Tuschen Church of the Nazarene in Guyana distributed 40 baskets of food to elderly families within its community this Christmas in place of its Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon. 

For the last five years, the Tuschen church has hosted a senior’s luncheon organized by the church’s youth. The COVID-19 pandemic made it more dangerous to carry on as usual, so the church altered its plans.

“Instead of having the senior citizens come to them, they brought the luncheon to them,” said Pastor Augustus Andrews.

The food baskets contained rice, sugar, flour, potatoes, onions, garlic, oil, and peas, among other items they may need. The items were all donated by members of the congregation.

“We are a mission-driven church,” Andrews said. “Please continue to partner with us in prayer as we continue to do the will of God.”

Traditionally, the luncheon is a celebration of the church’s elders. The youth would put on a concert and then give the elders a chance to share their own poems or special songs. Andrews said there are special prizes for people who have attended the longest and an award given for the oldest person in attendance.

“The leadership team decided that because of their contributions to the community, and in some instances the lives of the members of the church, that we would celebrate them,” Andrews said. “It’s always a joy to see their smiling faces.”

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region