Count Your Blessings

In times of loss and discouragement, it’s easy to fix our eyes on our loss, someone or something we cherished but no longer have.

In a recent conversation with an 83-year-old widower, he pointed to a significant later-life turning point as he grieved the loss of his wife after 53 years of marriage.

After some time had passed, he was able to stop complaining to God about his substantial loss, and he began thanking Him for their many years together.

Turning points like this are so healthy and help keep us on a course where we can still reach out and help others … even after our profound personal losses.

The longer we live, the more losses we accumulate. How we face and frame these losses may determine our quality of life and longevity going forward.

Having faith to know God has not deserted us when we face tough times keeps us young enough to serve. It’s part of the legacy we who are older can share with those younger. God is faithful … all the time!

We know that grief is a process that takes time, even time to question why and to sometimes never fully understand.

Our faith, though, is strengthened when we see older believers moving forward with a spirit of gratitude.

Our losses don’t have to trigger a downward spiral or “the beginning of the end.” We hopefully have many years, even decades, of fruitfulness ahead.

As God brings comfort and gives strength, let’s count our blessings, and name them one by one.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Find Us Faithful

Judy and I were privileged this month to lead a couple breakout sessions at a national senior adult ministries conference in Branson, Missouri. About eight hundred adults from around the US attended.

The conference theme, Find Us Faithful, is from a beautiful song written by Steve Green, who helped kickstart our time together with some inspiring music.

The expanded lyrics say, “May all who come behind us find us faithful.” We love the generation-to-generation emphasis embedded in these words. But we first have some work to do in those coming behind us even finding us!

(There is a bit of irony in leading a Building Better Bridges Between Generations session while in a sea of grey and white hair.)

Even while Covid lingers we sense a growing openness in churches to become more deliberate in connecting generations, a significant part of our calling since starting YES! nearly fourteen years ago.

Again, we underscore how much we need younger people in our lives!

One ‘younger’ adult who just joined our YES! board of directors is Dr. Amy Hanson. Amy has always been at the top of our list as someone who exemplifies the richness of a younger adult reaching out to those older.

If you’ve wondered if under-fifty adults have something to offer in this over-fifty-five-focused ministry, wonder no more: 

Amy’s Educational Background

o  B.S. Bible/Family Ministry 

o  M.S. Gerontology 

o  Ph.D. Human Sciences/ Gerontology

Brief Employment History

o  Active Adult (50+) Ministries Director at Central Christian Church, Henderson, NV 

o  Author, Consultant and Speaker at amyhanson.org on older adult ministry

o  Instructor with the Department of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha 

God has allowed such wonderful people to come alongside us.

May He find us all faithful!

Parallel Visions

No matter how many times you’ve read through the Bible, isn’t it amazing how certain verses seem to jump off the page for the first time? In our recent reading of Acts, chapters 10 and 11, the story of Cornelius and Peter was one such page-jumper.

First, we love how Luke describes Cornelius in the Message:

“a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer.”

Comparing this description to our mission statement, he sure sounds like a YES! man to us … praying, serving and making disciples.

For those of us in the Gentile camp, these chapters are hugely significant. God is concerned about all races, not just the Jews.

We like to draw parallels, knowing God’s love extends to all races and all generations. In God’s kingdom there are no second-class citizens. What stands out here is how God used both Cornelius, a Gentile, and Peter, a Jew, to bring unity and understanding. And it still got a little dicey along the way.

Applying this same principle to intergenerational unity, let’s look for God to give parallel visions to both the young and old. If unity is our desired destination, we don’t typically get there alone. 

This is not an authoritarian “father knows best” exercise, just as it was not a “Jews know best” revelation for Peter and Cornelius. In fact, here the path-to-unity story starts with Cornelius.

As we strive for unity between generations, let’s humbly expect God to plant that unifying vision and desire in both young leaders and older sages. 

Off to College and Stuck at Home

As we ponder 2020-21’s upheaval, many wonder how the pandemic will impact our churches going forward.

Through our lenses, we see Covid putting churches through two vivid simulations, one mirroring young adults and another mimicking late adulthood.

Right now, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about. :) Allow me to clarify.

Resembling our early passage into adulthood, it’s as though the whole church went away to college this past year, leaving familiar and established church-attendance routines behind and entering a new phase—where physical church attendance was not expected. 

As with young adults shifting away from their moorings, this season can become a critical faith juncture. Many begin to question their need for local fellowship with believers. And some walk away from their faith entirely.

Losing people to virtual or other churches is a practical concern, but personal faith loss is the bigger danger, with eternal consequences. Are more people now adrift in their walk with Christ? Do they know they’re missed?

At adulthood’s older extreme, Covid also introduced an up-close and personal glimpse into the life of the shut-in. Obviously, some of us were more tethered to home than others, but stay-at-home orders introduced unwelcomed limitations and isolation, similar to some challenges our frail elderly face.

