My scars – you can’t see my scars! I have never looked so beautiful!” These were the words of one homeless woman at the Brantley Baptist Center in New Orleans. She was amazed and overwhelmed by the effects of carefully applied make–up.

But Bobbie Hardin knew what the homeless woman really needed. Bobbie replied, “I can cover up the scars on the outside, but only Jesus can heal the scars on the inside.” On that night Bobbie, a senior adult from Immanuel Baptist Church, El Dorado, Arkansas, used her years of experience applying and selling cosmetics to touch the lives of many women who had given up hope.

Kay Ruddell, Immanuel Baptist Church senior adult ministry coordinator, said, “You’ll never know the impact this trip made on me and the senior adults in our group.”

The Pacesetter Generation

These seniors represent a few of the hundreds who have responded to the opportunity to participate in mission projects through MissionLab Senior Adults, a ministry of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. MissionLab New Orleans provides a custom-tailored program matching the needs and abilities of senior adult ministry groups with appropriate mission opportunities in the greater New Orleans area.

For many years, senior adults prayed and paid for missions but didn’t get asked to go! Senior adults are empowered, gifted with a strong work ethic, dedicated, and loving. They have the time, talent, and experience to accomplish much for God. They are pacesetters!

Dr. Chuck Kelly, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, said at the first Senior Adult Leadership Summit on Missions and Evangelism, “Two thirds of all the people in the history of the human race who have ever reached the age of 65 are alive today.

“I do not believe that is an accident of medical science. I believe it is God’s provision for His church. For God has chosen to do for this generation of older adults what He has never done before since the days of Noah. He has chosen to give this generation extended life for His purpose.”*

An Impact on New Orleans

MissionsLab recognizes the gifts, potential, and power of this senior adult population and the need for ministry in New Orleans. Over the past two years, MissionLab has hosted hundreds of senior adults who become short-term missionaries in the city. “I thought I understood what it was to be a missionary, but now I know!” said one senior adult participant from Longview Heights Baptist Church, Olive, Mississippi.

The impact on individuals, churches, and ministries touched by these seniors is incalculable. “I feel like some day when we’re in heaven, one of these men, one of these children will say, ‘I remember you, Your name was Bubbles!’ Others will say, ‘I knew you were behind that puppet stage; you cooked me a hot dog; you gave my mother diapers and a blanket to bring me home in.’” said Mary Jane Wilkes, senior adult participant who shared the gospel through a clown ministry.

Senior adult groups have worked throughout New Orleans. They’ve worked with homeless teens in the French Quarter, tutoring inner-city children, and leading Bible stories, games, music, and crafts. Others installed new flooring and shelves, painted, and updated plumbing and wiring at the Baptist Friendship House, a homeless shelter for women and children.

Another senior adult group refurbished the chapel at the Brantley Baptist Center. Many demonstrated Christ’s servant heart to the homeless by distributing hygiene, nutrition, and snack packs. Meals were served with warm smiles as many received the food that filled their stomachs, along with the spiritual food that feeds the soul.

An Impact on Seniors

Life change is evident in the hearts and lives of seniors who participate in mission work. Joe Choate, minister to senior adults at First Baptist Church, Palmetto, Florida, said, “God blessed the efforts of the worship team as we observed Him touch life after life. “Tears of joy and blessing flowed as lives were surrendered to Christ. Fires for missions were ignited in the lives of our people, and enthusiasm to begin and do new things began to develop.” First Baptist Church Palmetto is now doing at home what they learned to do in New Orleans!

Real life, hands-on mission experiences opened the eyes and hearts of all involved. “The missions experience opened our seniors’ eyes to the needs in the world and has given them a real heart for ministry for God,” said Lori Story, Central Baptist Church, Magnolia, Arkansas, senior adult leader.

A senior adult from First Baptist Church, DeRidder, Louisiana, said, “I’ve been sitting on a pew for 50 years-but never again!”

An Example to the Next Generation

It is obvious that senior adults open many eyes with the power of their love for Christ and people. Kay Bennett, director of the Baptist Friendship House, said, “It’s neat when the clients see that people do things, because they wonder why it is being done. When they see that people volunteer their time and pay for everything themselves, it opens a door for them to communicate about God’s love. When they see good things happening from good people it gives them hope.”

“One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts” (Ps. 145:4).

Senior adult volunteers demonstrate an amazing love and power that brings this verse alive. They see the purpose God has for their lives, realizing God has given them this time and opportunity to extend His love and salvation. And as senior adults do missions, they set the example for younger generations.

MissionLab New Orleans

MissionLab New Orleans for Senior Adults is designed to assist senior adult ministers and leaders in planning practical, life-changing mission experiences. The process of planning your mission trip is as simple as making a phone call.

MissionLab provides on-campus housing, meals, mission project coordination, meeting space, morning devotions, campus tours, and optional enrichment seminars. All mission trips are custom designed to meet the desires, needs, and experience level of your group.

If you are interested in involving your seniors-or singles, men, women, student, or families-in a ministry that results in changed hearts and changed lives, contact MissionLab New Orleans at 1-800-662-8701, ext.3260, e-mail toni@missionlab.com or visit the Web site at www.missionlab.com.

*Dr. Kelly gave the welcoming address at the National senior Adult Summit on Evangelism and Missions September 23, 2002, at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Toni Wimberly Collins is associate director of MissionLab New Orleans for Senior Adults and Families.