Members of the World Mission Society Church of God Visit Senior Center

Thirty members of the World Mission Society Church of God decided to start the New Year off right by paying a visit to the Grand Terrace Healthcare Center on Jan. 31. The Grand Terrace Health Care Center is a nursing facility that provides 24-hour care for the elderly. While the Health Care Center provides medical support, the church members showed up to provide a different kind of support: spiritual and emotional support. In the weeks prior to the event, the members met together at the church and rehearsed their program a month in advance, baked cookies and made clothes to give as gifts. With everything prepared the members showed up the Center on Sunday with the goal to brighten someone's day. “Though surgery and medication can heal illnesses, nothing lifts a spirit like a warm hug and some gifts,” said Church of God Volunteer, Joanna Caraig. To members of the Church of God, volunteering at senior centers is not a thing of the past. Paulina Sanchez, who also volunteered for the event, said, “People are still people, and when we’re down it always helps to know that someone cares and to have a shoulder to lean on.” Rafael Gomez, the Activities Director for the Grand Terrace Health Care Center explained the necessity of volunteer activity. “What I try to do is to make sure that the resident’s day is getting made, every day. A lot of the residents, we know, don’t want to be here, they’d rather be home, but they have to be here because of the doctor’s orders. These activities are for bringing back good memories. They can take their mind off of their condition. They can take their mind off their rehab and they can focus on the things that make them happy.” The hard work by World Mission Solemnity Church preparing for the event paid off as all of the residents were left with a big smile on their faces.