“Watch Out for the Old People and Help Them Wherever You Can”

Women’s Ministries Leader calls church to protect and honour the elderly during EnditNow Emphasis Day 2025

 

“Elder abuse in Jamaica is a significant underreported problem. Too often, financial exploitation, neglect, physical harm, and emotional mistreatment are experienced by those who deserve our greatest care. We must become advocates—watch out for the old people and help them wherever you can.”

That was the heartfelt appeal from Dr Lorraine Vernal, Director of Women, Children, and Adolescents’ Ministries for the Jamaica Union Conference, as she delivered the keynote address for the 2025 EnditNow Emphasis Day at the Braeton Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath, August 23, 2025.

The global End It Now initiative, observed by Adventists worldwide, raises awareness and mobilises action against abuse. This year’s theme—“Restoring Honour Across Generations”—placed the spotlight on protecting and honouring the elderly.

Drawing from Psalm 71:9,18, Dr Vernal reminded the church not to abandon the elderly but to support them in continuing to declare God’s power to younger generations.

 

 

“Take practical steps such as visiting seniors, bringing communion to the homebound, checking on their welfare, and assisting with home repairs,” Vernal urged members.

 

A Daily Commitment to End Abuse

In his charge to the congregation, Pastor Nevail Barrett, President of the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC), reminded members that EnditNow is not just an annual event but a Christian lifestyle.

“Violence is not only something we hear about on the news—it is right beside us, in our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and even our churches. As Christians, our emotional intelligence must guide us to respond with love, patience, and respect,” said Barrett.

He also emphasised the importance of honouring seniors:

 

 

“God is not pleased when we treat our seniors with scant regard. One day, we too will get older. Let us love each other, care for one another, and when we see violence or abuse happening around us, let us not turn a blind eye—let us step up, speak out, and stand up against it.”

 

Women’s Ministries Director’s Appeal

 

Adding to the call for change, Mrs Rox-Anne McKoy-Chambers, CJC’s Women’s Ministries Director, urged members to embrace EnditNow as a movement of compassion and advocacy:

 

 

“EnditNow is about creating a culture of compassion, advocacy, and action. It calls us to stand in defense of the vulnerable, to ensure that no child, no woman, no man, and no elderly person suffers in silence. As a church, we must be the hands and feet of Jesus—restoring honour across generations,” she said.

 

Community Outreach in Action

The day’s impact stretched beyond the church walls. A spirited street meeting in front of the sanctuary shared messages of hope and testimony with passersby, while select groups ventured into nearby communities with literature and prayers.

Rose Brown, a Braeton member who joined the street march, reflected on the experience:

 

 

“Being part of the march made me realize how important it is to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. As I handed out tracts, I felt I was doing my part to stand against abuse. It reminded me that every step we take together makes a difference for our seniors and our community.”

 

Restoring Honour Across Generations

The 2025 EnditNow Emphasis Day in CJC closed with a united conviction: ending abuse requires both personal responsibility and collective action. Once more the church reaffirmed its commitment to protect the vulnerable and especially to honour its seniors—ensuring they are not left behind, but celebrated as carriers of wisdom and faith for generations to come.