Hopefully, a deeper empathy and lasting concern for housebound adults will emerge. For most of us, Covid restrictions represented a long but temporary setback. For the infirmed and housebound, however, major restrictions continue. For them, online church services, visits, phone and Zoom calls represent continuing lifelines. Even though they can’t be physically present on Sundays, they’re still part of our church body, right? 

Let’s not forget those adrift and the frail as our personal freedoms return. Let’s pick up the phone, initiate a thoughtful visit, and/or share a meal.

We’ve been called again to liberty. Paraphrasing Galatians 5:13, let’s not selfishly squander our freedom. 

Through love let’s serve one another.

Half-Empty or Half-Full?

We’re sometimes confronted with the half-empty or half-full question when talking about adults in life’s second half. Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

It’s a good question for determining one’s basic life outlook. Some die-hard optimists immediately answer ‘half-full’, and others may gravitate toward a ‘half-empty’ response. But our pen wants to move farther down to the “not applicable” checkbox.

It’s true that some adults may have about half the physical or mental quickness of earlier years, but certainly not everyone in life’s second half runs at half-steam. For some the glass appears nearly dry, and for many the water is at the brim and trickling over … such a broad range of levels, moving both up and down during these later years.

Every month we’re notified of ministers from our denominational fellowship who recently passed away … a poignant reminder that our time here on earth is short. We can’t live in denial about this reality or our blessed hope … eternity with Christ!

It’s also a cue that we need to be raising up younger ministers, passing to them a full and vibrant vision for every life stage. As Jesus said in John 10:10 (NIV), “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

And part of our YES! mission is to remind people, young and old, of how rich and purposeful these later years can be.

Our YES! board met recently at beautiful Mount Hermon. Serving with a spiritually mature, age-diverse board is an incredible blessing and honor.

Our younger board members took the lead in pulling us together in worship.

Dr. Amy Hanson joined us for a meaningful hour via Zoom. At 47 years young, Amy has been drawing out older-adult potential for nearly three decades.

Right now, our cups are full and running over.

Wherever we are in life’s journey, let’s reaffirm that God is not finished with us. Building our lives on His firm foundation, we put our trust in Him alone … we will not be shaken!

Accepting Limitations

We love this thought shared with us recently by one of our former pastors, Bill Dogterom, an esteemed professor at Vanguard University:

Thinking about the gift that limitations are to creativity - the musician with eight notes, the artist with three primary colors, the athlete with a field of play, the dancer with body and gravity, the architect with an odd shaped piece of land - each one approaching their art, aware of the limitations - and enabled by them. Acceptance. Then… beauty and wonder.

A burgeoning limitation list is not uncommon in life’s later years. We can prevent, pray through, and fight off some limitations, but how cool, too, when we allow limits to bring focus and enablement.

Complaining about limitations doesn’t move the musician, artist, athlete, dancer or architect forward.

Special beauty and wonder await us as we learn to accept some of the limitations bordering our life’s canvas.

The Apostle Paul grew to accept his ‘thorn in the flesh’, which was no doubt accompanied by limitations and personal adjustment. Whatever that nagging thorn was, it didn’t bring his ministry or life to a screeching halt.

May our infinite God creatively use our finiteness to bring Him glory!

Thank you for cultivating and investing in potential—sometimes shaped and undeterred by our limitations.

Embers and Seasoned Wood

Okay, call us weird and frugal, but we’ve resisted turning on our furnace this year. Not a big deal for the month of May, but our earlier Central Coast temps dip into the thirties.

We were blessed a couple years ago with a very efficient fireplace insert, and this year we’ve been better stewards of that blessing.

It takes more work than simply asking Alexa to adjust our Nest thermostat, but real-fire ambiance and warmth is definitely cozier.

We’re not anti-furnace, but going old-school sparks some needed life lessons.

We’ve learned firsthand the value of well-seasoned wood and continuous embers.

We wouldn’t have made it into May with unseasoned wood or with the daily chore of starting new fires. Most January-to-April mornings, we woke up to glowing embers that we fanned into flame while adding seasoned oak or madrone.

In our high-tech, expedient world, though, it’s easy to miss the relevance of glowing embers and seasoned logs.

We recently received this fire-starter from a 96-year-old female friend, feeling a bit like the barely visible embers, yet still grateful and determined:

“Isn't God the greatest? I couldn't get along without Him. And I don't plan to try!  

It is true that many churches have no plans to care for elderlies. I actually live day after day with no visitors, no calls. Once in a while a lady from my church brings me a meal.

Some who sit near me in church get acquainted; others just pass by. I use a walker, and guys nearby typically offer no help when the service ends.

