By Sara Venner
The newly formed Conquest group of about 35 boys in Omaha, NE served the elderly at a nearby assisted living community called Walnut Grove for their Christmas apostolic project. The group prepared a week ahead of time by having the older middle school boys assist the younger Junior boys in creating cards with messages and questions for the elderly; for example “What was your favorite Christmas present or tradition growing up?” The Junior boys handed out the cards and socialized with the residents, truly bringing joy especially to those that were lonely or not feeling well. 
The middle school group played bingo in another room with some residents and one the Conquest adult leaders had the residents/boys try to get ‘Bingo’ by getting the letters/numbers formed in the shape of a cross. The boys and the residents all had a fun time. A Conquest member won the Bingo!
They all gathered back together later and some of the Conquest boys played Christmas songs on the piano as everyone sang along, while they shared and enjoyed Christmas cookies and juice.
Lastly, they handed out gifts to all the residents, candy canes with the message of Christmas: “Many years ago a candy cane maker wanted to make a candy that would symbolize the meaning of Christmas; Jesus. The hard candy was shaped like a J to represent that Jesus is our rock of all ages. The candy was made of white to stand for the pureness of Jesus. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins. So the next time you see a candy cane take a minute to remember the real meeting of Christmas!”
They all finished the visit with a Christmas prayer. Overall it was a joyous and rewarding experience for all!