All of us have been touched by a nurse, because from birth to palliative care, nurses are always there! But how much do we show gratitude to these individuals who have devoted their lives to the care of all humanity? Their work can go unnoticed; however, Apple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church paused on Sabbath, May 30, to say to the nurses in its congregation: “We see you!”
The Nurses Appreciation program recognized retired nurses and those still practicing. Hosting the evening program were two young health professionals in waiting: Amaya Titus and Kelly-Dee Anderson, who are studying nursing and health sciences, respectively, at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario.
Fifty-five nurses were honoured with certificates, and each nurse was recognized by their years of service, areas of specialty and favourite Bible text. Philippians 4:13 was the most common, favourite Bible scripture identified by the honorees. A sombre moment of silence was observed in honour of Shorna Wallace, a nurse from the congregation who passed away this year. Apple Creek SDA Church can easily staff a small hospital that addresses both physical and mental health conditions based on all the nursing specialties represented in the program.
Sister Brenda Hall chronicled her more than five-decade journey in nursing and proved that God has a plan for our lives and places us where our skills and talents can be best used. Haley Wright, one of the newly minted nurses, testified to the faithfulness of God. She shared how God helped her overcome major hurdles and answered her prayer for a job at the time she desired.
The event was interspersed with poetry by a nurse, who is also a poet, a litany by the Pathfinders, musical renditions and a lovely conversation between a saxophone and violin as they offered up “A prayer” for the nurses. There was an open mic session, which allowed the congregation to share how they benefited from the helping hands of a nurse. A video was produced with members sharing their appreciation for Apple Creek nurses.
Click below to watch the video:
In his keynote address, Elder Ian Gilbert looked at the lives of the nurses in Apple Creek SDA in different countries and the psychological demands made on them while having to continue showing excellence. The racism experienced in the United Kingdom, showing up for patients despite the harsh, cold Canadian winters, and more recently, being on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his closing remarks, Elder Gilbert encouraged the nurses with the words that Jesus will use to greet them: Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord” Matthew 25:21.
Pam Brown, a retired nurse, said she felt appreciated, and while she never thought about the church having a program like this before, it was good that it was done. Glen Roberts, another nurse, said, “It felt good to be honoured”.
Beverley Chung-Brown, Leader of Apple Creek SDA Church Health Ministries Department, worked tirelessly to ensure the event was smooth and seamless, while Beverly Griffiths, one of the Health Ministries team members, invested an inordinate amount of time to ensure no nurse was left behind. In her vote of thanks, Beverley Chung-Brown thanked the Health Ministries team, the church, her husband, Dwight Brown, and Garfield Bailey, whose brainchild it was to have the appreciation event for the nurses.
To watch the full program, click here.
~ by Jewel Bailey
