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Koinonia Senior Care

A faith-based ministry enriching the lives of homebound seniors, caregivers, widows and our community who reach out to them.

10 Gifts

Living with Purpose, Resolve, and a Smile – 10 Gifts from Grandma
July 29, 2013 (Grandma’s memorial service)

Over the past 12 years with Grandma & Grandpa, I have learned a lot about aging and the social, spiritual, and significance needs of the elderly. This has been the inspiration behind Koinonia Senior Care, a ministry that encourages families, churches, and the Christian community to be involved in the lives of the elderly God puts in their path. Whether a caregiver needs respite, an elderly person needs transportation, or a lonely widow needs fellowship, we are each called to serve and honor our elders in our family, our church, and our neighborhoods. Grandma believed in this ministry and supported us as we got it up and going. She has been my biggest fan and we dedicate this ministry to her. THANK YOU, GRANDMA, FOR THESE 10 GIFTS!

-Christine Brisco-

The gift of beauty.
Dress for your man. She seldom left her bedroom each morning without being fully dressed and make-up on. She thought it a sad thing to see women who “let themselves go” after they marry. Even 8 years after Grandpa died, she still dressed for her man.
The gift of play.
Take time to play & recreate. She & Grandpa spent 17 years as winter Texans in their early retirement years. And together they watched the Kansas City Royals on television. Even after Grandpa’s death, Grandma continues to watch her Royals.
The gift of touch.
Sometimes the elderly go days without human touch. Don’t let that happen! Whether it’s lathering them in lotion, holding their hand, giving them a back rub, or sharing a hug, give the gift of touch. Grandma loved her hugs!

  1. We have two little boys next door who just moved. Every time they saw Grandma they would run to her and give her a hug.
  2. One of Mom & Dad’s fondest memories happened here in this church 3 Sundays ago. It was Grandma’s 1st Sunday back to church after her 21-day hospital visit. People were lined up to give Grandma hugs. She beamed and lived on that for days as she shared how special that was.
The gift of a hobby.
  1. Oil painting – she made these in her earlier retirement years.
  2. Quilts – goal was to make each of her great grand-kids a quilt. My 10-year-old. Abby has been wrapping herself up in her quilt the past two weeks to bring comfort as Grandma was passing.
  3. Puzzles. This was something she shared with her great-granddaughter, Hannah
The gift of a smile!
Grandma lived with a contagious smile. Did you ever notice her golden tooth? That was Grandpa’s favorite! Many years ago the dentist wanted to put another covering on that tooth, and Grandpa refused. He loved the golden tooth on Grandma.
The gift of pets.
Pets bring responsibility and a reason to get up in the morning. Pets bring companionship and joy. Our dog still looks for Grandma…
The gift of daily purpose.
Sometimes our first instinct is to do everything for the elderly. I learned from Grandma that she finds joy and purpose in helping out and using her homemaker skills. She would fold our laundry, clean the dishes, bake bread, and at Christmas time, make her Peppernuts for the neighbors and church friends.
The gift of TIME and presence (visitation).
  1. Grandma so enjoyed the visits from people at church. Stan & Bill. You’ll never know the joy your visits and prayers brought Grandma through the years. Thank you!
  2. When Grandpa was alive & not able to get out, one year a group of you from her church came caroling to my grandparents. Touched them so deeply. Precious memory!
  3. Grandma enjoyed the visits from neighborhood kids. They would always acknowledge her and say, “Hi Grandma! How are you today?”
  4. Grandma enjoyed every chance she could get out and visit others. She would make her bread and go visit June & Woody. Every week I would take Grandma over to our friend, Margaret’s house. My girls, Margaret, Grandma and I would play games, share stories, and have pampering days…She would have done it more if she drove herself, so I would have to add the GIFT OF TRANSPORTATION to my 10. Take the opportunity to bless someone who is not driving anymore with the gift of transportation.
The gift of prayer.
At home we have a monitor where we can hear Grandma if she needs something. On several occasions I would hear her prayers as she went to bed. She was a prayer-warrior. She prayed fervently for her family and some relationships that needed God’s touch. She prayed for the salvation of each family member. She prayed specifically for her church, pastor, SS teacher, this country, our military, and the many special prayer requests that came through. She was a prayer-warrior.

