|
Every three years we hold a seminar with our Management teams, the Trustees and some selected guests. This gives us all an opportunity to come together and reflect on our accomplishments and look for further opportunities that can be opened up to assist our elderly ones in the future.
The seminar took place in September and proved to be very different to any of the seminars held previously.
Brothers and sisters from eight different countries (some with established care facilities) contacted us saying they would like to be present at the seminar in order to make their feelings known to our trustees and managers and also update us on their achievements within their own countries.
At their own expense, a delegation arrived from each of the eight countries. Some presented visual and audio material to show how they are providing care in their respective countries with local support from brothers and sisters.
All gave reports on issues they were battling to overcome. For example, local authorities, purchasing of land, and the financial and legal complications of setting up a charity.
Some of the brothers present work in the legal field and were able to come together during the seminar and discuss ways to overcome such barriers.
As they gave their reports, at the same time fondly remembering the efforts of our elderly ones when they gave their all in the preaching work and serving Jehovah in their youth, it was very clear to all present that these brothers and sisters are determined to continue on despite setbacks that may come their way, be it financial or otherwise.
The theme of the seminar was based on the name Jah-Jireh and its meaning (taken from Genesis 22:14) and how that meaning has been kept to the fore in the UK. It means "Jehovah provides" or "Jehovah will see to it". The visiting brothers were reminded that we can only be successful if we rely on Jehovah and not on ourselves.
One of our trustees and one of the delegates were invited, as spiritually mature brothers, to present an item to encourage the managers that if they are going to be successful, they need to keep themselves focused spiritually and they need to encourage those who work along with them to do likewise. A number of ways were presented to show how this could be accomplished, including making every effort to maintain the family worship arrangement in the home and using the Bible as our textbook.
The seminar was an emotional yet stimulating occasion and as everyone made their way home afterwards all felt motivated to keep pressing on in caring for and loving those related to us in the faith and yet keep following theocratic procedures.
The board of trustees meet usually around three
to four times a year plus occasional meetings at
other times when needed. There is constant
communication between these trustees and our
office headquarters in Warton, near Preston.
These men, the trustees, set the policy for the
charity. They have the concern of the elderly
and infirm very much at heart. In fact, many of
them are well along in years. They realise what is
needed in caring for these dear brothers and
sisters and try their best to fill these needs.
Often, our work is hampered due to lack of
funding in this present economic climate. The
trustees are trying to encourage donations that
will enable charitable funding to be offered to
elderly ones in real need.
|
