Life and Justice Conference

Ministering to the Forgotten Generation

There is a story that needs to be told. It is the story about the most neglected people group in America. It is the story about the “greatest generation” that has become the “forgotten generation.”  It is the story of a generation that has given so much and now receives so little.

When I began a work with the elderly who reside in our communities care centers, I knew the need was great but over the years I have seen the need become so much greater. It amazes me that almost 85% of those who reside in our care centers DO NOT have regular visitors. How can we neglect our parents, aunts, uncles or our neighbors in such a fashion?  As you walk the halls of the care centers, you see wheelchairs lining the halls as the residents are sitting alone and feeling very forgotten.  Their loneliness should break our hearts and open our eyes to their pain.

As a nation, we honor those who enjoy the strength of their youth. Many of our elders may not have their youth but they have life’s experiences that need to be shared. In past generations, we were taught to honor and respect our elders. This outlook has become passé, and the downward trend of disrespecting and dishonoring the elderly has become the prevailing attitude.

I believe the churches in America are missing out on am important mission field.  Though many attended church they did not always understand the Gospel. They have many things hidden in their lives that keep them from becoming free in their relationship with the Lord.  The church can help them find the peace they so need before they die. They gave so much to our great Nation, now we need to give back to them.

Kay Owen

Crossroads Ministries