FCC Member Brings Joy to Local Health Care and Rehabilitation Center

FCC member Merry Beth Henderson loves to spend time with those she calls, "men and women who live longer." Given that passion, it is hard for her to see the difficulty that can come if and when someone has to be relocated to a healthcare facility on a permanent basis.

Deciding that she wanted to bring a little joy to some of those who've found themselves in that situation, Merry Beth applied for a wholeness grant. The grant allowed her and some co-workers to go to Brownsboro Hills Heath Care and Rehabilitation Center. One of the reasons she chose that site was because a large percentage of the residents there have very low incomes.

The grant paid for items such as t-shirts, personal hygiene items, and other gifts - all of which was given to each resident. More importantly, the grant helped Merry Beth put together a great experience that was filled with hugs, laughter, stories, games, and heart-felt connection. As you can see in the above video, it was a wonderful day!

Merry Beth tells the following story behind why she chose this ministry:

I was raised in Henderson, KY. On our block was a row of houses that women who had never married or were widowed lived in. My family help take care of each one. We raked leaves, shoveled snow, delivered groceries and did any tasks that needed to be completed to make their lives easier. We were told by our parents that we could not accept any money that they offered as most were on fixed incomes. What we were showered in was love, these ladies talked to us, they knew what was going on in our lives. They listened to our stories and adventures when we were happy and they sympathized when we are sad and wiped our skinned knees and our tears. These women contributed to our self-esteem, built our confidence and help to watch over us.

When I was baptized at the age of 15, my parents did not attend but my dear lady friends were there. It is because of these dear ladies that I loved, that I want to cater to the “people who live longer”. With much respect and endearment, I chose this project in honor and memory of Aunt Irene, Maam, Mrs. Tillotson, Miss Scott, Mrs. Towler, Miss Katie and Mrs. Hall. You may be gone but never ever forgotten.

Thank you Merry Beth, for this great ministry. You have indeed honored those you have mentioned above!

The wholeness grant used to fund this ministry was made possible through your faithful financial support of our church and its ministries and help fund a variety of efforts to make our world a better place. You can find more examples of those efforts or apply for a grant to make the world a better place by clicking here.