Successful ministry often depends on the individual talents of many. For instance, consider the team from Mariners Church that visits the Seton Coastside long-term care facility in Moss Beach on the first Sunday of each month to minister to residents there. “We have testimonies, music and Bible studies and then we talk and pray with them afterwards,” said Barbara Cecil, who coordinates the outreach program with Ofelia Fazackerley. “Each person who comes adds their heart and their gifts to what they are doing.”
For example:
Jeff Bovero shares his poetry and his wife, Patrice, plays ukulele.
Joey Sales selects hymns and helps lead the residents in song.
Maureen Haberman enjoys staying after the program to continue visiting.
“This is a way that we can all reach out and touch people with God’s love, people who really need God’s love and his touch.” Ofelia said.
For Barbara and Ofelia, perhaps their most valuable gift to the program is perseverance. The ministry began roughly 40 years ago at another Half Moon Bay Church. Ofelia recalls participating at its inception as a teen-ager. Barbara got involved some 25 years ago and kept the flame alive for many years without a church sponsor. The two friends got reacquainted at Mariners and decided to team up to rebuild the ministry.
Evangelism is a key element of the program. “For those who might not know the Lord, there isn’t much time left. Just about every time we go we share the gospel. We ask them to ask Jesus into their hearts,” said Barbara, who added that several residents attend services at Mariners. “I think through the years I have seen changes in a lot of people, and that’s really encouraging.”
And both women say the residents give back as much as they might receive, if not more. “They liven me up,” said Ofelia. “They are giving back to me. It’s kind of a like a circle. It’s great to see their faces. It’s great that they are holding onto Jesus. I want to be like that when I’m in my later years.”
If you would like to add your talents to the Seton Coastside ministry, you can reach Barbara at bjcecil1@att.net and Ofelia at ofefaz@comcast
