Recently, I accompanied mum to see the doctor at a public hospital. Much is automated now, right from the time we entered to register to the point of payment. Instructions for the correct feeder bus to take and where to place our folders are still manual, but in English. Many elderly who come on their own cannot read the small print or English. Thankfully, people are stationed at strategic places to help, like the registration kiosks.

While technology is a great help, not everyone is up to speed with its advancements. Therefore, it must be so assuring for the elderly to turn to someone, and not a machine when they do not know which button to press or where to go.

SYFC uses much technology today to reach young people but we must still maintain that personal touch with each one. It is so important that we do not overlook youths who may have fallen through the cracks in our society and are not found in our mainstream programmes, or those who may be lost in life and need to be directed to God.

Prayerfully, we are found “strategically” at their points of need for them to talk to us when they do not know which button to press and where to go in life.

Joyce serves in SJM and also writes for reach!