A while back, I connected with a Chaplain in Australia, Ben Roland. We both share a concern for mental health, while mine is more driven towards PTSD and veteran issues, the older I get, Ben’s focus on Dementia is something I am beginning to look into. Ben publishes a monthly newsletter and has written a book on the subject, entitled “Priceless People,” which is the inspiration for today’s post.
Priceless People May 2025 Newsletter
Although I’m still mending, I’m excited to share that Priceless People launches on 8 July! I’ve been working hard to use this opportunity to promote ministry among older people, and those living with dementia. This month’s newsletter is text-only — thanks for your understanding!
Opportunity
I am still seeking individuals to help launch ‘Priceless People’. Specifically, consider the following simple steps:
1. Email me and indicate you want to help launch ‘Priceless People’. I will then email you a soft copy of ‘Priceless People’.
2. Read ‘Priceless People’.
3. On the 8th of July, you purchase a copy of ‘Priceless People’ via Amazon, then immediately post a review and star rating on Amazon
If you want to help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Recent Media and Interviews
Here is some of my recent media appearances and publications that explore the importance of gospel ministry for older people and those with dementia. Feel free to listen, read, and share!
There were an additional five media/Interviews that I could not load.
Reflection on the Prodigal son (Luke 15)
As you can see from the list of advocacy activities, I have been working hard, but God has also been reminding me of the prodigal son, or more specifically his brother. The brother who worked hard and hoped hard work would earn blessing. The message of working hard to get ahead is also very strong in Western culture. God has been reminding me that while work is good (Genesis 2), Scripture links work and success (Proverbs 6:6-11); work is also dangerous!
Dangerous in that we can worship work, turning a good gift into an evil idol. There is also a temptation to credit our success to our work. For example, the view ‘I worked hard for 50 years and paid my taxes’ I deserve retirement and a pension’. Yes, God often uses our work to provide for our needs (1 Thessalonians 4) but ultimately it is God who provides and blesses us. After all who gave us the ability and opportunity to work?
As an ‘advocate’ for ministry with older people and people living with dementia I am called to work, in terms of thinking, writing and speaking but the impact of advocacy is subject to God’s will and should be about His glory.
Prayer points
- Please pray for my health, as I am feeling fatigued at the same time. I am trying to use the launch of ‘Priceless People’ to push hard about the importance of ministry with older people and people living with dementia.
- Pray Amazon will change the advertised cost of ‘Priceless People’, they have it at $35 when it should be AU$18. We have been chasing this for months, but they are very slow!
- Please pray for the launch of ‘Priceless People’.
Practical Principles for Ministry with older people and people living with dementia
Here are seven principles for ministry with older people and people living with dementia, which may be of interest:
- Short beats long
- Concrete is better than abstract. For example, it’s generally better to share a story from Jesus’ life in the Gospels rather than trying to explain the theology of Hebrews.
- Meet the person where they are, not where you want them to be.
- Engage all the senses (taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight).
- Repetition is powerful.
- Simple, never simplistic.
- Look and pray for opportunities, but don’t ‘force it’. We share Jesus’ love; we don’t coerce people into loving Jesus.
Breaking news!
‘Priceless People’ has now been printed, I have not held or even seen a photograph yet, but am excited – it’s now a ‘real’ book!
That’s it for now, folks _ Thanks for your continued support. As always, please feel free to share this newsletter and to reach out to me.
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