I am not saying this to complain. I am so fortunate to be able to go to church. But people of all ages need to be trained on how to serve. I can actually do a lot myself but those younger need to learn the courtesy and benefit.

Thank you for leading this needful ministry. I love you for it.”

And we appreciate YOU and thank you for partnering with YES!

The Desk

On beautiful Gilbert, Arizona mornings—when the sun peaks, birds sing and soft breezes blow—I am drawn to a white rocker on the patio. I am never disappointed as I again read, meditate and bask in the sunshine and God’s faithfulness to me. 

This morning as I met with my maker, I was once again greeted by the fresh scents of spring, but there was another slight smell that distracted me from my thoughts. Fresh paint! That’s it, my husband Art had taken two cans of spray paint to our sun-worn rocker the day before. 

As soon as I identified the smell, I was immediately transported back in my mind to the parsonage where I lived with my family in the mid 60’s. There I shared a room with my sister who was three years younger, but who did not share my need for neatness in all things. For my own well-being, the bed had to be made correctly, and heaven forbid, for her clothes to be scattered on the floor. I yearned for my own space, for a place that would be just mine and mine alone. As a twelve-year-old, I decided what I needed for my sanity was a desk. A desk that would be my own, where I could store my papers, homework, diary and Bible. 

As soon as the idea of a desk struck me, I began working on my father to somehow provide my heart’s desire. Life had been very hard for the Sistig household, although my parents shielded us from the pain and suffering that they most certainly endured. 

Every morning at 5:30 am my beautiful and faith-filled mother, clad in her worn bathrobe, took to her study, a room attached to our garage. There in a musty, tiny, book-filled room, she was given strength for each new day through her Bible reading and prayer. Losing both of my brothers at thirteen years old, two years apart, no doubt left tremendous holes in my parents’ hearts. Then, a major heart attack almost took my daddy just four years after losing my last brother, another painful mark. 

Even our smaller family of five (at that point) was sheltered in a much too small home. The kitchen and piano were the center of our home and existence. The bedroom I shared with my younger sister was crammed into a corner just off the dining room. 

When dreams of getting my own desk didn’t immediately materialize, I added some “punch” and asked for it for my upcoming thirteenth birthday. To my surprise, I began to get little hints here and there that my daddy was working on this treasured hope and dream. Quietly whispered questions of color and ornate drawer-pull types made me realize that the desk could be on its way. 

At last, a freshly painted 1940’s style desk arrived in our little yellow-painted room. My dream fulfilled. My own desk! To top it off, my father had a glass piece cut to perfectly fit the top of the pristine white desk. Not only would it protect the finish, but I could display important notes or pictures under the clear top. The fact that it was a resurrected, reclaimed desk … and not brand new … didn’t bother me. What mattered was that my daddy, overworked and underpaid, found time and energy to provide what I thought I needed most in my life. As I would proudly sit at the desk, or lay in bed at night, the paint smell was always evident. I associated the scent with the gift. 

As anticipated, the desk became my solace. I could keep it neat and claim it as off limits to my younger sister. Because, after all, it was mine. And then, over the next months, the stirring of quiet conversations between my parents made it apparent that we would be leaving our little parsonage and moving out of state. As we began to organize our belongings and pack up our lives and dreams, I was at least comforted that my shiny white desk would accompany me on this new adventure, to a new unknown bedroom. 

Soon, before moving day, my father came to me and shared devastating news. The treasured desk would not be coming with us. In fact, the desk wasn’t really mine after all. It was more like a borrowed piece of furniture, at best. As my father went into more detail, I tried my best to understand, but I was crushed. Because a desk wasn’t in the family budget, he had salvaged it from the church basement and secured permission to take it home and refinish it. Therefore, the desk had to be left behind, along with the other furniture that was church-owned. Pleading with him to go back and ask for the desk did no good. It was settled. The desk would stay in the parsonage for the next occupants. 

Ah, the disappointment. But, looking back, my Daddy’s integrity in the face of his daughter’s dashed hopes and crushed dream did not dissuade him from resolute honesty. For a season I was bitter about my Father’s decision. In my heart I felt I was not a priority, and his desire to preserve integrity trumped my desires. 

After working through my disappointment, I realized some important life lessons had been learned. When we don’t get what we want, resiliency can replace that desire, if we let it. Even when faced with temporarily dashing the hopes of a daughter he dearly loved, my Dad taught me to be the person who can look anyone in the eye, always committed to doing the right thing.

YES! board chair Candace was blessed by her children with a 'StoryWorth' Christmas gift. Each week this year she receives and responds to a question about her life. At the year's end, her responses are compiled in a book—to be appreciated and hopefully treasured by current and subsequent generations. We post this story with our encouragement to you to find a way to share and preserve your stories, incorporating godly wisdom along the way.

