Playing God’s Long Game

Our Chaplain reflects on the launch of SJSM Village, and what it bodes for our community.

WORDS REVD DINO THANGAMANY

GAME OVER; GAME ON!

It’s been philosophised that we’re all players in the game of life. In that light, Project Spring-Winter (PSW) was probably an unexpected response to the obstacle thrown into SJSM’s gameplay by that fateful URA letter back in 2015.

With the ending of PSW, comes the beginning of SJSM Village — out of a storm of highs and lows, interruptions, COVID-19, and more. With the issuance of the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), smiles and congratulatory pats are freely given; the joy that accompanies the successful completion and inspection of the new buildings is not unlike that experienced by parents at the arrival of a healthy newborn. Truly, the PSW team deserves huge thanks. Each member should be proud of what has been achieved in such a short space of time. Yes, Jesus Christ our Lord has been glorified yet again!

But a birth is not a standalone event. It is both an ending and a beginning.

THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN

New parenthood signals the start of a long journey that demands copious amounts of patience, care, attention, affection, and compromise. And in these challenging times, our stewardship of SJSM Nursing Home and Little Seeds Preschool is not unlike the parental effort — fighting the odds to give the best possible care to the sick, the needy, and the widow, to bring the unconditional love, tender mercies, affectionate attention, and patient, nurturing presence of our Lord Jesus Christ into their lives.

Gaining access to an individual’s personal world is an enormous responsibility and privilege. It’s something that chaplains, nurses, and preschool teachers share and share alike. Nurses today are uniquely positioned for a prominent role in the health policy arena; and here in SJSM Nursing Home, their voices cannot be heard enough! Likewise, teaching preschoolers is not just a job — it’s a life’s calling to mould inquisitive young minds in preparation for the future.

Not all of our nurses or teachers or our 266-odd residents will be Christians, but each is a child of God made in His image, and deserving of care and attention — especially during these pandemic-riddled times when isolation is common and anxiety is rife.

STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME

A chaplain’s purpose is to listen, care for, and respond appropriately to residents’ needs. He also provides moral and religious education, pastoral counselling, advocacy, family support, and crisis intervention; and facilitates community services, cultural activities, and humanitarian programmes. His presence and involvement is a visual reminder of ‘the holy’.

Chaplaincy is a ministry of presence and availability. Caring for older adults with dementia, cognitive deterioration, or declining heath of any kind, is challenging because these conditions affect multiple aspects of their lives — not just their ability to take care of themselves. The gift of patience and presence assures them that they have a friend with them.

Chaplains are expected to be sensitive to the personal, moral, and spiritual needs of all individuals for whom they have responsibility; we have always been characterised by a common commitment to cooperation without compromise. While we are religious leaders endorsed by a religious community, we are committed to ministering to and facilitating the free exercise of religion for all persons in our jurisdiction. They will never be asked to violate their religious convictions, or be pressured to violate their spiritual convictions.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Standing alongside the nurses and the teachers, a chaplain’s most important healing act is to empower each individual to access her own spiritual and religious coping strategies. This is the heart and challenge of chaplaincy; in quiet confidence we surrender each situation, challenge, and resident into the hands of the ever-present Holy Spirit.

The nurturing, guiding Holy Spirit will be keeping a watchful eye on the teachers and children; perhaps even dancing to the laughter, giggles, and shrieks of the little ones! Preschoolers are just beginning their educational careers, and with godly support from their teachers, an early enthusiasm for learning stays with them through universities and beyond. The chaplain who walks with the teacher walks with the child, too: What joy, to contribute to multiple fruitful life journeys!