“Eat all of your vegetables or you won’t get any dessert!” Who doesn’t remember hearing that one? Well, if you’re a Colonial PrimeTimer, an empty-nester 55+, you can forget that maternal command. Eat your dessert first and pass on the salad. That’s how it’s done at the Everything Backwards Gala hosted by our PrimeTimers: dinner starts with dessert and ends with appetizers. How do you get into such an event? Wear your clothes backwards!

If that sounds like fun, how about a trip to Old Salem, Myrtle Beach or Lancaster, PA with the PT Cruisers, the traveling PrimeTimers?  By the time you read this, 38 PT Cruisers will just be returning from a three-day trip to Pennsylvania, where they saw the new production of Joseph at the Sight & Sound Theater®, the largest Christian theater in the country. Next, they’ll be off to a ballgame to cheer on the Bulls at the DBAP.

I’m going to make a confession. I told a co-worker recently that I can’t wait till I’m old enough to be a PrimeTimer; because, they have so much fun! But, it’s not only about the fun.

PrimeTimers have a lifetime of experience that they use to encourage and build up our Colonial family. Recently, a group of PrimeTimers gathered for Ministry and a Movie. After enjoying a classic film and popcorn, the group spent the rest of the afternoon writing notes of encouragement to 150 college students. “Your past has prepared you to serve the Lord where you are today,” said Pastor Brad Harbaugh, pastor to Colonial’s seniors. Many may look at life’s golden years as a chance to sit back and relax after a lifetime of hard work and responsibilities; Pastor Harbaugh wants to encourage seniors to continue serving. “Our ministry is about fruit-bearing,” he said.

To be encouraged and prepare for continuing ministry, PrimeTimers meet to study God’s Word. This spring, a group that gathers on Wednesday afternoons studied the book of Nehemiah. Next fall the group will begin the Truth Project. The Truth Project is a world view course designed to help believers better understand how the unchurched in our culture see life and make decisions. “We want our PrimeTimers to be trained to effectively share their faith with their grandchildren. We plan to create more events with an outreach focus,” said Pastor Harbaugh. For example, when the PT Cruisers head to the ballpark in June, he hopes they’ll bring along an unsaved friend, maybe a grandkid or two, for an outreach oriented dinner before the game.

PrimeTimers are also getting organized to use their lifetime of wisdom on married life to mentor young couples. Pastor Harbaugh said the ministry would focus on a 100-day journey lead by two PrimeTimer couples meeting with up to four young couples. “Over the course of the 100 days, couples will meet about four times. Relationships will be built and the older couples can get to know and encourage younger couples, sharing what they wish they’d known in their 20’s,” said Pastor Harbaugh.

As Christians, God continues to grow us. PrimeTimer Margaret Trail said: “I am learning to live in the palm of God’s hand. I have given myself totally to God and His purposes for me and to wait on Him for guidance in my every day life.” Still learning—after a 43-year ministry serving alongside her husband who was a pastor! What a lesson—that’s experience worth sharing and passing on. One lesson Margaret has learned, we should “write our plans in pencil and let God have the eraser.”

Our culture values the life experiences of seniors too little. People retire and are supposed golf and visit the grandkids. But God says: “I know the plans that I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) He has plans for us at all ages and stages of life. Noah was a PrimeTimer when he built the ark; Moses was no spring chicken when he led the children of Israel; Daniel was in his eighties when he entered the lion’s den.

Colonial PrimeTimers are having fun, yes. But, more importantly, they are growing and learning and serving—leading the next generation to Christ!

Writer’s Acknowledgement: I would like to thank Dick Fisher, PrimeTimer Newsletter Editor, and April Valentine, PrimeTimer Newsletter contributor and 24/7 writer, for their contributions to this article.