Day 22 (Sunday 29 August) - Caring for the Elderly

by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer

Manjeet had served faithfully as a clerk in the Government all his working life. He longed to see the day of retirement but when it came and the days turned to months and then years, he became restless and anxious as his EPF savings started dwindling and his children contemplated putting him in a home. Today, like Manjeet, many senior citizens face a grim reality. A survey of 65-year-old retirees found that many had exhausted their savings (70% of EPF savings were spent within 10 years ) and were dependent on their children who in turn are shirking their responsibilities. Many idle away their time worrying and gossiping in coffee shops, food courts, stock markets, courting China women. Some like Manjeet have begun to cry out to the Lord, "Now that I am old and grey, do not abandon me" Ps 71:18.

Reflection: Psalm 71:9, 16-18. Ask the Lord to forgive us if we have shirked our responsibilities towards our elderly parents, if we have not understood their needs and have been impatient with them.

Prayer Points
■ Ask the Lord to strengthen family ties, commitment and responsibility and that children will care for their elderly parents.
■ Bless all senior citizens in the Body of Christ that they will use their remaining years to serve Him faithfully, impart, nurture and give godly advice to the younger generation.
■ Church to equip and integrate senior citizens into the various church ministries and that there will be avenues for them to reach out to other retirees caught in worry, doubt, fear, aimlessness and loneliness.
■ Effective government policies to be implemented for the well being of elderly, disabled persons. To subsidise the rising cost of healthcare, food, housing for senior citizens, establish well-run homes and to find ways to utilise them in nationbuilding efforts