BIBLE EXPLORATIONSBIBLE EXPLORATIONS
Joann Alexander
How to Keep from Growing "Old"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 26:3; John 16:33a; Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15; Romans 15: 13; Isaiah 40: 31; Psalm 100: 3-5
While aging is an inevitable process, one can grow older without getting "old". Attitude and lifestyles are major differences between those who look and act younger than their age and those who look and act "old".
PEOPLE WHO AGE SUCCESSFULLY HAVE CERTAIN CHARACTERISTICS:
These are some of the secrets of countless older people who are living peaceful and joyful
lives.
Closing Prayer: (read in unison)
O God, who has been our dwelling place through the years, how quickly time has passed. The older we become, the shorter each year seems to be. Help us to remember that since life will not always be ours, we should do now those things we want to do and say those things we want to say. Grant us wisdom to use each day wisely. May this wisdom brighten our life as well as the lives of those whose paths cross ours! Amen.
How to Keep from Growing "Old" by Joann Alexander
Activities: (Divide into small groups for these activities.)
"Life is a Journey" - beginning with birth and ending with death.
Activity I: Peace in the Journey
1. What are things in your life that give you peace? Who are the people who help you find peace?
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2. In the midst of war, terrorism, and other worldly conflicts, how do we find inner peace? With daily changes in our life and the uncertainty of our tomorrow, how do we have peace of mind?
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Read the following scriptures: Psalm 119: 165; Isaiah 26: 3; John 16: 33a;
Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 13: ll; Philippians 4:7, and Colossians 3:15.
3. How can you share this peace with others?
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Activity II: Joy in the Journey
1. Read Romans 15:13 individually and underline the elements that will give us joy on our personal journey with God.
2. Discuss these elements with your group and share how they can give you joy.
3. How can you share joy with others?
Activity III: Storms in the Journey
God fills our lives with peace and joy, but still within our lives are many storms. Where is it we turn when storms assail us? Name some of the problems senior adults face today.
1. Read Isaiah 40: 31 and Psalm 100: 3-5 and discuss as a group.
2. How do these scriptures speak to senior adults concerning the storms of life?
Example: A woman with failing eyesight is no longer able to read here Bible. A friend calls her each evening and they share a devotional by telephone.
3. Name ministries you can provide for other persons.
Joann Alexander, a retired teacher, is a member of the Jackson, TN Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she sings in the choir, chairs the Sunday School Ministry Team, serves on the GLOW Board, and is active in the XYZ and Women's Ministry. Her husband, Merlyn, is the Associate Pastor of the Jackson Church and they have been married for 52 years. The Alexanders have two children: Allan Alexander of Carrollton, TX and Dewana Latimer of Jackson, TN and they have four grandchildren. Joann has served on the Board of Foreign Missions, the General Assembly Council, as CPWM Convention President, and is a Christian Education Consultant. She has been involved in the Third Age Ministry for several years.
BIBLE EXPLORATIONS
Willene Davis
"Soul Food" for the Journey
Scripture References: Ps. 63:5; Matt. 6:6; Luke 6:12, Ps. 29:1-2; Ps. 95:6-7; Prov. 18:24,
John 15:13
It is there-free for the taking! All that is required is a deep yearning for a genuine, abiding relationship with God, and a disciplined effort. The words which will be described here as "soul food" are action words, not nouns. The implication of the word "discipline" is the development of a pattern of behavior that will lead to a deep and satisfying relationship with God. Just
as labor is expended in obtaining physical food, so concentrated effort is involved in the obtaining of spiritual food. Sometimes it comes as manna, but we cannot survive indefinitely on manna. We must cultivate before we can harvest spiritual food that is sustaining and fulfilling.
There are many references in Scripture which assure us that God will supply with a rich "feast" for our life journey, one of which is (Ps. 63:5). This is not new to Cumberland Presbyterian seniors, but at times it helps to be reminded that to become lax in our spiritual disciplines is to become stagnant in our spiritual growth.
So what is the "food" to which we are alluding? "Of course," you say, "it is the Word of God in Scripture." That is true, but that is not all. There is prayer and meditation, worship, companionship, and service. There are many other kinds of spiritual food and drink which you may want to explore, but the ones mentioned here are the ones we shall be discussing.
I have a confession to make. After the death of my husband, my relationship with God has become much deeper, and more personal and meaningful than ever. The realization came that I had relied too much on him and not enough on God! Painful as it is, grief can have enormous benefits, as many of you already know.
