Honoring of elders

Published 5:00 am Friday, March 23, 2018

‘With the aged is wisdom, and with long life is understanding.’ Job 12:12

Respecting parents of the faith, brings a promise

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16, New International Version.

Elderly People Inspiring Christians was the theme for the first E.P.I.C Honors at Believer’s Family Worship Center March 18. Sixteen people, including three “power couples,” were chosen by a committee and leadership of the church as those who continue to contribute their wisdom through attendance, on prayer lines and personal encounters whether in the church or around the community. 

“We get a lot of young people coming to the church but don’t always remember the elders,” Bishop Jeffery Archangel said, one of the honorees as well as senior pastor of the church. “They have stood in the gap in prayer for us and we’re trying to follow their pattern to let young people know we’re praying for them.”

Ministry to the elderly has always been part of Archangel’s ministry. Before he was called and appointed to lead a congregation, he was visiting the elderly in nursing homes. He continues that practice through the church but the E.P.I.C. celebration was focused on those still living at home and actively giving back to the church and community. Aged 65 and into their 90s, the 16 honorees were set apart for their inspirational giving.

“Prophetess Sandra Archangel preached a couple of years ago breaking down honor,” said Rev.  Gregory Daye, associate pastor at BFWC. “One group to honor is the elderly because of their life experiences and how we can thank them. Very few times in the Bible people went to the Lord on behalf of a parent, but we see so many where parents went to Jesus on behalf of their children.”

Members of the committee, Kathy Collins, Marie Davis, Roxane Martin and Tamara Daye, were in agreement that they were the ones blessed for giving honor where honor was due. Honorees included Bishop Jeffery Archangel Sr., Carolyn Batiste, Leona Charles, Ruth Davis, Lawrence and Wilda Daye, Annabelle Deal, Emma Gilbert, Golden and Vera Jackson, Verna Jones, Anna Ledet, Mary Jane Malveaux, Wesley and Marylee Wiltz and Elder Aurelia Worick.

“We can’t buy the wisdom we get from these people who have prayed, given us wisdom, given us direction, because our church has been so blessed,” said Roxane Charles Martin, a minister and worship musician. “We want to give them their flowers while they are here.”

As each of the honorees walked into the sanctuary March 18, they were pinned with a corsage or boutonniere. After Prophetess Archangel shared a message on not giving up, remembering what God said and keeping the faith regardless of what is seen, each member was recognized with a brief summary of their life contributions. As they walked from seats of honor, the song they chose as a favorite was played prior to receiving a plaque embossed with their name and the E.P.I.C. torch, symbolic of the way they pass the light of wisdom onto other generations.

“When we see these elders leading people, it blesses us. If they’re still coming here — some may have walkers or challenges, but they’re still here on Sunday morning, Wednesday evening, on the prayer line —  how about us that have our health,” said elder Marie Davis. “We look at them as real true mentors that motivate us to keep pushing for the things of God no matter what.”

Following the service and awards presentation, honorees were escorted to the red carpet area where a photo backdrop awaited for pictures to be taken with the leadership of the church, the Archangels.

“Almost everyone is still active, drives and impacts younger people who cling to them after service,” said Kathy Collins, chairman of the E.P.I.C. committee. “It’s the kind of love they’re looking for. They don’t have a problem correcting. Some of these younger generations are hard to correct, but when open to correction, they respond. Respect is earned and deserved. It makes us check ourselves.”