Gleanings 2021

Here are a few "snapshots" of our Young Enough to Serve week at Gleanings:

When we arrived at the base—because we had quarantined, monitored our temperatures/symptoms, and filled out our waivers—all we had to do was get our temperatures taken and turn in the forms, and we were ready to start work the next morning.

(Because these pre-conditions were met, we didn’t have to wear masks in the dining hall and other public places. We were "part of the family"—as Gleanings Director Fritz put it—who do not wear masks "at home." Everyone wore face coverings in the soup plant.)

After some instruction and getting re-familiarized with the process (building on the experiences we had last year), by the end of the first shift we were in sync with what was going on and ready to hit our second shift full speed. It was great to be a part of the team again!

It felt really good to be using our abilities and strengths in an outreach for the Lord. Although it was a little bit intimidating working beside some of the younger workers (it seemed like they could work twice as fast as us), it did not discourage us. It just challenged us to keep going! We had wonderful fellowship while we were working (when the machines weren't too loud and we could carry on a conversation).

The morning fellowship around breakfast and devotions was very inspiring. Getting to know other people who are also in the process of seeking how they can serve the Lord in their retirement was great—getting new information and some ideas and tips about what opportunities are available. We really appreciated the sharing times. Because we attend a small church and have been going there so long, we know most people's background and testimonies. So, it was a fresh perspective to hear new people's experiences and testimonies of their walk with the Lord.

As I was boxing soup bags, I tried to pray over each one and ask God to bless it and the family who will receive it. I began to feel a little bit overcome as I wondered what that family will do when the soup is gone. Where's their next meal going to come from? This soup will sustain them for a while, but what about the next week and the weeks after?  Then the Lord spoke to me and said, "You're doing my work, and it is my responsibility to take care of these families. This is just one way the door can be opened for them to hear my voice."

That encouraged me to persevere, be sincere in my prayers, and to work with a heart of rejoicing, knowing that God is in control, and I don't have to worry about what their future will be. I just need to take care of what I am doing today, and let God take care of the rest (like the Keith Green song . . . Keep doing your best, pray that it's blest, and He'll take care of the rest.) That was an uplifting experience!

Thursday during devotions they had a Zoom call with a missionary/pastor in the Kalahari in Namibia  Africa.  Ever since I saw the movie, The Gods Must Be Crazy, that area and the bush people have had a special place in my heart. To hear this missionary talk about the work and the ministry there was wonderful. Hearing his personal testimony and experiences really touched my heart. His sincere desire to serve the Lord without any thought of how it will benefit or profit himself was very refreshing to me. I really appreciated his perspective.

The whole week was an awesome experience.  Of course, the food was amazing, and the accommodations were perfect!  We were the first to stay in the newly remodeled (new paint, flooring, etc.) 8 plex (the same room we had last year). The weather couldn't have been better, and the view of the snowcapped mountains beyond the orange trees laden with fruit was spectacular!

My wife Karen has already scoured the internet for the solyanka recipe, a Russian sausage potato soup with cabbage and dill pickles (and the "must" additions of lemon juice and sour cream--as Gleanings staff member Henrijs insists!). It was delicious, especially with Norma's homemade bread!

Can't wait til next year!

All I Can Do Now is Pray

All I can do now is pray … so said a special lady in her 80s.

Once an active pastor’s wife and mom to five children, Norma is now a great-great grandmother who dearly loves her family. She enjoys reading, watching old Westerns and telling jokes.

She was a partner in ministry with her husband of 55+ years of marriage. She loved to send cards, especially birthday ones to her growing family. She could tell you all the dates of each grand and great-grandchild, along with the anniversaries of the couples. All she can do now is pray.

She is a lover of God and cares about people. She was a doer, a planner, a giver of her resources to serve others. She was the primary music leader as the organist/pianist for church. She was a wonderful accompanist for those who sang special songs/solos for the Sunday night church services. Now, all she can do is pray.

Her prayer list is extensive: family, her senior adult Sunday school class at a large church, missionaries and whatever other needs come her way for intercession.

Who wouldn’t want someone like her in your corner, praying for you when ‘all she can do is pray’?!

My admonition to her was, “you are doing an incredible thing when this is all you can do.” Remembering the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are to:

Always be joyful, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Norma is fulfilling this Scripture. Although limited in physical activity, she is engaged in spiritual activity of high value.

So when you think that “all you can do is pray,” realize you are doing the will of the Lord. He is pleased. People are cared for. And you become a channel of God’s grace to help those in need.

João, João. And Off to Brazil We Go!

Ministry trips outside the USA seem distant right now, but opportunities will emerge again soon, and we want to be ready.

