I would take them all one by one to the dining hall to have lunch.

There was one lady who was always in one of those pvc wheelchairs with the bar across the front. It allowed her to navigate herself around the building without falling out. She was always on the move taking time every once in a while to rest. When you would try to talk to here she would have no facial affect. The lights were on but no one was home. When you spoke to here she never would respond in kind. It was difficult to know if it even registered in her mind that you were talking with her.

On one Sunday after the service and before I took them to the dining hall I asked them if any of them had prayed with me and asked Jesus in their heart. This same lady raised her hand. I decided to take her down to the dining hall last and I asked her again. At that moment it was as if she was mustering up all the strength in her body to look up at me and say with very big mouth movements "Yes!".

She then looked back down and I never saw her respond to anything again. I learned that day that God will reach into anyone's heart with the gospel.

 

Praise the Lord!! Great testimony of God's working.

 

"I don't have a religion, I have a Savior." What an encouragement to read this from bro. John of Japan. There are about eight special children in our touch, and we do our best to tell them and their families about Saviour Jesus Christ. I've got some images of them in fb profile.

 

Some of the best Christians I've ever known, including my father with Alzheimer's, were "special people" in this way. I know a Downs girl here in Japan named "Ai" ("Love") who loves Jesus very much and is as sweet as the day is long.