  • Betty Clevenger – thank you for being faithful at calling Grandma with prayer requests from the church. It made her feel included in the goings on at church and to have a time to connect with you meant a great deal to Grandma.
The gift of generosity.
Grandma & Grandpa were givers of their time, talents, and treasures throughout the years. I continue to hear stories of their generosity to this day.They never wanted others to know – they just quietly gave. As God blessed them, they blessed others.

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Testimonials

Dear Caring People,
I so appreciate your organization and your example of true Christian love.

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Marsha   
Marsha   

Dear Caring People,
I so appreciate your organization and your example of true Christian love. The newsletter is full of inspiration, encouragement, beautiful writing, and good ideas. Our elderly certainly deserve all the TLC they can get and I believe that those who care for them will be (and are) richly rewarded by God. Thank you!

My life would have been so different these past five years if it weren't for

...more
D'Annette   
D'Annette   

My life would have been so different these past five years if it weren't for the ministry of Koinonia. Thank you for the many countless ways KSC ministered to my mom, and therefore, me.

Your visit not only made my day, but also my Christmas, too....The girls...have come several

...more
Mrs. N   
Mrs. N   

Your visit not only made my day, but also my Christmas, too....The girls...have come several times and always bearing gifts....You don't know how thrilled I am, that my 4th grader still remembers me. There's no greater gift for a teacher....thanks for being so thoughtful!

Fondly,

Thank you so much for taking Richard to get his vaccine!! You are a tremendous

...more
Teresa   
Teresa   

Thank you so much for taking Richard to get his vaccine!! You are a tremendous help and blessing!!

The January KSC Connection is an absolute saver!! I especially love the chosen scripture verses

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Marylyn   
Marylyn   

The January KSC Connection is an absolute saver!! I especially love the chosen scripture verses for 2020. Trust me it really speaks to us who have hurting backs, legs, knees, feet - whatever! Keep up the Lord's work and my thanks to all involved.

Thank you for all you do for me – I so appreciate having younger friends.

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Ruby   
Ruby   

Thank you for all you do for me – I so appreciate having younger friends.

Dearest Friends,
Thank you so much for all that you have done and your kind

...more
Donna   
Donna   

Dearest Friends,
Thank you so much for all that you have done and your kind thoughts you've brought in to my life. You all have made such a different in my days before now and in this move.

You're dear, dear people and you are pleasing God, I know. I wish health and peace for you.

Fondly,

The Premier Designs "Heaven" necklace is so well thought out and was certainly an "appropriate"

...more
Maude   
Maude   

The Premier Designs "Heaven" necklace is so well thought out and was certainly an "appropriate" gift from you--thanks so much!

Dear Gwendolyn and all of your helpers,
I wanted to send a note to thank

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S & D   
S & D   

Dear Gwendolyn and all of your helpers,
I wanted to send a note to thank you so much for the Easter Lily plant, the sweet familiar hymn, the thoughtful egg with the prayer quilt, and the visit from the kindest Ann. It really means a lot to us to be thought of. We miss attending Sunday services at our home campus so much, but we do enjoy attending the online service each Sunday morning.

I know it takes a lot of time, work, and planning to do something like this. We wanted to let you know how much you all are appreciated for your kindness. You all are very special.

Sincerely,

The neglect (of seniors) is unintentional but so painful. And preventable. As always, it just

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DM   
DM   

The neglect (of seniors) is unintentional but so painful. And preventable. As always, it just takes a small heart change, but those are so difficult to accomplish and maintain. Your reminders and nudges are gentle and positive and needed!

Thanks! Kyla is such a gift during such a chaotic season.

Lindsay   

We want to express our appreciation for KSC. It truly is labor of love. I

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Emily   
Emily   

We want to express our appreciation for KSC. It truly is labor of love. I can't tell you what it means to have His light shining in our home each time someone comes. It fills me with the sweet aroma of Christ. Thank you for all your labor as you do so much. the blesing gifts are such a thoughtful personal touch. We loved reading the recent matters of the heart. Our caregivers are such a gift.

You are truly a blessing!! Thank you for your help in getting my sister to

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Unknown   
Unknown   

You are truly a blessing!! Thank you for your help in getting my sister to her appts. It is very much appreciated!!

I really enjoy receiving the newsletters and seeing what the ministry is up to and

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Deserae   
Deserae   

I really enjoy receiving the newsletters and seeing what the ministry is up to and just the stories that you guys share. It's so enlightening. Thank you for all that you guys do!