Allow me to take a moment and share with you how the Holy Spirit nudged me during our church team’s most recent (pre-COVID) Brazil trip. Nine of our sixteen team members were over 65, making this trek very special. We served alongside a Brazilian church and Pastor Andrew and Julie Vargas, a couple many of us knew from their earlier lives in Minnesota. 

Just two days in, I ran into João, a young man from Andrew's church. I had met him a year earlier while leading a team to this same destination. João is a true servant with a shepherd's heart. He's one of Andrew’s main leaders.

While spending the next few days with João and the team, the Lord impressed upon me to give him some money. He didn't say how much, and I had no sense of what it might be for - just to give him money. 

At the same time, I felt peace to wait. We still had a week before heading back, so I acknowledged to God that I heard Him and waited for Him to lead me further. 

Have you ever felt that? Peace to pause when God nudges? Not to prolong or procrastinate, but to walk in His direction and timing?

After a couple days passed, Pastor Andrew and I were driving together on an errand. During our conversation I shared about João and what the Lord was leading me to do. I was hoping that Andrew could tell me a little more, or even confirm in his spirit what the Lord was prompting in mine. Sure enough, Andrew sensed the Spirit was in this and knew exactly why.

Andrew began to tell me how João loves serving, loves people, and desires to be in full-time ministry as a pastor. Andrew also told me that João took a recent step of faith and committed to one year of seminary training in Sau Paolo. It was a step of faith he couldn't afford. 

Wow, this all began making sense. Andrew also told me the church was in full support of João and that they would pay twenty percent of the cost, if he could afford to go. João applied to the seminary, was accepted, and began to save every penny he could.

You see, when the Lord impressed upon me to give, he didn't tell me how much, but He gave me peace to wait until He told me more. In waiting, it was all too clear that God wanted to supply the need through us as a team, not just me. 

When I shared with our team what was on my heart, they responded, and the need was met. Everyone felt the same Holy Spirit nudge and chipped in. Had I given to João alone, he'd still be in need, leaving the team unknowingly sitting on money meant for João. Wow, I could have been responsible for that. I'm really glad I waited!

João had been short $1,500 US dollars. He needed the money before he could head off to seminary. There was no way he could make that money in time before leaving—as he prayed, planned, and left his hospital job a week earlier to volunteer at the church full-time. 

When Andrew told me João had stepped out in faith, he wasn't kidding. João was truly trusting God to make a way, and God did. We as a team gave $1,700 US dollars, more than enough to pay his tuition and provide for other expenses and the occasional late-night pizza.   

Blessings to João! God had him from the beginning, and we were humbled to celebrate His faithfulness with him.

Many of you, like me, are very open to the Spirit’s guidance. As He speaks to you, keep listening. His timing may not always be immediate, and He may want others to join with you in His calling. 

COVID has obviously demanded patience and wisdom as the Spirit nudges. Know that God wants to speak to you now, and He may also ask you to patiently wait.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

——-

In addition to serving as pastor to senior adults at Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, Dan (pictured here with his wife Shani) is a valued member of the YES! Young Enough to Serve Board of Directors.

Remembering Robin

In the early stages of YES!, we received a request from a dear lady in our church asking if her adult daughter with special needs, Robin, could accompany YES! on our weeklong serving trek to Gleanings for the Hungry.

We weren’t completely sure how it would work out, but we agreed to give it a try. Other women stepped forward to be Robin’s roommates and to help look out for her.

Robin soon fell in love with the quilting room at Gleanings, and during breaks she would beam as she showed us progress on her fabric cutouts and quilts.

Robin not only survived the week … she thrived. As Robin’s serving efforts were affirmed, she added special joy to our YES! Young Enough to Serve team.

In subsequent years Robin would be the first to register for our annual Gleanings trips. At least two weeks in advance, she’d proudly declare that she was all packed.

On several trips Robin would ride with us, to and from Gleanings. We were always amazed by Robin’s memory for dates and other details, and we would share many good laughs together.

When we were in town attending our home church, Robin would always sit with or near us. She became a self-appointed auntie to several kids at our church, including our grandsons.

Because of orthopedic injuries Robin reluctantly stayed home on our last couple trips. Throughout those weeks we were repeatedly asked by Gleanings staff and volunteers, “Where’s Robin?” We all missed her presence with us.

After a week of rapid decline, Robin’s mom called us the morning after Christmas to share that Robin passed away in the night. Tears flowed even though this 57-years-young girl was now with Jesus.

We learned a lot from Robin’s childlike faith. Although developmentally challenged, Robin was advanced in her love for others. We all have a special need to have people like her in our lives. 

Fulfilling Christ's Law

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NIV 

We are now deep into the holiday season. I think for a lot of us, especially older generations, this is a tough time. It can be tough mentally, emotionally, and financially. Colder weather also highlights seasonal ways to help carry the physical burdens of others. I want to take this time to give a few ideas of how we can do that this Christmas season:

1)     See if someone you know is going to be alone for the holidays.

