Here I was, somewhere in the Middle East, ministering through art projects to some teenagers locked in a social welfare home because their family circumstances had become unsafe. One of the girls pictured had been attacked by her father; the other had come with her sisters when their mother was imprisoned for murder.
So how did I wind up there? Because at age 61 I had left a successful career in NZ in answer to God’s call, simply ready to go and be in a place and be available to use my skills however he would lead. And boy did he lead — into privileged opportunities; alongside mentors. Alongside refugees and professional people, alongside special needs students and Christians in ministry.
One of the great things about getting to 60 was discovering a whole new chapter in my life. In fact, as an older person I was much freer to go, and I had more skills, wisdom and experience to share, and probably more of a heart to serve. Rather than being too old, it turned out I was exactly the right age. Any concern that I might not remain healthy and strong enough simply dissipated as I learned to take it one year at a time — that was God’s department.
I had made deep friendships and and in stepping out of my comfort zone I discovered a new, deeper relationship with the Lord. I was away eight years in total, and only returned because of visa/passport requirements becoming difficult.
There’s a big range of possibilities, from retired doctors sharing their specialty, to former admin people helping out with office work, to going to teach English as a second language. From being an encourager and discipler to being a “real Kiwi bloke” fixing things. And not all mission locations need you to become fluent in another language (definitely this can get harder as you age!)
It’s pretty much a case of whatever your skills are, that’s what you can do. Somewhere in the world there will be a place tailor-made for someone exactly your age and experience. SIM NZ has a lot of practice helping mature people find a mission niche that becomes part of the ongoing story of their lives. A professional couple who went to Niger summed up the experience as “having a huge impact on our lives and our spirituality… it was a stretching experience that helped us become authentic Christians who recognise God’s fingerprints in our everyday lives … what can God do for you? And more importantly, what can you do for him.?”
— Zoë Cromwell
Pray:
- For the Gibbs, a retired couple from Dunedin soon to head out for Papua New Guinea
- For more seniors to catch the vision of starting a new chapter through mission
