Out of Sight, Out of Mind?

Nov 09, 2002 03:00 AM EST

For decades they labored, giving all their energy and all their talents to the Lord's work--often with little financial reward. Yet, these men and women of God gladly made those sacrifices, and as a result, they built the foundation of the Assemblies of God we know today.

However today, many of these servants of the Lord are now far advanced in years--still hungry to serve God, but without any means of income to pay for even the basic necessities of life.

On Sunday, November 17, is Aged Ministers Assistance Day. This day is designed to not only recognize the "everyday" heroes of our heritage, but to provide funds for the daily needs of food, housing and medicine.

Although there are many ministries that need support, Aged Ministers Assistance (AMA) is about taking care of "our own." Those churches and individuals that give to AMA recognize the pioneers of our faith, once the givers of all they had, now need someone to come alongside of them.

According to the A/G Benevolences Department, some 500 ministers and their spouses currently depend on AMA for their daily needs, such as food and medicine, at a cost of approximately $1 million a year. The numbers of ministers needing assistance and the costs continue to grow.

"We regularly receive letters and phone calls from ministers or their spouses thanking us for AMA," said Bob Michels, Benevolences director. "When you read the testimonies and hear the thankfulness in their voices, it's then you realize how AMA has become part of God's answer to their prayers."

To learn more about AMA, including how to contribute or how to apply for assistance, see
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By Albert H. Lee
editor@chtoday.com