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In 1914 three hundred church leaders met in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The following statement is attributed to them: “There is a world full of ready harvest!” Out of that meeting the Assemblies of God came into being, and for the past ninety-five years the Fellowship has diligently sought to reap that harvest. In John 4:35 we find the words of Jesus: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
There is a “ready harvest” among senior adults. According to Charles Arn, author of White Unto Harvest – Evangelizing Today’s Senior Adults, several surveys in recent years indicate that only 1.2% of all new Christian converts are people over 60 years of age. We also know that America is rapidly aging. By 2030, almost 20 percent of the U.S. population will be 65+.
The mission of the Senior Adult Ministries’ Department is two-fold: 1) evangelization, and 2) involvement. The scriptural mandate is implicit – we must share Jesus Christ with those who have not yet accepted Him as their Savior and Lord. It is also of extreme importance that senior adults be involved in the local church, and continue to utilize their gifts and talents in appropriate ministries and service.
“Taking a Closer Look at Senior Adult Ministries” is available through the SAM Department. Our website – www.sam.ag.org contains other available resources, articles and links that we endorse and recommend. PrimeLine, our newsletter, has been temporarily discontinued with plans to begin production again within the year.
In September of 2008, SAM sponsored a Caribbean Cruise. Approximately 345 people from across the nation joined us. A second Caribbean Cruise is scheduled for April 10-15, 2010. Dr. George Wood will be the speaker and music will be provided by The Original Couriers. We have secured reservations for 400 people for a time of refreshing inspiration and fellowship.
It has been my extreme pleasure to serve as the National Director since June of 2006. I have had the privilege of representing the Department at Senior Adult Retreats, District Conferences and AG churches across our Fellowship.
