"If, by the grace of God, congregations succeed in establishing a culture and a congregational life that values and incorporates the participation of those who are sick, disabled, aging, and dying, then such people will be given a why by which they will know how to endure the very real challenges that they experience on a daily basis. They will be freed from having to think about the option of assisted suicide; they will be free to continue to desire to live ..."

" ... the late theologian J.I. Packer wrote, 'The hope of a holy Heaven, to be enjoyed in the company with our Savior, is a potent motive to holiness now.' The Christian visitor will do well to celebrate with the frail elderly the perfect promises of Glory and the end of this life’s troubles, and to help that person look forward to ‘crossing over.’"

Guest writer, Tammy Burkhalter, served as Director of Congregational Care at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC, for 22 years. She volunteered as an Alzheimer’s Support Group Facilitator for seven years and cared for her mother who lived with Alzheimer’s for ten years. She is now a full-time grandmother to her one-year-old grandson.