With COVID there are even more people who are alone for the holidays this year. You might be able to invite them to your home or provide a meal for them. You could also make them an encouraging card and remind them you are there for them. This can help ease the burden of being alone for the holidays.

2)     Reach out to those you know and see if they need help shopping for the holidays.

There may be people that either need someone to shop for them, or need help carrying the financial burden of the season. We can help keep older generation folks safe by shopping for them, and we can help ease their minds when it comes to the financial aspect of gift giving and preparing a meal.

3)     See if there is a need for winter weather clothing or help paying for heat.

 I’m not sure where you are, but in Massachusetts it is getting cold. One way we can help those around us is by providing cold weather clothing. We can buy clothes, make scarves and hats, or donate from clothing we no longer need. We can also reach out to see if there is a need to help with heat. A lot of older folks are on a fixed income, so I’m sure having to have the heat on all the time does not help.

Jolonda, a YES! board member, serves as Worship Coach at Grace Church in Avon, Massachusetts.

 These are just a few ideas that I came up with, but of course I don’t live in your neighborhood. So I want to challenge you to look at your community and fill a need — to share the burdens of others this holiday season. It will not only be a help to someone, but it will fill you with joy as you bring glory to God in doing so.

Going Viral

Two of my sisters are talented calligraphers. For years they’ve been drawn to this old-school craft. By contrast, like many of us in our sixties, new-school technology is much less enticing for them. They’ll never become computer geeks.

Back in April, my sister Vicky penned these words from an unknown author:

These beautifully presented words resonated as we saw COVID’s ravaging impact on many older adults. Vicky gave us permission to post her work on the YES! Facebook page.

Amazingly, following our initial, modest post eight months ago, that photo has now been shared over two hundred thousand times!

Most of the time we don’t see the exponential, ripple effect of our sharing. Sharing our faith can have huge consequences, multiplied many times over. Your encouragement of just one person can lead to many other lives being touched.

Your penmanship may not be perfect, but perhaps God will use you today to write a personal note to someone. Yes, it’s old-school, but sometimes old-school expressions like a hand-written note stand out in our expedient, tech-driven world.

Your ink reservoir is full, just waiting for you to release life-giving thoughts on paper.

Let’s be safe this December, but let’s not allow the coronavirus to keep us from our own God-honoring, viral potential.

You Are Needed!

Vocational ministry is not quite what I expected it to be. Since the age of 12, I wanted to be a worship pastor. Fast forward 18 years to today, and that’s exactly what I am; however, my day-to-day job looks a lot different than what I expected as a pre-teen. Seminary certainly didn’t prepare me for the two words every pastor dreads:

Volunteer Recruitment.

As a worship pastor, I am constantly on the hunt for new volunteers to join our worship ministry. Since COVID-19 hit, this need became especially apparent in our tech department, demanding two sound techs, one Livestream tech, one camera operator, and one ProPresenter operator every Sunday morning to facilitate worship services. If our Livestream tech is out of town, I start to get a bit nervous. If all of our sound techs are out of town, then I start to sweat. Think I’m alone?

According to Barna research, a quarter of pastors see volunteer recruitment as one of their biggest obstacles in ministry.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Meet Gerry.

In addition to serving as Associate Pastor of Youth & Worship at Orangeburg Avenue Baptist Church in Modesto, Ryan also joyfully serves on the Board of Directors for YES! Young Enough to Serve. Ryan is married to Hillary, and they are proud parents of Josiah. Ryan is a graduate of Vanguard University and Fuller Seminary.

Gerry is a 62-year-old member of our small, Southern Baptist church in the heart of Modesto, California. When I first met Gerry, he held an iPad in his hand because he liked to use it as his Bible during service. The next real conversation I had with Gerry was about a broken projector in our Kid’s Ministry building. Gerry volunteered in our Kid’s Ministry. Because of his love for technology, he was considered their in-house tech expert.

Naturally, when the Kid’s Ministry projector broke, Gerry came to the rescue. Then Gerry came knocking on my office door. We talked in-depth about whether we should fix the projector or replace it with a new one. At that moment, I knew Gerry could be a rockstar volunteer in our tech department. So, I went in for the ask.

“Gerry, would you be willing to run slides sometime in the future for one of our Sunday morning services?”

Gerry quickly answered, “Sorry, I can’t do that. I am serving in Kid’s ministry during that time.”

A swing and a miss.

A few months later, I sat at the church computer designing and preparing the presentation media and song lyrics for our upcoming Sunday service. It was one of those things I enjoyed doing but could easily be delegated. I was convicted as I thought about Ephesians 4:12; my job as a Pastor isn’t to minister, but “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Gerry again came to mind.

