This passage presents an amazing truth: how we treat the elderly is directly connected with our reverence for God. Apparently, God values the elderly so much that He closely identifies Himself with them, charging us to act in ways that show both respect for the elderly and reverence for God.

At the most foundational level, this is the motivation behind Providence: to honor God by serving and caring for the aged. As we do – as we provide quality care, attentive to the details that make the difference – we view it as an act of worship and obedience to God.

Even beyond honoring God, these wonderful people deserve our care and respect because of who they are. These are the people that taught us to tie our shoes, to ride a bike, to throw a ball and to say "please" and "thank you." These are the ones who sacrificed for us, put their lives on the line for freedom, and taught us to honor God in all that we do. How can we not serve them and treat them with great esteem?

A few years ago, a church member in South Holland needed care for her father. His physical needs had grown beyond anything she could handle herself. A hard worker all his life, this gentleman had never been wealthy. Some generous fellow church members made it possible for this daughter to admit her dad to our healthcare center in South Holland.

"It just feels like family," she says. "I can see the passion the nurses have for their patients. It's always clean, and they take the time to talk to me about how my dad is doing. I never have to go look for someone to talk to – they seek me out!"

Providence is a faith-based, church-supported ministry. We don't depend on government to cover the cost of care – because our church family is generous and passionate about honoring God by caring for the elderly. And you are a part of that family.

Thank you so much for all that you've done in the past, motivated by your heart for God and your value for the elderly. I also know that these difficult economic times are causing all of us to rethink our financial commitments. My hope is that you will prayerfully consider making a contribution to Providence today that will honor God, provide care for the elderly, and partner with fathers and daughters like the ones mentioned above.

Only together can we provide the kind of consistent high-quality care these wonderful people deserve, care that reflects our reverence for God.

Hope is one of the most important things in life. It propels us forward, giving us the strength to face whatever challenges lie before us.

When you partner with Providence financially, you are providing hope for certain individuals in our community who have none. Recently, the daughter of one of our residents expressed her despair at her mother's situation.

Her mother has been a vibrant, active resident at Providence for almost 20 years. She loves living there and has many friends there who love her as well. Although her mother planned for retirement, the resources are running out and she simply doesn't have the finances to pay for her mother's continued care. She sees little hope for a solution to this dilemma. This story threatens to become more common as people live longer, healthier lives.

Providence is eager to provide extra-ordinary care and support to residents in our communities for as long as they need it. The kind of partnership and the depth of commitment offered by the entire Providence family, including people like you, is what makes Providence such a special place, an extra-ordinary extension of the family of God.

The Bible tells us, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12) Please consider making a donation today. You can help fulfill the longings of people who have no hope without your support.

There are many things in life that are precious to us: our kids, our memories of amazing moments in life, and maybe even a few unique and important possessions. We take special care of these things because they touch our hearts so deeply.

In Psalm 116, verse 15, we learn that "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." The time when people pass through the doors of this world into the next is a precious time to God; it's something that touches His heart deeply.

Providence Hospice was formed nine years ago to provide specialized care and support for people and families going through this difficult but precious time. Today, Providence Hospice ministers to an average of 35 people each day. A committed team of nurses, physicians, therapists, aides, chaplains, dietary experts, and volunteers offers the care and knowledge people need in order to step into eternity with dignity.

Kurt Nelson (a member of the Providence Board of Directors) and his wife, Bev, have been actively involved as volunteers with this program since the very beginning. Like all Providence Hospice volunteers, they received 8–10 hours of training before they started, and they take advantage of continuing education opportunities each year. While Hospice needs all kinds of volunteers with all kinds of gifts and skills, the Nelsons feel called to serve on the front lines, as companions for Hospice clients and their families.

If you feel a special calling to participate in this precious time in people's lives, contact Providence Hospice about volunteering. We need all kinds of volunteers: office help, patient visitors, errand runners, and more. You'll receive the training, support, and continuing education you need. Email Providence Hospice today to learn more – hospice@provlife.com.

Under His wings. That's where God's people find shelter, healing, and new life. And the family now known as Providence Life Services has always worked to provide that shelter.

We've had an exciting year of renaming and repositioning this ministry. Recognizing that (1) our clients' needs have changed, and (2) our capabilities for meeting those needs have expanded, we transformed our name and logo, and we refreshed our commitment to excellence in all the ways we serve. It's been an exhilarating year.

The upraised wings of our new logo give new perspective to some timeless truths. They speak of the peace and divine direction symbolized by the dove, while at the same time they suggest new horizons and a broader span of ministry.

Thank you for being part of the Providence family. Thank you for all the ways you work and give and serve to ensure that people experience the blessing of being "under His wings."

Edna Carmody enjoys regular visits from her daughter Laurie, who is proud of her mom's near-career as Judy Garland's dancing double.

Edna never really wanted to be a dancer – she was very shy as a child and had no aspirations for fame and fortune. But her parents enrolled her in dance classes when she was three, and she danced until she was 22 and got married. Three of those years she danced professionally.

In fact, Edna is the one who taught a young Danny Thomas how to do the time-step (a tap dancing move). "He was a quick learner," says Edna. "He was very good." Edna remembers too that Danny had just had a baby girl, and "he was always talking about his daughter. We heard about little Marlo all the time – he was just crazy about her!"

She was later offered the chance to be Judy Garland's double, but she didn't take the job. She loved dancing, but she couldn't imagine being famous. She was too timid for "all that glitter."

Instead, she married a man who "didn't dance at all," and they had nine children. Those children have taken good care of Edna ever since she was widowed, visiting her often at our skilled nursing community in Palos Heights, Illinois. They are proud of their mom, and it shows.

Edna is just one beautiful example of the richness of the lives we are part of through Providence. Some of these riches are obvious. Others, like Edna, are unrealized gems. It takes a little time and the right questions to reveal all their facets. But in the right setting, they really shine

  To read more stories about Providence people, visit our blog.

Providence has always worked hard to provide the highest quality care at the lowest possible cost. Working under the principles of biblical stewardship, we've learned to run an efficient healthcare ministry, making the most of every contribution, without compromising on care and Christ-like compassion.

Advances in technology allow us to gain even more efficiency – while actually improving the care we provide. In fact, we're committed to use technology for the very purpose of enhancing relationships. So, after two years of developing, refining, testing, and further refining, we began using Touchscreen Charting this spring at the Providence Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in South Holland, Illinois.

Charting is necessary for communicating a patient's needs from one shift of care staff to the next. But typical pen-and-paper charting can be tedious and less accurate. Touchscreen Charting frees Providence caregivers from the inefficiencies of traditional care charts so they can focus on providing care rather than documenting care. The cold collection of computer chips, wiring, and glass monitors allows staff to spend more time in warm, face-to-face interactions with the people they serve.

Providence will continue to explore new ways that technologies can help us enhance life. If you want to continue to support our efforts to serve our residents with wisdom and heart-felt focus, use the enclosed reply card and designate a gift to Providence Life Services today.