Each individual has to develop the set of rules suited to his/her lifestyle. Allow me to share my rules with you. A large portion of my soul food during grief recovery has been prayer and meditation. This has caused me to develop a pattern of behavior, a discipline such as I had never practiced before. Every morning before partaking of physical food, I go to my special place where I have my spiritual food-reading, praying, meditation, and communing with God. (Refer to Matt. 6:6, Luke 6:12). I could not have survived without it!
Another important element of our spiritual diet is worship (Ps. 29:1-2, Ps. 95:6-7). A basic need for Christians is to become joined with a community of faith in worship. This should not be an act of mere habit, but a meaningful experience where we are nourished at the Lord's table as a family of believers. It is true that some of the most meaningful worship experiences may have been spontaneous. However, for me, Sunday after Sunday, good worship requires preparation. Going into the presence of God to be served by God required attitudinal adjustments, attention, a seeking receptive mind, and disengagement from anything that prohibits me from have communion with the Holy Spirit. The disciplined practice of daily prayer, reading and meditation can lead to enrichment in public worship. That has been true for me.
God works through spiritual companions to provide food for our journey. The value of friendship is supported throughout Scripture (Ps. 55:13-14; Prov. 18:24; Luke 15:6; John 15:13; II Cor. 11:9). Just as Jesus gathered friends around him for strength and comfort,
(Continued on next page)
"Soul Food" for the Journey by Willene Davis
we also need the closeness of
those who love and listen to us. We need those who will sit with us, encourage us, comfort us, love us, and even guide us in times of decision and crises. Often this kind of companionship can be found in small groups in the church. Such an experience was invaluable to me long ago in my child-rearing years, and
then later in life as I wrestled with grief. God will satisfy our deepest hungers.
The act of serving may be
something that we have never thought of as being spiritual
food. It is a gift of grace that comes from a compassionate and loving heart. In serving we become "angels with faces" and often experience the very presence of God in those whom we serve. Many
of us are able to recall experiences where we have offered a helping hand to a brother or sister and through the act received much more than was given. Jesus's admonition to visit, clothe and feed was borne of the knowledge that this is a part of the nurture required to make us whole and healthy.
Embrace life, be joyful in it, and bon-voyage!
Prayer: Gracious God, help each of us to examine the progress of our spiritual journey to determine whether we are well nourished; and to establish those patterns of behavior in our lives that will insure we are well equipped for the continuing journey. Amen
Activity I
With one or two other persons explore Ps. 63:5. What sort of ingredients would satisfy the soul as a rich feast? Discuss and list as many as you can.
Activity II
Explore Matt. 6:6 and Luke 6:12. What rules did Jesus suggest and follow himself to nuture the spiritual life? Think of some examples of personal rules you might develop that would enrich your spiritual life. Some of them might focus on the inner being (e.g., attitudes and values). Others might be focused on practices such as prayer and meditation. Construct your own personal behavior pattern.
Activity III
Discuss Ps. 29:1-2 and 95:6-7 in a small group. Make a list of things involved in our worship. What might you be able to do to make it more meaningful?
Activity IV
Reflect on the last three Scripture references. Think of one or two of your best friends. List the reasons for their being your best friends.
Willene Davis is currently an active elder and a Sunday school teacher at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Germantown, TN. She is a retired Social Studies teacher after having taught for twenty years at various high schools in the City of Memphis. Her late husband, H. Harold Davis, was the Executive Director Emeritus of the Board of Christian Education for the C.P. Church. Willene has two children and four grandchildren. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Memphis Theological Seminary, the Board of the Program of Alternate Studies, and the Committee on the Ministry for Probationary Care on West Tennessee Presbytery.
BIBLE EXPLORATIONS
Gale J. Keown
"Running the Race of Life Responsibly"
Scripture References: Philippians 1:9-11; 3:13-14; Hebrews 12:1, II Timothy 4:8 (Also the Acrostic references)
Life is our most priceless possession. We do everything possible to protect, nourish and extend it. Get in on the fun! The Senior Games is an "Olympic style" sports event for individuals age 50 and older. Their mission is to promote healthy lifestyles for seniors through fitness, sports, and an active involvement in life. They have an outlook of optimism, set goals for themselves, train and prepare for another opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. Exercise should be an important part of every person's daily routine, especially seniors.
