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In the United States, about 1.3 million people live in nursing homes, many facing loneliness, memory loss and emotional isolation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A group of  students have created a program to help the elderly by offering encouragement, prayer and companionship just miles from campus. 

Crossroads Ministries: Weekly Visits Rooted in Compassion 

Crossroads Ministries, a at Cedarville, shares hope and encouragement with elderly residents who live in a nursing facility in Xenia, Ohio. The group meets once a week to make crafts for the residents and distributes the gifts during weekly visits. 

Amory Davis, a junior  major from Rustburg, Virginia, has served with Crossroads since her freshman year. She leads the ministry with Grace Crowell, a senior nursing major from Germantown Hills, Illinois; Macy Payton, a junior nursing major from Vienna, Virginia; and Daniel Simon, a junior civil engineering major from Columbus, Ohio. 

“The residents are in a really dark place,” said Davis. “Every week, we want to establish relationships with the residents and provide hope for them through the message of the gospel.” 

Personal Connections Through Prayer and Presence 

During their visits, the students divide into small groups and visit residents individually — asking about their week, sharing handmade gifts, singing hymns and praying with them. A few times a year, they also organize a few special visits, bringing flower arrangements or service dogs.   

Over the years, Davis has grown especially close to several residents, including one woman she led to Christ shortly before her passing. Another resident reminded her of her late grandfather, and she cherished their interactions. 

“We were able to form that relationship on a weekly basis,” said Davis. “He knew that he could talk to us and that we loved and cared about him.”  

Ministry Amid Sorrow and Loss 

But their ministry also comes with sorrow.  

Every year, many residents completely lose their memory to Alzheimer’s disease or pass away, sometimes more a result of loneliness and depression than of physical ailments. These deaths underscore the emotional and spiritual need within the nursing home — and the need for the students’ ministry. 

“We have to unite,” said Davis, “supporting one another through the hard things and remaining rooted in the comfort that we have in Christ.” 

About �������� 

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