An elderly and musically talented man named Lazarus* often feels a calming peace at the sound of the conga drums. He gently beats his fingers against the smooth white surface of the drums as the pleasant rhythm brings a smile to his wrinkled face. At the age of 67, Lazarus is one of the many people who call the Hand of Hope shelter for the elderly, their home.

Lazarus and his wife were daily laborers and adored their only child, a son. Over the years the hard working parents toiled long hours for a small income barely enough to feed them every day, but they managed to get by. It was nothing but shock and disappointment therefore when their son deserted them and left the village for a better life.

The elderly couple was forced to return to work as daily wage laborers. But their bodies were frail and weak and physical labor wore them down within minutes of stepping into the sun. Desperate, Lazarus pleaded with his neighbors for help. In pity, the neighbors obliged and began helping them occasionally but it did not permanently solve their predicament.

While walking to their work site, Lazarus and his wife stopped at a local church where a few people had gathered. The elderly couple walked in and wept in their desperate condition. Little did they know that the people they were unburdening their hearts to were the staff of the Hand of Hope Old Age Home. After praying together, the couple and the Hand of Hope staff were overjoyed when Lazarus expressed their desire to move to the Hand of Hope shelter for the aged.

The Hand of Hope Old Age Home has shown the elderly couple overwhelming love, without which they would still be living in the misery of their abandonment. As they awake every morning, they thank God in prayer and beautiful song – always remembering that with Him, a happy ending is always on the horizon.

The elderly face many hardships; most difficult among them are loneliness and abandonment. But partners like you can make a difference. With Hand of Hope, you can help the elderly live in a happy and healthy environment which they can call home! Click here to find out more.

*Name changed for privacy