The next time I saw him, I asked Gerry if he would be willing to prepare the lyrics and media for Sunday service at a time that worked for him. He agreed.

Now six months later Gerry has become one of our most passionate tech volunteers. He goes far beyond his weekly duty to design the slides. He watches training videos and researches possible fixes/advancements in his free time. He just bought a new computer monitor for the ministry. Yesterday, he brought me a burrito as an excuse to sit down and debrief our Livestream graphics. Today, he’s coming to the church to help mount a TV in our broadcast room. I’m not exaggerating.

Gerry has fully bought in. He is the kind of volunteer every Pastor dreams of; and all I did was ask … twice.

To all my fellow pastors and ministry leaders: there are Gerry’s in your church. They might not be secret tech ninjas, but they are passionate about God and just need a push to start serving in a greater capacity. Don’t give up if they say no at first. Try to pivot and ask them again. They’re worth it. Trust me.

To all you local church members who like Gerry are over 55: you are exactly what your church needs right now. The last thing you need to do is get out of the way of the young people and let them completely take over. We need you.

Be encouraged by Psalm 92: 12-15 (ESV):

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”

God’s plan for the church has never been to hand the keys of ministry to just one generation. Over and over again, the Bible gives us a picture of intergenerational ministry: multiple generations working and growing together to accomplish the mission God has given them. We have the incredible privilege to be a part of this mission.

Eli and Samuel.
Paul and Timothy.
Naomi and Ruth.
Moses and Joshua.
Mordecai and Esther.
Gerry and Ryan.
And last but not least, YOU.

Pivoting to a Better Normal

Certain words have garnered greater attention in this incredibly uncommon year.

“Pivot” is one such word most ministry leaders heard repeatedly over the past eight months, emphasizing we can’t go about business as usual. And pivoting will be a recurring theme as we grow older.

Many have used technology to pivot and expand communication. Sadly, though, in-person connections have diminished significantly.

We pray that the pandemic’s deathgrip will disappear in 2021, and many assume that life will soon return to ‘normal’ as vaccines are approved and released.

Our prayer for individuals and churches is that we’ll continue pivoting toward a better normal, as God and His Word direct, not settling for some of the missteps that were all too common in “the good ol’ days.”

We started YES! thirteen years ago because we saw a need for many churches to pivot away from:

·    Dismissing adults’ serving potential as they grow older,

·    Over-emphasizing generational segregation,

·    Creating ‘ministry’ menus of only fun, food, and fellowship.

We know pent-up desires and emotions abound during this holiday season. Visits with some close friends and family members may now have been tabled for over a year. We long for many things eluding our grasp.

In all of our longing, let’s yearn to be greater witnesses for Christ. Let’s pivot even now to deeper connections with our ever-faithful God. Thankfully, personal prayer is not on any governor’s COVID exclusion list.

In both our attitudes and actions, let’s continue pivoting to live lives that are pleasing to God, both now and in the limited time we have left here on earth. 

Resilience

Covid has been devastating for many individuals, churches, business sectors on the bubble, pushing many over the edge. Such a huge test of resilience. The resilient look for ways to adapt, thrive, and stay engaged.

Here’s an inspiring picture of resilience from Montana. We’re grateful to Melanie for sharing.

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I’m writing to you from Missoula Alliance Church in Missoula, Montana, where my church recently appointed me to the Director of Senior Adult Ministry position.

We have never had someone specifically in this position before, although our associate pastors covered visitations, and we have always had very active groups of senior adults.

When my last job ended earlier this year, I had a conversation with one of our pastors, and he was very excited to have someone who wanted to champion this. 

Please know that reading Half Two was very helpful to me in this new adventure. Last winter when I just had random ideas in my head, Half Two really helped me identify goals and purpose.

After much prayer we launched our Senior Adult Ministry in August. Yes, right in the middle of the pandemic. We started by meeting in our parking lot every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Fortunately we had beautiful weather and were able to meet outside for several weeks. This helped the attendees feel safe as we had plenty of room to spread out.

For many of them, it has been their gateway back into church.

Our format has been visiting time, singing hymns, and listening to testimonies of our staff members. I felt this was necessary in our situation as we had a major pastoral change a couple years ago and now have many young staff members. Some senior adults were struggling with the changes, and this has been the perfect way to solve that, thanks to the advice in Half Two. (They may not love the music, but they love the people who lead the music. :) 

I ask the staff members interview questions, and then they share their testimony. This has been a very bonding time; the senior adults are telling their friends to come, and our group is growing each week. When the air turned smoky, we moved inside and decided to use the worship center instead of the smaller chapel … just so they could feel safe with distancing.

I have also been calling each household to see how they are doing and if they have any needs, especially those who are in facilities. As time allows, I'm trying to meet in person with those I don't know very well. I have a team of people who are available if someone needs a meal, a visit, or some kind of practical help, like putting in a grab bar, raking leaves, etc. 

