“Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation” (Psalm 71:18).
The Good Samaritan Rest Home and Elderly Living Facility, an institution of ASCENBRA (the Central Brazilian Field Conference), is located in the municipality of Padre Bernardo in the state of Goiás. It is about 21 miles (34 km) from Brasília, the nation’s capital. This institution was originally founded in 2003 in a remote location and was later moved to its current location in order to facilitate transportation for those residents requiring medical assistance.
Right now we have 30 residents and 12 professionals (nurses, nursing technicians, caretakers of the elderly and sanitation personnel). From the time the institution first opened, several new souls have been baptized as a result of learning the message during their stay as residents. The rest home accommodates many elderly church members who find themselves in difficulty or whose relatives are unable to provide them with proper care. There are also senior citizens sent by public institutions who refer people to this facility because of its quality.
We now have a major project under construction—a new facility measuring 21,226 ft2 (1,972 m2) dedicated especially to this important ministry. The new building is expected to meet the current demand and may even expand the number of residents of the rest home from 30 to 40. We will have new, more comfortable beds, more space for socializing, and a better structure in order for professionals to provide an even higher level of care.
The work is already in progress, but we are facing a big financial challenge since it is budgeted at about US$650,000. We believe that our wonderful God is at the forefront of this work and we urgently need the collaboration of our brothers, sisters and friends in order to bring it to completion. Therefore, for this first Sabbath offering, we ask that you please remember this noble branch of the welfare ministry being carried out by our church.
In confidence that we can count on you all, we express here our sincere gratitude.
The Good Samaritan Welfare Ministry, North Brazilian Union