Dave Weston - Director of Senior Adult Ministries

MAKING A DIFFERENCE (3)

I am grateful for all the people who have made a difference in my life.  Naming them would be difficult; but the list would certainly include my mother, my wife and children, some former teachers and pastors, a lot of wonderful friends, and a “best” friend for more than 50 years.

I hope that in some way I am making a difference in the life of someone.  Kay Whitmore said, “Making a difference is not easy.  But the price of indifference is too great not to try” (Harold G. Koenig, M.D., Purpose and Power in Retirement, <http://www.templetonpress.org/pdf/Purpose_and_Power.pdf>, accessed on April 3, 2007).

Indifference is deadly and to be avoided at all cost!  We can become indifferent about many things…some of which have eternal consequences.  Jesus addressed indifference in the spiritual realm…He used the word lukewarm.  He said, “Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16 NIV).

There are now approximately 37 million people in the United States who are at least 60 years of age.  Surveys indicate that only 1.2 percent of new converts are 60 or older.  Is it possible that the church has become indifferent in regard to this rapidly growing segment of our population?

I am happy to tell you that the Assemblies of God recognizes the importance of ministry to senior adults!  At Senior Adult Ministries all of our endeavors are embraced within these two primary goals:  (1) evangelization—to make a difference in the lives of senior adults who, as yet, have not come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; and (2) involvement—to make a difference in the lives of senior adults who are already committed Christians and active in an Assemblies of God church.

“Making a difference is not easy.”  We must be intentional in our efforts, we must be effective in our endeavors, and we must act expeditiously.

I believe one person can make a difference.  I believe I can make a difference and you can make a difference.  I also believe that together we can make a difference in the lives of many, many senior adults for time and eternity.

“The price of indifference is too great not to try!”