The writers of the New Testament sought by every means at their command to communicate the great truths concerning God and the issues of life. We should not be surprised at all to discover the New Testament that there are many references to athletic contests. Particularly in the epistles of Paul do we find figures of speech with an athletic connotation. The people to whom he spoke and to whom he addressed his epistles were very
familiar with the Olympic Games in which all sorts of
athletic contests were conducted.
The writer of Hebrews says, "...let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Heb. 12:1b) The new birth is the starting post rather than the finishing post. The "race set before us" is our divinely given task. It is our duty to run. One cannot separate his personal life of faith from being a runner in the race. God has appointed that we should be runners. We must concentrate on the goal and must persevere to the winning post.
The fact that no one lives to himself alone is exemplified by a story that comes from one of the Olympic Games. In a relay race the French team had started very well, the first two men kept up among the leaders, but as the baton was being passed to the third runner, he dropped it. This accident put the team out of the running. The man who had dropped the baton threw himself upon the ground, held his head in his hands and wept openly. His emotional outburst continued as he was led from the stadium.
For a man to take defeat so tearfully may seem rather extreme, were it not remembered how many persons were involved in that runner's failure. There were all the French Olympic athletes with their dashed hopes. There were the two runners who put forth such effort and had done so well and whose work was ruined by his blunder. There was the runner who was to have come after him and who never got to run at all.
So it is in all of life: we carry the baton that has been given to us by those who have lived and labored before us, we are responsible to those of our own generation to run a good race, and we must pass the baton to those who will follow. Let us "run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."
It would be tragic if you failed to grow as God's child because of your neglect of daily spiritual exercise. Your faithfully practicing five daily spiritual exercises will result in growth and personal happiness.
To help you remember these exercises, remember the acrostic "D-A-I-L-Y."
1. Devote a definite time to the Word of God. Just as you need physical food each day, you need the spiritual food of God's Word. Regular Bible study and meditation will give your life stability, productivity, and spiritual prosperity.
2. Always pray. Christ clearly taught this as a daily exercise when one of Christ's parables says: "Men ought always to pray and not to faint."
Through prayer you will get to know God better. Your living a victorious life is dependent on your practice of daily prayer.
3. Introduce Christ to other people. This is a normal response of one who has come to know Christ as his own Savior. Share with others what you have "seen and heard" concerning Jesus.
4. Live in the fellowship of other Christians. A glowing coal will soon lose its warmth when set apart from the mass of glowing coals. So a Christian will find it difficult to maintain his warmth and a spiritual glow when he
removes himself from the fellowship of other Christians.
This is one reason Christ established the Church.
5. Yield your life to Christ's control. This is not a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Begin each day by praying, "Christ, here is my life, my body, my all for You to use."
Each day as you awake, let your hand be your reminder of your five daily exercises. Let your thumb and each finger be a checklist for your spiritual exercise. You will be stronger, happier and more secure as you make these five daily exercises a daily practice of your life.
1. D-evote a definite time to the Word of God A. John 1:40-42
2. A-lways pray B. Galatians 2:20
3. I-ntroduce Christ to other people C. Psalm 1:2,3
4. L-ive in the fellowship of other Christians D. Matthew 26:4
5. Y-ield your life to Christ's control E. Philippians 1:3-6
Heavenly Father:
Your goodness, mercy and love is known throughout the generations and gratitude wells up within us. We are yours because you have created us. We are yours because you have redeemed us. We are yours because you have not only loved us but protected and provided for us. You have appointed that we should be runners as a divinely given task, so help us run the race set before us, by your divine spirit. Might we be determined to win noblest and best considering the prize - the praise of the Savior and the highest possible manhood and womanhood, and the blessing of helping others. Amen
Gale J. Keown has held pastorates in Kentucky, Oklahoma, as well as Tennessee. He recently retired from Clark's Grove C.P. Church, Maryville, TN after 32 years, which was his first pastorate in 1952-1955. In 2003 he received the Cumberland Presbyterial Minister's Service Award for Excellence in A Tentmaking Ministry. He was principal of Montvale Elementary School (K-8) while pastoring the Clark's Grove Church. Since his retirement from the school and church he participates and serves as Ambassador of East Tennessee Senior Games. Gale and his wife Esther have been married for fifty-two years. They have four grown children: Larry, Kimberly, Lynn, and Lisa and six grandchildren.
