Penuel Church Spreads Love to Local Rehab Center

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Led by Pastor James Thomas, Penuel church members recently visited the Culpeper Health and Rehabilitation Center (Va.) with a simple but meaningful goal: to ensure every resident felt seen, valued and remembered. The group brought roses and personally placed one into the hands of each of the center’s 174 residents.

The residents’ eyes sparkled with joy and their faces lit up with smiles when they realized the flowers were for them. Some held the roses close to them as cherished keepsakes. Others began sharing stories, laughing and reminiscing about meaningful moments from their past. Staff members paused amid their busy routines to take in the scene.

Penuel members recognize that loneliness is commonplace for individuals in rehabilitation or long-term care—particularly for those who rarely, if ever, receive visitors. That reality underscored the importance of their presence.

“A single rose cannot solve every challenge, but it can communicate a powerful message in an instant: you matter, you are cared for and you are not forgotten,” shares Thomas.

The group say they left the rehabilitation center encouraged, grateful and fortified in their commitment to continue serving, visiting, encouraging and loving in practical ways throughout the year.