For many people, the second half of life brings significant change. Children become independent, careers begin to head into retirement and responsibilities shift focus.  While society often presents this season as a time to slow down, many Christians are discovering something different: it can be an extraordinary opportunity to serve God in new and meaningful ways. 

At SIM, we regularly meet people who are using years of experience, professional skills and spiritual maturity to serve in God's mission around the world. Some serve overseas in cross-cultural teams, where they support and disciple local believers. Others use their professional skills as a way to bring the Gospel into the lives of other people. What they have in common is a willingness to ask, "How might God use me in this season of life?" 

Sue and her husband David are among them. 

With their children grown and greater flexibility in this stage of life, Sue and David are embracing an opportunity to encourage those serving far from home. Looking back, Sue can see how God was gradually preparing them for cross-cultural service, in ways they did not recognise at the time.  

"If you'd asked us four years ago whether we'd be doing this, we would have said no," she reflects.  

At one stage, they were unsure if they were going to make it. While age may bring with it an increase in spiritual maturity and experience, as well as a decrease in parental responsibilities, it can also carry with it additional issues and challenges.  

Yet when those issues and challenges occur after a lifetime of God’s presence in someone’s life, they do not seem quite so daunting. Before leaving, Sue remarked, “We’ve had more years to experience God’s faithfulness.”  

Despite some initial problems, Sue and David made it overseas and are now serving in Asia, supporting and encouraging mission workers and their families. They expect to spend their time building relationships within the local community and offering practical support and the wisdom that comes with experience.  

"We've had more years to experience God's faithfulness,” she says.  

Andrea and Walter share a similar story. After international careers, they moved to Asia in their mid-50s. For Andrea, the decision was born out of gratitude for God's provision and a desire to give back. Walter is convinced that God can use people from almost any professional or personal background. Their experience highlights something many people overlook: mission is not only for the young. Skills that have been developed over lengthy careers, along with wisdom and life experience, can play an important role in cross-cultural service. 

Whether through encouragement, mentoring, hospitality, administration, professional expertise or pastoral care, there are countless ways to contribute. Many believers underestimate how much they have to offer. Yet the qualities that often grow with age, including wisdom, patience and resilience, are precisely the qualities needed in many settings. 

If you're wondering what God might have for you in this season of life, SIM would love to help you explore the possibilities. Talk to a mobiliser today to discover how your wisdom and experience can be used to serve God in overseas mission.  

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Want to talk with someone from SIM Australia about mission? 
Want to explore where your skills, experience and passions could fit in God's mission? We'd love to help you take the next step in the conversation.

For current mission opportunities, please visit sim.org.au/opportunities to learn more about how you could partner with SIM in God’s mission to the least reached.