A Note to Readers

This book includes true stories and quotes from Pioneers missionaries to illustrate ideas we hear echoed by cross-cultural workers sent out by many organizations to and from countries all over the world. Some quotes have been edited for clarity and length. We have also changed some people’s names and refer to regions rather than countries to protect missionaries, local believers, and the communities they serve. Modifying some of the specifics allows us to publicly share stories of God at work in unlikely places. We invite you to join us in celebrating His faithfulness and extending His invitation of blessing to all people.

Dedication

To our many coworkers who have plunged into global missions later in life, often at significant personal cost, we gratefully dedicate these pages. May your example of courage and compassion inspire others to do the same.

Introduction

When Jesus surveyed the spiritual landscape in Matthew 9:37 and John 4:35, He emphasized three points: the fields are vast, the harvest is ripe, and the laborers are far too few. Jesus commanded a logical response—pleading with God to “thrust out” laborers before it’s too late. The Greek word ekballo implies a powerful sense of urgency and purpose, like to “propel” or “compel.” Jesus calls for a level of mobilization akin to a time of emergency or war. But as we pray for more laborers, are we overlooking a major segment of the potential missionary workforce, hidden in plain sight?

Following a hunch, I began collecting stories from people who first stepped into cross-cultural missions after the age of 55. I wondered, How many more people love the Lord but haven’t been challenged to exercise radical faith at this stage of life by leveraging their experience for Great Commission impact? Millions of retired Christians have discretionary time on their hands. What would it take to increase the involvement of these mature believers in especially needy parts of the world? What if more of them devoted five or ten years to global missions?

Does prayer for more laborers enjoy a central place in your life and in the worship of your church community?

In this book, I’ll introduce you to a few of the many “silver and bold” individuals participating in world evangelization today. May their stories inspire us to press deeper in our faith and to consider charting a different path than what we previously thought possible or reasonable. And who knows? God may have an unexpected adventure ahead for you as well.