Church group urges families to care for ageing parents

A New Zealand church group has urged families to care for ageing parents, saying religious teachings and strong family values should encourage children to support their loved ones in old age.

Grace Redemption Ministries from Otahuhu, Auckland, visited the Golden Age Home in Labasa yesterday, donating wheelchairs, clothing and other essential items to residents.

The group said reducing neglect of parents and the elderly should remain at the heart of religious teachings and character development.

The 22-member delegation travelled to Fiji to hold its first donation and prayer session in Labasa.

Pastor Satendra Kumar described the visit as "eye opening" and said it was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of children returning the same love and affection shown to them by their parents during their upbringing.

Pastor Kumar said the Christian faith taught children the importance of obedience and respect for their parents, but in a fast-evolving world those values were increasingly being overlooked.

He said all faiths encouraged children to care for their parents in old age, but some people had become too arrogant to uphold those values.

Originally from Raranikawai in Labasa, the 44-year-old pastor said children accompanying the group were given the opportunity to learn about parental love, compassion and caring for the elderly.

Pastor Kumar said the trip was also designed to teach children that parents made enormous sacrifices and deserved the same love and care in return during their later years.

"Leaving your parents to stay at an age care home reflected poorly on the person's character," he said.

Pastor Kumar said the children in the group were learning how to continue meeting their parents' expectations as they grew older.

Senior pastor Reverend Rohit Lal told residents their lives continued to be valued and that compassion extended beyond family ties.

He acknowledged the staff of the Golden Age Home for their years of service to elderly residents.

"As I pray for you, I pray for peace and comfort in your remaining years and believe Jesus Christ, our lord and saviour will help guide you along this path," he said.

Pastor Kumar said the church group would host a three-day prayer crusade at Open Heaven Church in Labasa from July 9 to 11.

The group also visited Labasa Special School, donating a printer, printing paper and cooking utensils.