BIBLE EXPLORATIONS
Howell G. Mims
NEVER GIVE UP! A Revelation from Romans 12
Scripture Reference: Romans 12
As we grow older, things begin to happen to our bodies, some of which we never expected. My own experience had to do with cancer. I was a non-tobacco user who tried to eat right, exercise, and take care of myself. When I was diagnosed with cancer, the doctor, my family, and I were all in disbelief. How could that be? My dad had to deal with cancer, but he smoked two packs of cigarettes a day. Plus, my cancer was in the throat area. The treatments left me with diminished ability to taste and no saliva glands. It was truly a life changing event.
I retired as a public school administrator in 1993. Since that time, I have devoted most of my time to church work, expanding on the involvements I have maintained since my college days at Bethel. I have pastored the Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 1975.
Once I began to draw Social Security at age 62, the session became concerned that I would retire from the I assured them that retirement was a long time away. However, when my
illness hit, thoughts began to change.
Retirement from active ministry in the church seemed to be a logical conclusion. How could I be expected to continue?
During my deliberation with myself over this matter, a human interest story appeared on a news program I watch most mornings. It dealt with an elderly minister who thought of retiring because of his advanced age."
When he researched the Bible for justification for his decision, he found no reference to retirement in God's Word. It was a revelation to him... and to me. When do we retire from doing God's work?
In Paul's letter to the Romans, he writes that we are to "Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord. Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying." (Romans 12:11 and 12 CEV)
How is it that we let our age excuse us from listening for God's call to serve? It is almost as if we shut the door to the Holy Spirit because we have gotten too old. God uses us at every age. Remember how he began the nation of Israel with two old people, Abraham and Sarah? It is a marvelous story found in the
first 15 verses of the 18th chapter of Genesis. In the previous chapter, we find that Abraham was 99 years old and Sarah was 90. God used them all of their lives, and he will use us if we answer his call.
But let's not leave Romans just yet. Paul tells the members of that church to continue to use the gifts God gave them: prophesying, teaching, encouraging, giving, and leading. As we read this scripture, we find that Paul gave many instructions to the church, and our Bible ends that portion of his instruction with "Don't let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good."
How many of us see illness and advancing age as evil, robbing us of our stamina and will? But, whatever our condition, God can use us, will use us, as long as we are able to keep our minds. We have all witnessed that it is the mind that robs, not the body. Even people with diminished physical abilities can still use the gifts that Paul mentioned in his letter to the church at Rome. Regardless of our age or physical ailments, we have to ask ourselves how God can use us as witnesses for His kingdom.
NEVER GIVE UP! A Revelation from Romans 12 by Howell G. Mims
Activities:
I. Divide into small groups of no more than five. In each group, discuss the following questions, giving each person in the group an opportunity to share his/her story. You may want to have someone take notes to use in the next activity.
1. What are some of the reasons some of us turn more inward as we get older?
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2. What do those reasons have to do with our faith?
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3. What do we believe are God's expectations of us as we become older?
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4. In what ways can we continue to serve God, even though we may suffer illness and physical disability?
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5. What biblical characters do we see as possible role models for us at an older age?
Explain your answer.
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II. Reassemble and have someone from each group share the responses to the questions. See if the whole group can reach consensus concerning God's expectations of those whom he calls to serve.
III. Close with each person offering a silent prayer for God to continue to reveal His will for their life.
Howell Galey "Gay" Mims is a product of Columbus Public Schools, Bethel College, the old Cumberland Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and Mississippi State, where he received his Master's Degree in Secondary School Curriculum and School Administration. He taught English in the classroom for five years and spent another twenty-three years in school administration, before retiring in 1993. Gay has pastored the Hopewell CP Church, Cedar Bluff CP Church, Starkville CP Church, Fairview CP Church, Antioch CP Church, and the Brooksville CP Church. In November he celebrated 30 years of ministry with the Mt. Zion CP Church. Currently the Stated Clerk of Grace Presbytery, Gay has served on the boards of the "CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN" and the General Assembly Council. He is married to Martha Jo Ballard Mims, a retired educator. They have one son, Wesley Ballard Mims,who is married to Linda, and one grandson, Houston Ballard Mims. Gay is a cancer survivor who suspects that his "survivor" status is due to the many prayers from across the CP denomination as well as those from friends in Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal churches.
BIBLE EXPLORATION
Melvin D "Buddy" Stott, Jr.
