Aged care chaplaincy ministry certainly has its rewards. None more so than when you connect momentarily with a person who is experiencing the debilitating effects of dementia. Today's simple handshake and the offer of a smile following our mid-week church service led one of our non-Salvo residents to recall a time long ago in their experience when a uniformed Salvo provided them a welcomed reception and some much-needed assistance.
Though our encounter lasted no more than 5 minutes, it clearly had a profound effect on both of us ~ he in his personal remembrance and I for the opportunity of focussed conversation.
One thing he said still echoes in my mind ~ "No matter where you go in the world, Salvationism is there, without fail and without discrimination, to welcome people. When I travelled the world as a seaman, I always went to worship at The Salvation Army on a Sunday, because I knew for sure that there would be a universal welcome."
In moments like these, I'm certainly proud to be called a Salvationist, but even more so, to be called a Child of God!
2 Chronicles 30:9 (MSG) ~ "Your God is gracious and kind and won't snub you ~ come back and he'll welcome you with open arms."
