by Lorna Hutchinson

The Boarding Homes Ministry was started in Toronto by The Rev. Rodger Hunter, who had worked in mission drop-in centres and recognized God’s call to reach out to the isolated people who live in boarding homes. The men and women who live in the boarding homes, which exist in almost every community, have often become estranged from their families through years of illness. They may have many workers, but few friends. They may be people of profound faith, but they may be unable to sit still through a regular church service, or they may just feel they don’t really “belong” there. It’s all too easy to overlook them. But being a member of a team that makes regular visits to a boarding home is a source of great blessing, not only to those who live there but to those who take the time to visit, to experience their hospitality and to get to know them.

Our visits always begin the same way: winter or summer, for over eight years now, our friends are sitting outside on the porch, waiting for us to arrive. Someone jumps up to open the door for us. Another enquires as to whether we would need any help carrying things from the car or from the corner store. Everyone has a smile and a special greeting.

Visits take place in the basement dining room. Not everyone can bear to remain in such an enclosed space with so many people in it, so they come and go during the visit, one man sitting in the hall just outside the door, and another claiming his seat just inside the door. We exchange news and share food – cold drinks, treats made by members of the congregation, fruit and cheese – especially cheese! They share their gifts with us: beautiful, intricate drawings, music, poetry – the stories of their lives.

We celebrate birthdays together, along with special days such as Easter and Christmas. Many of them have not had a birthday cake in many years; some have never had one. For some, the Christmas present lovingly prepared by a family in our church especially for them will be their only gift. Twice a year, we celebrate holy communion together. For them, we are the church. And once a year, we invite our boarding home friends to a barbeque at our church home. The special days are awaited with great anticipation, but the regular visits, every second Tuesday afternoon, are the really important part of our ministry.

During each visit, we set aside a little time to share with them the good news that each of us, whatever our circumstance, is beloved by God. One day I describe to them a scene by a well in a parched land. For a few minutes, restlessness is stilled; they stay in their chairs, listening closely. Their attention tells me that they can really identify with this story. They know what it is like to experience wilderness. They hear about the woman who is there alone in the scorching heat, having been rejected by her community. A despised Samaritan, she expects to be ignored by the Jewish man who approaches, but, to her surprise, he asks her for a drink of water! Who would dare to drink from the water vessel of someone like her? The faces around the circle show that each one understands what it is to be shunned by others. They understand what it means to have others assume you can offer them nothing. They are interested in this Jesus who not only speaks to the marginalized woman but shows that he already knows all about her, and is not put off by the sordid circumstances of her life. He recognizes her desire for connection with her God and offers her living water to quench the thirst of her soul. The message is welcome to the thirsty: you don’t need to go to church to connect with God – you can worship anywhere, even in a boarding home!

During the years in which we have had the privilege of being part of this community, many people have come and gone. Some have moved on to other homes, or back to the street. Others have died. Each time there is a death in the home, we hold a memorial service to celebrate the life that has ended. It is comforting to know that when this life ends, we have hope of a better life where there is no sickness and pain. It is comforting for friends to gather and speak of their memories of the one who has died. It is comforting to know that, when you go, someone will notice and miss you.

If our story of how we tell The Story has touched you, you might prayerfully consider becoming part of a Boarding Homes Ministry team in your community. The need is very great, and the ministry has expanded beyond Toronto. Most communities have boarding homes filled with ill and isolated men and women who crave community and who will offer in return their hospitality, their humour and their friendship.

What does it take to get started? You would need approximately five or six people who can commit to regular visits, either weekly or bi-weekly. This commitment is important, as boarding homes residents are used to being let down – we don’t want to add to their disappointment. Our team members take turns providing snacks and drinks, with help from members of the congregation who like to bake. The congregation will also need to allocate a budget for special events such as a Christmas party and a summer barbeque, and may choose to provide Christmas gifts for each resident and other special treats such as ice cream and pizza from time to time. Your minister’s support is needed for communion services, and perhaps for memorial services and baptisms (yes, one of our friends was baptised in our home!). And, of course, you need to have lots of people praying for you.

If you would like more information, you can check the Boarding Homes Ministry website at boardinghomesministry.ca or contact Rodger Hunter directly at bhmin@sympatico.ca. Roger is always happy to suggest resources and help new teams get started.

Lorna Hutchinson is an elder at Knox Church, Toronto, Ontario. She and her husband, John, are part of the Boarding Homes team from Glenview Church, which visits a home on Sherbourne Street every second Tuesday afternoon.

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