Leaving Our Legacy
Scripture References: Genesis 49:1-33; Deuteronomy 33: 1-29; Joshua 24:1-25;Psalm 91:16;
Matthew 28:16-20; John 14:1-21
A cat is said to have nine lives. Thinking of all of my accidents and illnesses, there seem to be more than nine notches on my calendar already. Too many people accept the aging years with a sign of resignation. As we age we begin to think of the time when this physical life will run out. Many people fear aging for that reason. But there are some mature adults at the Christ Church in Lutz, Florida who call themselves "The Keenagers" and they know they have much yet to do and much to share with others. I am grateful for all those who have taken the time to send a card or note telling us that they are praying for us. Many of these have died but they left a legacy of love with us.
Ken Dale, a missionary with whom I worked in Japan, said that "death is just a crisis in growth". In the days of Jacob, Moses and Joshua, as far as we can tell from the Scriptures, people knew when they were about to die and they gathered their people around them to give everyone words of truth and a blessing. They left a legacy of truth upon those left behind. When I was eight years old, my Grandfather Bettis gathered the family one night beside his bed and gave words to each person like Jacob had done. He told us that he would leave us before morning. And he did. When the blessing was complete, he took his leave with no regrets. Most of us "youngsters" listened intently because he had told us that he was leaving.
Think about it! You are a reservoir of knowledge and experience. While you are able, use some of your creativity and put some thought into your blessing and legacy. You do not want to be static, inactive, non-productive and useless. Even on your "death-bed" you can pray for others, listen to others, and share with others. As you mentally review your life, leave out that regret and self-reproach which God has forgiven. Scrapbooks of life should show no tokens of bad memories. Unless that is that, some might learn a lesson from that. Share things of value.
Mr. Tanaka of Japan Presbytery lived to be a hundred. I enjoyed listening to his rich wisdom and many experiences. He said, "If your life has been lived in Christ, there is no fear of death in Christ." In the aging process, we need to prepare ourselves in Christ so death and pain will be understood in the light of Christ's life, death and resurrection.. Many people do not adjust well to suddenly interrupted plans or major readjustments. God expects us to adjust to the environment of the here and now while we are waiting for eternity.
Hebrews 6:19 gives us a legacy of "sure and steadfast hope." This allows us to take experiences of our pasts and reconcile everything to the developing future. It is not morbid for the believer to plan so they will leave a legacy of faith. Our lives are in God's hands and God can be trusted to "do all things well".
Leaving Our Legacy by Melvin D "Buddy" Stott, Jr.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for the precious promises which have patiently led us through the years. Thank you for forgiving us when we have broken our resolution to rely on those promises. You have made it possible for us to trust in you and you have claimed us as your own. Thank you for the life experiences through which we see new opportunities to share your word. Continue to surprise us with your abiding grace each day. And keep on transforming us to be what you plan for us to be. We commit our energy and abilities to you for your use any way you wish. Through Jesus Christ. Amen
Activity I "Scrapbook" some of your most precious memories.
1. ________________________________________________________________
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2._________________________________________________________________
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3._________________________________________________________________
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What are some ways you can share these to brighten people's lives?
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Activity II List favorite Scriptures and hymns and see that a trusted family member keeps this list. Review whether you have a "Living Will" and 'up-to-date' will.
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Activity III Name ways to improve your church, your neighborhood, your environment
(to leave a living legacy).
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Melvin D."Buddy" Stott, Jr. was ordained in 1956. Presently, pastoring eastside Cumberland Presbyterial Church, Tampa, Florida. Married to Beverly Rast Stott. Served as missionaries in Japan from 1964 to 1990. Have three sons and one daughter: Bruce, Kellous, Paul, and Roberta. There are seven grandchildren. Buddy serves on the denominational Board of Missions, Presbyterial Committee on the Ministry and Presbyterial Council.
BIBLE EXPLORATIONS
Sidney L. Swindle
Service: We Are Not Done Yet!
Scripture References: Genesis 7:10, Genesis 22:29, Mark 14:7
We all look forward to retirement at some period in our lives. Many retire by choice while others may be forced to retire because of health or other situations. But does this mean that we sit down and quit?
In a recent survey by AARP Magazine, 70% of older adults feel they are in good health. So why shouldn't we continue to do those things that make us happy and that help others? By the year 2050, there will be 600,000 individuals in this country who are more than 100 years old. So what are you going to do from the time of normal retirement (65-70 years) until you reach 100?
