We talk with three men of God on faith & age

Every month in '08 Cross Rhythms City Radio is focusing on a key theme that effects our city, broadcasting daily interviews, information and news from local projects, strategic leaders and the people of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffs. The 'City Focus' for January is Older People.

Did you know that the UK has more people aged over 60, than under 16; 1 in 5 older people in the UK lives below the poverty line; 13% of the over 65's feel lonely often or even all of the time; 1 in 10 people over 75 finds it very difficult to access their local shops; only 29% of people over 65 have ever used the internet; 48% of the over 65's consider the TV their main form of company and every 5 hours an older person dies as a result of an accidental fall in their home.

With our older people finding life so tough generally speaking, we decided to ask some gents we know, pertinent questions relating to their age and faith, to see if they could offer any nuggets of wisdom or hope!

Tony Fitzgerald leads the Apostolic Team that serves a family of churches known as Church of the Nations. COTN has churches in over 30 nations. Peter Newman was a young runaway who fell foul of the law and hit rock bottom when he joined the ranks of the down-and-outs on London's Thames Embankment. Since God turned his life around he has been both an evangelist and preacher all over the world. Dr Victor Pearce is a published author and scientist.

Tony Fitzgerald

Tony Fitzgerald

Heather: Turning 60 isn't what people would generally call 'old' nowadays; however at 60 many people are already looking to retire. Knowing something of your schedule and focus, I don't think retirement is in your thinking is it? How do you see retirement scripturally?

Tony: Yes, I think you are correct. Retirement is not in my thinking. When you begin to understand God's purpose for your life you walk a journey that continues through that life. Age may alter the pace of life or what one is able to physically accomplish but the overall passions and desires continue. Retirement is a concept that isn't really supported by scripture. If we look at the life of Paul in the Bible we see that he didn't retire but moved into a rented house and continued to share with all those that came to him. The New Testament says of David that he was a man who served God in his generation and then fell asleep. In any case, I heard a popular entertainer say once in an interview when asked a question about whether he would retire. He said, "When people retire they travel the world and do what they like most. I do that now, so why would I retire?" I guess I'm much like him. When you give your life to destiny and purpose and see vocation as a kingdom calling and not just a job then it will be a part of you for life.

Heather: I know you have some understanding as to how God has worked in the different decades of your life and what you therefore feel His focus will be with you in your 60's; can you share a little of that with us?

Tony: When I look at my 60's, I see a decade, living in the fullness of what I have learnt through previous decades and seeing these things established in another generation. The word of God encourages us to pass on to others the truth that we have been entrusted with so that there is a continuance. As a natural and spiritual father my desire is that those that God has entrusted to me go further and accomplish far more and I will find great joy in cheering them on. Although I also want to continue in what I am doing I desire the main emphasis to be one of releasing others into and encouraging them in their destinies.

Heather: Many people see the latter years of life as something to try to put off or deny, what hopes do you have for the final decades of your life that could encourage others too?

Tony: My answer to this is very simple; to finish the course. I believe that God has a destiny for every life and the great joy of living is discovering that destiny and fulfilling it. I think it is wonderful when you read the words of a man like Paul who says, "I have run the race, I have finished the course." I realize many people just do a job and work towards a day when they will retire and try to enjoy what they have worked for. I believe that life should be much more than this. Rather a journey of adventure that continues through life.

In conclusion, I would like to say that when I was approaching 60 I had a great excitement in my heart believing that it would be a whole new stage. It's turning out to be that, but now having turned 61 I realize just how quick time is going by, and that makes me more determined to live life to the full. My encouragement to others would be; don't let life put you into a mould but through God's grace find His purpose for you and serve his purposes in your generation. It's never too late to start.

Peter Newman

Peter Newman

Heather: You're someone who lives the reality of the scripture that 'old men will dream dreams' aren't you; I understand you've just been on a ministry trip to Africa? How did that go? What did you see God doing?

Peter: This time I was in Nigeria having for the last forty years been travelling in a number of countries in Africa. What I see is the fruit of faithful missionaries of both genders; these faithful warriors lay down their western life style and some their lives to minister the word of God. More often than not I am ministering to the fruit and watching and listening to the growing church that Jesus is building. My ministry to these brothers is to encourage them and when possible to help them to be self supporting by setting up their own businesses.