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| The evangelistic newspaper of the modern Jesus Army | 2003 |
3A IN THE MJA
In an age where many older people are consigned to nursing homes, "third agers" have a lot to offer church life
Fred was born in east London in 1925. He and his sister were put into Barnardos orphanages because their parents couldn't afford to look after them.
Life was tough - early rising, hard work and strict discipline. When he was fifteen, Fred moved into a bedsit in London.
Then came World War 2 - aged 18, Fred was called up to the army, but during training he was badly injured in his leg by a grenade. He was pronounced unfit for active service.
After the war, Fred worked as a farm labourer, then went back to London. He tried various jobs then began to work in restaurants and hotel kitchens.
Aged 59, Fred moved to Brighton. He moved around, living in different lodgings, and often working for landlords looking after 'B&B's.
One night, in his 'local', Fred met Crystal and Jane, Jesus Army members. They chatted and invited him to a meeting at their church. Fred had experienced Christian meetings before, when he lived in Salvation Army hostels in London, but had never given his life to Jesus and was baptised, aged 73.
Fred was impressed by the church - its vision, and the friendship among its people. He gave his life to Jesus.
"I had once enjoyed my life in London, but living on a Brighton council estate was more lonely, I often felt rejected and angry.
"Being part of a Christian faith community has brought me healing. I love to help and serve my brothers and sisters. I feel young and alive!"
One mark of a caring society must be that it looks after the elderly. Far from being 'over the hill,' many older people have a richness of experience which can benefit those who are younger - if they take time to stop and listen.
But these older ones are more vulnerable, too. Frailty, illness start to creep up on them so they need love and encouragement to keep on shining!
"If you are over 60, you are in a superb position to listen. If you've lived your life, you're not full of yourself. It is a fantastic privilege and brings a lot of life."
John, 72
"You don't want to yield too easily. You don't need to behave as though you are older than you are."
Gladys, 78
"Getting older causes you to think about others more. There is always someone to phone or to make a card for." "We can't do anything about what is past, but we can about what is present and future."
Dora, 75
This article has been extracted from Streetpaper, published by Jesus Fellowship
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 50% of those over 75 live alone: of the 25-44 age group, only 12% live alone
In 1999, of 870 pedestrian road deaths, 337 were 'pensioners'
In 2000, the average stay in hospital was 9 nights. For those over 75, the average was 16 nights |
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