Thank you for all you have done for us. I could not have made it

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Jack & Jean   
Jack & Jean   

Thank you for all you have done for us. I could not have made it through this initial period without your love, concern and most of all your prayers. I am sure I will need your love as time passes on.

God blessed Jack & I when he put you in our life.

Love,

Koinonia Senior Care serves a needy and deserving group of seniors who have often outlived

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Mark and family   
Mark and family   

Koinonia Senior Care serves a needy and deserving group of seniors who have often outlived their support or fall victim to lack of support from those who have become "too busy." Your group's care for our parents was critical in maintaining their quality of life through love and care...Thanks again for all you do and the Spirit of Christ's love in your service.

Thank you for all the visits, treats, phone calls and delicious pumpkin bread from Nancy.

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Joyce, Bill, & Ruby   
Joyce, Bill, & Ruby   

Thank you for all the visits, treats, phone calls and delicious pumpkin bread from Nancy. It is appreciated more than you know. Blessings on you and your volunteers.

The support Koinonia has provided is evident by how much calmer and less frustrated she

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Gwendolyn   
Gwendolyn   

The support Koinonia has provided is evident by how much calmer and less frustrated she seemed going into this set back. I love how you communicate with the care givers.

Christine,
Thank you for your kindness, information and assistance at a time when I needed

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Sharlet   
Sharlet   

Christine,
Thank you for your kindness, information and assistance at a time when I needed it so very much. Dad and I both think you are a very special person fulfilling a special mission.

Your helpers are wonderful. I treasure them.

Karen   

I would love for everyone to have the heart for senior adults that Koinonia Senior

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Pastor Jeff Isaacs   
Pastor Jeff Isaacs   

I would love for everyone to have the heart for senior adults that Koinonia Senior Care has for senior adults. This ministry is a wonderful example, and reminder, for all of us about the importance and value senior adults have in our society, and most importantly in the eye of our God.

There is a reason that grandparents seem to be the most loved family members. They have been the foundation, the constant source of encouragement, wisdom and love to those who call them by the coveted title “grandparent”. They have done so much for their families, for our communities, our world and our churches.

We all have a God-given responsibility to help encourage and care for those who have been the founding builders in our lives. I encourage you to partner with Koinonia Senior Care and help make a difference in the lives of those who have made a difference in all of our lives.

Riverlawn Christian Church

I really appreciate the Blessing Gifts. I can’t get out and go to the store

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Eleanor   
Eleanor   

I really appreciate the Blessing Gifts. I can’t get out and go to the store for thank-you gifts or appreciation gifts, so these make some inspirational, thoughtful, and scriptural gifts for me to pass along and happily share with others who touch my life.

The family would like to thank Koinonia Senior Care for the compassionate assistance Norm received

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Sauder family   
Sauder family   

The family would like to thank Koinonia Senior Care for the compassionate assistance Norm received from Christine, Sharlet, Bunnie and Emma. He hired you to be his “cooks” but you became dear friends and your help made it possible for him to live independently in his home.

We want to thank you for the loving care you have given our parents over

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Don and Phyllis   
Don and Phyllis   

We want to thank you for the loving care you have given our parents over these last months. You have enabled them to stay in their home for much longer than they could on their own. Thank you for your love, thoughtfulness, patience, gentleness, and professionalism. You are like family to them and us!

Dear Christine, our sister in Christ Jesus, Thank you & all your volunteers for the

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Gary & JoAnn   
Gary & JoAnn   

Dear Christine, our sister in Christ Jesus, Thank you & all your volunteers for the prayers and help during our families need with Diana. God bless you & all that you do.

Thank you for the thoughtful gift of Peppernuts. Truly appreciated knowing the reasoning behind the

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Delbert & Joy   
Delbert & Joy   

Thank you for the thoughtful gift of Peppernuts. Truly appreciated knowing the reasoning behind the gift. It was so gracious of Mary F. to bring it by; with a delicious lunch.

Love,

Thank you so much for all the food you brought over to us. It was

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Tina and Bette   
Tina and Bette   

Thank you so much for all the food you brought over to us. It was great not to have to think about dinner. Our bruises are fading! Thanks also for bringing the carolers, they brought a lot of cheer...thank you for the pretty poinsettia, too.

Love,