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Life can really begin at 40!
 Somewhere in our 40's or 50's many of us catch our second wind and want to do something more significant with the next part of our lives. Christians in mid-life have been called “the healthiest, wealthiest, best educated generation ever.” What a resource waiting to be harnessed for the Great Commission!
Powerful marketing targets this group with the message that ‘life is all about me’. However, Jesus has a radically different message: His disciples are to be kingdom focused and generous givers. Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”.
 Many people in mid-life have already taken up the challenge! They are heading out to invest the second half of their lives in new assignments that God has for them in Australia and across the globe. Some are in their forties, fifties and sixties. Some take their families with them while others come back to visit their children and grand-children. Some have retired, others have resigned from careers; some go for a few months, some go for a part of every year and others are long termers. The beauty of living in the second half is that all of these options can be viable. Mid-lifers often enjoy greater opportunity, flexibility, resources and life skills. As Matthew 25:15-28 reminds us, God wants us to make good use of the gifts that He has given us.
Let's look at some examples...
• Di imparts her love for literature to her classroom full of mission kids in Manila.
• Poss uses TESOL and administrative skills in an orphanage for tribal children in Northern Thailand.
• Roz does pastoral care with the Himalayas as her back drop.
• In a classroom in Korea a number of people are teaching English to missionaries in training.
• Jim and Margot worked in Niger for 12 months.
• Peter, living in Melbourne, provides technical and administrative support in an international radio ministry.
• Others work here in Australia with migrants, refugees, and international students.
There are so many opportunities!
 Most Australian mission agencies are keen to talk with mid-lifers who are considering mission service… but where do you start? Its always a good idea to talk about any promptings or thoughts with leaders within your church - and whenever possible, support (recognised) agencies that your church partners with. Another good idea is to consult someone who can help you negotiate the maze. Second Wind Network is a cross-denominational ministry that specialises in helping men and women in their 40's, 50's and 60's to find a good fit in local and global mission. Second Wind Network partners with 20+ mission agencies, offers an on-line mission matching service and many other links and resources.
 If you are in your 40's, 50's or 60's and wondering “where to” from here, check out the Second Wind website
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