I think we are off to a good start in spite of Covid restrictions. I have learned there is already a pretty good network between them for meeting each other's needs. They are a joy to be with, and some are doing a great job reaching their neighbors for Christ. 

I am not sure how we will move forward. Ultimately, I want to help them find opportunities to share and be in relationship with younger generations.

I hope this is helpful to someone out there. I was determined to think outside the box and get this thing going, not waiting until the pandemic was totally over. 

Thank you so much for the Young Enough to Serve inspiration, and for the very helpful insights from Half Two.

Selah!

Pretty much every morning we read a Psalm together.

Many of the Psalms include the word, “Selah.” It is meant to be a stopping point where we reflect on the significance of what we just read, even perhaps taking time to read it over again to let it sink in more fully, like a repeated chorus in a song.

As Americans we don’t Selah very well. We’re uncomfortable with stopping points. We’re bound to rush on to the next thing without truly stopping. Sometimes we’ll even skip over that word as we’re reading.

For many, 2020 represents a Selah that none of us saw coming or planned for. Instead of reflection, we grow impatient, feeling like we’re sitting at a stop light that refuses to turn green.

We’re confident that the light will turn green again, but the Lord wants us to grow in our patience and learn from this season of Selah. Reflect on some of the earlier chapters of your life, and recognize God’s incredible faithfulness. Let’s grow in our understanding and in our assurance that this season too shall pass.

Often in YES!, we point out that life in these later years may slow down, but we don’t want to give in to a full stop until God calls us home. You know the gist of what we’re trying to communicate, “Accept your challenges, pivot, and move on. Be fruitful. You’re still young enough to serve.”

Important words both precede and follow Selah, so we don’t want to permanently camp on this five-letter word. But it’s important to sometimes hit the pause button, without getting ahead of ourselves and moving on too quickly.

God wants our full attention, so let’s give it to Him during this Selah year. It will make us stronger moving forward.

Stop and think about that, as we pause to thank God for you. :)

Beyond "in spite of"

If you’re like us, your first reaction to something negative is usually negative. “Oh, no!” is a pretty natural first response.

Let’s face it. 2020 has been a year full of negatives. We had certainly hoped this year would be better than it is.

Being people of faith, we of course look for silver linings. How can we be victorious in spite of  COVID-19, racial unrest, political discord, fire evacuations, and whatever else is lurking around the corner? This is a good question, moving us in a better direction.

But another helpful question is slightly different: “What good is coming because of the negative circumstances?” Beyond side-stepping hardships, we face them squarely, realizing ‘beauty from ashes’ is more than a sugar-coating nugget from Scripture.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.  Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

COVID continues to devastate so many lives, both directly and indirectly.

We could certainly list a host of negatives, but it’s also healthy to think about some of the good this challenging season has brought our way:

·    Closer connections with neighbors

·    Deeper appreciation for family and friends

·    Greater awareness of the needs of older adults and others suffering disproportionately

·    Opportunities to learn new skills and reach out in different ways

·    Deeper reliance on God

We have hope today, not ‘in spite of’ the cross Jesus died on, but because that cross represents our salvation.

What can we do today, not just in spite of this pandemic, but because of it?

Ebb vs. Flow

Ebb and flow.

It’s the rhythm of life. We’re nourished by both.

Too much ebb, and we dry up. Too much flow without Sabbath rest, and we lose our moorings.

We’ve grown so accustomed to this rhythm in leading YES! … Periods of quiet and renewal have helped prepare us for significant outreach.

COVID has caused many to get tangled and impatient in the ebb web. Too much ebb, and not enough flow.

Well before the Coronavirus, life’s second half was already full of ‘ebb’ signposts pointing toward increased ebb and decreased flow.

Subtle messages hint that we’re getting older and maybe ready for pasture:

·    49.5 The dreaded AARP invitation

·    50’s Unsolicited senior discounts

·    60’s People younger than us are described as “elderly.”

·    62 Social security eligibility

·    65 Medicare begins

·    66 “Full retirement age”

·    70 Maximum SS benefits

People interpret these benchmarks differently. For some, these hints represent a prescribed timetable and well-deserved, end-of-the-rainbow benefits. Flow time yields to an overarching season of ebb.

Others resist slowdown suggestions with a vengeance.

We like the middle ground that affirms God’s purpose through aging realities. Spiritual retirement is not His plan for us. Let both the ebb and flow of life continue through every season!

In this COVID pandemic, too, may we all find God’s purpose in the face of this ebb vs. flow  tension.

Let’s focus on what we can still do, including safe serving avenues that may be new to us. While ebb warnings abound, may God’s Spirit continue to flow. HE can still do so much through us!