We're told in Genesis 7;10 that Noah was 600 years old when he entered the ark that he had just finished building. Talk about working past retirement age!
I sold my dental practice in 1998, stayed around a short time to introduce the new owner, then I never looked back, not turning my back on a profession I loved and that was good to me, but wanting to move on to something new.
Think you can't do that? Just try and you will be surprised. Being raised on a farm, I learned the values of work at an early age. I don't want my children to have to do that kind of work but I wanted them to be exposed to good work ethics. What can I work at and how long should I pursue it?
In Genesis 22:29, God told Adam that he would work "all his life." Some of my most happy moments as I have gotten older have occurred when I was on a work trip, abroad, in another state, in my state or in my community. To see a young mother take care of my tools each night so I wouldn't have to carry them back and forth as I worked on her small house in Mexico, made me able to trust more. To be able to help people in Colombia following the earthquake and see their joy and appreciation, even though our lives could have been in danger, was rewarding. To head up a work group to Miami to work on their church, to listen to stories of horror and need in their native Cuba, will long be remembered. As I do some work with Church Women United's Clothes Closet, I realize that but for God's grace, any of us could be as homeless as many of them are. As my retired group of men meet for breakfast once a week, we discuss and put into action how we can help with shut-ins, a widow or a single person with repairs to their homes, cars or other needs.
In Mark 14:7, Jesus said we will always have the poor among us, and they need our help badly. Just listen to some of the people of all ages who have been on work trips helping the poor. Why should they have all the fun, enjoyment and fulfillment? So sign up for some of those things because "We're not done yet!"
Service, We Are Not Done Yet! By Sidney Swindle
Prayer: Lord, give us the strength to continue to share our thoughts, wisdom and
experience with others in need. Help us to stay active and involved to the extent that even we are surprised by what we can still do. In your name. Amen
Biography:
Born and raised in Trimble, Tennessee.
Graduate of Bethel College, BA. Who's Who in Colleges & Universities.
Graduate of University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, D.D.S.
Member American Dental Association, FL Dental Association.
and Hillsborough County Dental Association.
Served Tour with the US Army.
Practiced Dentistry for 38 years.
Served on the Board of Christian Education for 9 years and various Presbyterial boards.
Married to Lita Claytor Swindle for 48 years - three children and three grandchildren.
Entire family Bethel Graduates.
Charter member of Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church, New Church Development.
BIBLE EXPLORATIONS
Boyce and Beth Wallace
Senior Citizens Overseas
Bible References: Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:16-22
The faith and example of Abraham have inspired us throughout our 40 years of missionary service. Abraham was called from Haran and left with his wife without knowing where they were going. Beth and I left Oklahoma for a place where we had heard about but did not know. Abraham was 75 years old when he left by camel. I was only 34 and we traveled by car. Abraham and Sarah spent their golden years in another country. So far Beth and I have spent our third age in Colombia. Believing in one God, Abraham and family were members of a minority group. Less than 10% of Colombians are Protestants. That is about as far as we can stretch our relationship with Abraham. To walk by faith is always exciting.
What is it like to be a senior citizen in another culture? We can only speak of our experiences in Colombia. During the past 15 years the stress level has been high because of the drug war and the armed conflict with rebel groups. Since so much of the drug traffic has
been in and around Cali, we have had close calls at home and in the streets. The security checksand precautions, which are irritating to people in the United States, are routine here. Living in Colombia means limiting your travel to "safe places", but being kidnaped is always a possibility any place. In spite of the insecurity and tense political situation, God has given us good health and opportunities to serve Him every day.
We are blessed with Social Security pensions and health insurance. Most Colombian seniors do not have these and it is a constant struggle to survive. One lady we knew said she was over a hundred years old and lived all her life in a jungle village. She slept and died on a dirty mattress on the floor. This is where I would serve her communion. It was in the misery and smells of that hut that I could recognize that Jesus came to die for her. It was there that I also saw the contrasts of our two countries. In her misery she was surrounded by loved ones who shared their poverty with her until the end. In the United States many die alone in a
sanitized hospital room
surrounded by strange buzzing and tinkling machines.
With inadequate medical care, many seniors pass the days and birthdays, anything but happy, waiting for death to change their situation. Although there are some organized activities (exercise, crafts, hobbies and travels), only a few live close enough or have enough pesos to participate in them.
