Seniors’ stories celebrate God’s work past and present
Pat Gerbrandt is quick to celebrate the power of story. As the author of Senior Focus, one of ChristianWeek's longest-running columns, she's heard quite a few.
A life-long reader, avid biography fan and published author, Pat first found out about ChristianWeek in 2005 when the editors approached her with an idea for an article. Senior Focus, a column focusing on ways older people are using their skills and passions for God, launched shortly thereafter.
"I've been very honoured to write it," she says. "I've absolutely loved doing it."
There have been a lot of favourites over the years, and Pat is hard-pressed to narrow it down.
There was the former pastor who now helps people through grief at a funeral chapel; the snowbirds who spent their time away from home volunteering, the lady who cared for 182 children over her lifetime, fellow writers, missionaries, teachers, and "ordinary" people like Peter Friesen, a gentleman who devoted his time to caring for his wife at a care home.
Someone once commented, "When an elder dies, it's like a library burns down," says Pat. "I'm as guilty as anyone for not asking my own parents and grandparents, my aunts and uncles their stories, and I can't go back and undo that. I want to validate our elders and also to learn from them. There's so much that they can tell us."
Many of her subjects are surprised to hear someone wants to tell their stories.
They ask, "Why would anyone want to know about me?" Pat says. "I give them the same answer. Everyone has a story to tell. Perhaps you can encourage someone else."
Sharing those stories is precisely why a publication like ChristianWeek is so valuable, she says.
"I've really appreciated ChristianWeek's demonstrated commitment to listening to those who have a little bit more experience in their faith walk. It's a beautiful picture of what the Church is," says Pat.
"It doesn't matter what age someone is, or gender or educational level or occupation or where we live. We're all valuable. God cherishes each of His creations and delights to work in us."
Pat believes in the importance of giving a voice to those whose stories may not otherwise be told, and staying informed on God's work in Canada and around the world. It's why she supports the work of ChristianWeek.
"I like the idea of a concise newsmagazine. I keep telling people 'Please read it, it helps us to be aware of what's going on.' None of us can be out on the beat getting all of the information, yet we need to be informed.
"We may not agree with everything, but need to know what's going on in our world if we want to be active and effective Kingdom representatives."
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