Called to Love and Connect
By Bob Grady, SAGE president, with Heidi Baumgartner
As seniors, we have lived long enough to see it all! We have been through the joys and sorrows of a lifetime, so we can identify with others and understand their needs.
We’ve picked up a little wisdom along the way, too. And many of us are cuddly, loving grandpas and grandmas, or aunts and uncles.
That’s why Seniors in Action for God with Excellence (SAGE) has attracted so many of us in the last 25 years who wanted to help others.
Jesus and His followers showed us the way. Joseph helped save the people of Egypt and the surround countries, including his own family, from a famine. Elisha prayed and brought a little boy back to life. Ezra and Nehemiah led their people in rebuilding Jerusalem. And Jesus went about healing and preaching, over the whole country of Palestine.
In one of His parables, Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
“Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:34-36
Yes, we seniors follow our Savior because we love Him and He loves us.
And He tells us of His special love for older folks: “You whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born, even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:3-4.
How can we help wanting to show our love for such a loving God?
However, right now the needs are shifted. Because of COVID-19 concerns, SAGE is not able to do ministry like SAGE is used to doing. We’ve spent a lifetime helping others and now we need your help.
Would you pray for senior citizens who are lonely and isolated? Would you reach out and call a senior member of your church this week? Listen to stories, pray together, offer to pick up groceries, run an errand, drop letters in the mail, set up a Roku for viewing Adventist media, and/or safely help with a household or landscaping need like mowing the lawn.