Now that Colombia is "greying" rapidly, Cauca Valley Presbytery has initiated a senior citizens center project where some seniors can live and others can go during the day for different activities. It will be located on the edge of Cali. This will be a small contribution to a big need. We hope to live long enough to see this completed.
Living our golden years overseas has been rewarding and challenging. It requires the same precautions, efforts and positive attitude that are necessary in any place else in the world.
Senior Citizens Overseas by Boyce and Beth Wallace
Prayer: Lord, you have given the great Commission to all your church, young and old alike.
As senior adults we are part of that body called to be faithful and obey your call. As You were with Abraham in his latter years, help us also to walk by faith as we attempt to be faithful and serve You. Deliver us from wasting away our last years in the comfort of easy excuses while so many in other places are without Christ and suffer so many needs. Help us in Jesus name. Amen
Suggested Activities:
These activities may be done by the group as a whole if it is small; otherwise, you may want to divide into small groups. In that case, share your conclusions with all present.
1. According to Genesis 12:4 Abraham was in his seventies when God called him. List some excuses that Abraham could have used for not obeying God because of his age. What are some excuses that we offer to God for our negligence? List some ways that we senior adults can support missionary causes.
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2. Discuss the possibility of "adopting" a senior citizen in a country where we have missionaries now serving. They will be glad to provide names and information.
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3. There are many needs for the senior citizen center in Colombia that your group might be willing to help with. Have the group discuss ways they can become involved.
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4. Now that there more people from other countries living and working near Cumberland Presbyterian churches, your group may look for ways to interact with them to learn more about "Third-Agers" in their countries. How can you go about this?
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BIBLE EXPLORATIONS
Mary Alice Hudson
God is Better Than His Plans
Bible Reference: Romans 8:28
"We know that God works for good to those who love him, and have been called according to his purpose". Romans 8:28
God works for good to them that love Him. God is better than His plans. God comes and says- "you can go on. The path is rocky but I will help you"
Opening Prayer:
Dear Father,
Thank you for the comfort your words give us all through our lives. We rejoice that you are for us and "no one can bring any charge against us." We rejoice that nothing can separate us from your love. AMEN
Have you ever made detailed plans for an event and had them go awry? Nothing went as you had planned and you thought the event was a disaster. However, a friend steps in and does something that eases the situation and helps you realize it is not a catastrophe. Your friend even helps you laugh over the mess.
Or have you ever had plans made and some disaster occurred which which caused you to stop and evaluate the whole scenario and find that it was really not what you wanted to do in the first place? And often, as a result of the change in plans you see the validity of it not occurring at all.
God is still in control (even in the small events) and if we have that assurance, the plans which do not materialize, the events that are soul shaking, the misunderstandings of those who think they know us-and don't- all fall into proper perspective and we can find acceptance, forgiveness, and the ability to hear the calls of others "help". We think God is lost but He is there all the time and caring for us, making good come from every situation.
When you were young (20's or 30's) did you have dreams and plans as to how you would live your life? An early marriage, college and then employment -with our without children. A place to live, maybe close to family, maybe not. Did you have a planned career?
Then, one day it occurs to you that things aren't quite as you had planned. Some people have alternatives placed before them. Some, it seems, have no alternatives and life becomes a web in which they are caught.
Walter Brueggermann writes: God is not fenced in by His plans. With all the examples in the scriptures, it is amazing how often God brought something good out of someone's mess...Weeping permits newness to come. A few Scripture illustrations of this point are: Psalm 100, Psalm 103:1-5, Psalm 112, Psalm 118, Psalm 124:8. Can you think of others?
God is Better Than His Plans by Mary Alice Hudson
ACTIVITY: (Invite the participants to share their responses to the activity in small groups.)
List the following:
-Two events which you planned and they failed.
-One event which started out wrong and ended up being a joyful experience.
-One person who surprised you by his or her development as they matured.
-How God has used an unexpected person to bring joy into your life.
-How God has used an unexpected event to get your attention.
Prayer: (in unison)
We thank you God, that you are in control and can bring good out of every situation. Help us to call on you before we start a new thing instead of depending on ourselves to make the plans and do all the activities. We know that we are yours and you are interested in all of our lives and will lead us even when we fail or do not take time to ask you into the plans. Help us as we grow older to grow wiser as we ask for guidance in all things, even as Jesus did. In His name we pray. AMEN