Local Ministry

Lena's Legacy

For 33 years, three-year-olds at First Assembly of God Memphis were called by their first name and greeted with a radiant smile as they entered Sunday School.

"When you are three, you don't always want to leave your parents to go into a classroom. But seeing someone at the door who knows you by name makes it a lot easier," says Carter Lee McDaniel, now an adult member of the Memphis church. In that statement he epitomizes the love and life's work of a very special woman—Lena Wright.

Lena held dear all the tenets of her church and felt God called her to serve Him by helping children. Lena rarely missed a Sunday, and when she did, she always found a competent substitute. Exuding love and compassion toward the children, Lena possessed the qualities that made her an excellent secretary, priding herself on being extremely attentive to the details involved in her work.

In her late seventies, Lena noticed that her memory was not what it used to be; names and faces were blurring and bits and pieces of her everyday life were becoming jumbled and distorted. Thinking she needed to move on before one child walked through that Sunday School door without being recognized, Lena decided to step down as Sunday School secretary. It was only a few months later she was diagnosed as being in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. She died six years later in April 2003.

Alzheimer's disease is a thief, sneaking into our lives and robbing us of our ability to remember our friends and family. It takes away precious memories, destroying our world until nothing makes sense. Finally, Alzheimer's steals the very breath from our bodies.

But the disease is a slow killer. People can live anywhere from 2 to 20 years after a diagnosis. Affecting approximately 4.5 million people in this country, Alzheimer's does not discriminate by nationality, color or religion. Most people afflicted do not show symptoms until late in life. Statistically, about 10 percent of the population will have the disease by age 65. Even more troubling by age 85, almost 50 percent of us will have some form of irreversible dementing illness.

Prevalence of Alzheimer's is on the rise. By the middle of this century 13 to 16 million Americans are estimated to be stricken with this terrible malady. Alzheimer's is unique in the way it affects people. However, all those who have the disease will eventually require total assistance in performing the tasks of daily living.

However, there is hope. Medical researchers funded by organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, the National Institutes of Health and pharmaceutical companies are working to prevent, and ultimately cure the disease. Progress is being made in developing drug therapies to slow the disease, helping to extend the functionality of those affected. With every passing month the mysteries surrounding Alzheimer's are being unraveled.

But more than research is needed. Many people who are diagnosed in the early stages can enjoy many years of quality life. With proper family support and good medical care, most people can maintain a high level of day-to-day function.

Sadly, many people are not getting the help they need. A negative stigma is still attached to any disease of the brain, and Alzheimer's disease is no exception. Many family members feel the pain of other's perception of their family member as being "crazy." When an Alzheimer's victim begins to exhibit odd or challenging behaviors, many families simply give up, taking the person out of the house only when necessary. Consequently, both the family members as well as the person with the disease can become isolated and depressed.

This depression, combined with anxiety, is a common problem for caregivers of those with dementia. Seventy percent of all caregiving is provided at home, and 75 percent of that care is provided by family members. Research shows that those caring for a person with dementia suffer from a major illness within 3 years of the start of their caregiving role.

But with proper support, caregivers can remain healthy. The church can have a powerful impact on the health and well-being of its caregiving members.

The majority of Alzheimer's patients' primary caregivers are women. Because of this, a new support ministry developed as a partnership between the Assemblies of God Women's Ministries and the Alzheimer's Association has been created to address the spiritual and physical well-being of church families affected by Alzheimer's. Entitled Quiet Place, this new ministry will enable staff members and congregations to reach out and effectively serve others living with this disease. A Quiet Place ministry packet includes educational and support materials—including a two-hour interactive DVD—to aid families and friends in their day-to-day caregiving through music and Scripture. Quiet Place is a dynamic, Spirit-filled program designed to help those who are dealing with this dreaded disease live to their fullest potential through God's help.

Lena Wright touched thousands of lives in her ministry - serving God through her church. Alzheimer's disease may have robbed her of the capacity to serve, but she would be encouraged to know of the hope and help available through Quiet Place support ministry. Women within the church will be able to help families find solace and comfort. Just as Lena touched and served others with her helping nature and radiant smile, her beloved church will be able to touch and serve those who are struggling with this disease.

Are You Interesting in Beginning a Quiet Place Support Ministry Group?

STEP 1 - Meet with your senior pastor

Order the Quiet Place packet (scroll down for information).
Introduce Quiet Place by viewing together the instruction portion of the DVD.
Review contents of packet stressing the importance of community outreach.
Consult church calendar together to determine a reasonable meeting place and time. You might want to be begin with a twice a month meeting instead of meeting weekly.
Discuss Finances. You will need a small budget to cover start-up costs for Quiet Place product items.

STEP 2 - Order materials

Free resource materials are available from the Alzheimer's Association. Visit their web site at www.alz.org.
Keep extra of each item on hand for each new individual who attends a meeting.

STEP 3 - Promote Quiet Place support group ministry by using:

Sample newspaper ad
Personal invitation
Church bulletin
Platform announcements

Allow 3 to 4 weeks advance notice of first meeting and follow up with concurrent weekly notices and announcements. Stress that this is a prayer support group ministry as well as a setting to share and exchange useful helps information.

Quiet Place

Create a precious place where families affected by Alzheimer's can enjoy time alone with God. This Ministry Packet helps you church connect with Alzheimer's caregivers while also educating concerned friends and family. Interactive DVD included.

GPH item number 735040
Order yours by phone at 800-641-4310.

Quiet Place Prayer Card

An encouraging card for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. The back of the card shares what Scripture says, even when we feel the situation is impossible.
3 ½" x 5”

GPH item number 735020
Order yours by phone at 800-641-4310.