– Fresh Fruitful Friendships! –
The vision of ‘New Life Companions’ is one of budding Christian friendships and mini ‘Christ Embassies’ developing within and across communities.
The aim is to link church members who want to invest some time to befriend and support another church member or known Christian from their local community.
The time given could vary from an hour or, say, one afternoon a week, up to the more involved arrangement of sharing the home of either party for agreed periods. (See John 19:25-27).
It is particularly focused on supporting 3 groups of people in whom we’ve seen a great deal of untapped potential fruit to the Lord. These are:
- The Elderly – ‘Hoary Heads’
- Young Ambassadors
- Hidden Sons of Peace
The Elderly
(Proverbs 16:31)
There are a number of situations we have come across where individuals have accepted that conditions of frailty and / or disability frequently found amongst the elderly are not only going to worsen, but also are a reason to be resigned to a largely inactive life of ‘running down the clock.’
This, combined with a common mind-set of ‘not wanting to be a nuisance’ leaves many with little or no expectations of living fresh and productive lives.
Yet the word of God promises those who are committed to Him will ‘bear fruit in old age’ (see Psalm 92:12-15) as is shown by the many such examples in the bible. (eg Abraham and Sarah – Genesis 21:5-7, Anna – Luke 2:36-38).
If, and when, we coordinate sharing our time and resources in a focused way towards Christian companionship, we can confidently look forward to the fulfilment of God’s promises to bless our efforts. (One plants, another waters, God provides the increase – 1 Corinthians 3:6-9).
New Life Companionship for the elderly is centred around a three point plan:-
(i) designing a personalised ‘healthy living’ schedule for spirit, soul and body;
(ii) bringing out hidden skills and developing new interests for God’s glory;
(iii) nurturing and rekindling fellowship links with local brethren.
For more details about what each of these points could involve, plus ideas on how to encourage and coordinate church members to participate as New Life Companions, please email us at Simply Christian@mail.com to arrange to meet for an informal chat.
Young Ambassadors
(Titus 2:11-14)
The word ‘young’ here refers more to the young in the faith than biological age, though it may be both.
They are Christians who have been struggling somewhat with managing the running of their homes, perhaps due to lack of teaching in their earlier years, or otherwise.
They are however open to learn and to become givers themselves, and want to arrange their home in such a way that it reflects the culture of God’s Kingdom, as a mini embassy (hence ‘ambassador’!). (see Matthew 6:10).
Companions of Young Ambassadors would spend time each week helping their new friends to become accomplished in what it takes to run their home smoothly – from organising cleaning, cooking and ‘bargain’ shopping to handling a household budget.
Most importantly, they would help to set up a bible study culture in the home and commit to study and fellowship time together.
Little by little they would be encouraged to develop in all aspects of their Christian life, including outreach and hosting fellowship study and meals.
Companions should feel that they belong as family in each others’ homes, and may stay over from time to time!
For more details about Young Ambassadors ‘New Life Companion’ please email us at SimplyChristian@mail.com to arrange to meet for an informal chat.
Hidden ‘Sons of Peace’
(see Luke 10:5-7)
There are a number of Christians who are settled in their homes but would like to share with others for Christian companionship and encouragement in the faith and are not too happy at being alone.
Some are mature in age and have space for others to move in, but did not think anyone would be interested, least of all a younger person.
Others may be people who want to devote more of their lives to, say, Christian outreach and teaching but are doing soul-numbing jobs just to keep a roof over their heads. They are probably quietly getting on with helping people in the community, expecting nothing in return.
We believe that Church members and Christians in the community can do much more to provide companionship for those unaware of such opportunities to ‘pool’ their resources and grow their faith together. (see Acts 2:44).
Practically, a younger person can help out with some tasks around the home that might be becoming difficult for their elder friend, (and may be the answer in some cases to them remaining in a home they might otherwise have had to move out of). And many a ‘faith family’ elder has a valuable stock of wisdom to pass on to a willing ear!
In a society where young and old find little in common, there is great potential for the church to be a light to show that, in Christ, age is no barrier to deep friendship.
For more details about ‘New Life Companions’ and / or ‘Simply Christian’ please email us at SimplyChristian@mail.com to arrange to meet for an informal chat.
We Look Forward To Hearing From You!
Cross Carrying Christian 