Part 2 of the 3-Part Series Operation Christmas Child for Retirees 

Welcome back the Brumbelows as the iRetire4Him Podcast focuses on the impactful work of Samaritan's Purse and their Operation Christmas Child program. Mark and Cherry share their incredible journey of leading a 55-member Texas church to pack over 100,000 shoeboxes for children worldwide over the last several years.  

Cherry reveals how getting involved with Operation Christmas Child after becoming an empty nester gave her a renewed sense of purpose and has profoundly impacted her family and community. This ministry isn't just for the "chronologically superior" but is a family affair that engages all generations. No matter your age, you can make a significant impact! Maybe Operation Christmas Child is where God is leading you next as you walk through retirement. Find out how you can get involved on the Samaritan’s Purse website.  

www.RetirementReformation.org

SHOW GUESTS: Mark & Cherry Brumbelow

Ministry: Samaritan’s Purse

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Operation Christmas Child for Retirees 

In this special series of the iRetire4Him Podcast, co-hosts Bruce and Jim, and guests Mark and Cherry Brumbelow, want to present you with an excellent idea to add more purpose to your Christmas preparations. They explore the life-changing impact of Operation Christmas Child, a project by Samaritan’s Purse. The Brumbelows share their journey into this ministry, inspired by Mark's mother, who instilled in them a passion for spreading joy and the Gospel through the simple shoebox gifts. 

Operation Christmas Child has become a powerful way for the Brumbelows to find purpose in their later years, and it might just be a project that God is calling you to, too. It connects people of all ages in a shared mission of love and service. Why not bring it to your church and/or community? Check out the Samaritan’s Purse website for details on how to get involved. We’ll leave you with a powerful statement Mark made concerning his retirement years: 

“I don't want to be just involved in good stuff. I want to be involved in the best possible stuff when He comes back.” 

www.RetirementReformation.org

SHOW GUESTS: Mark & Cherry Brumbelow

Ministry: Samaritan’s Purse

Even in retirement, our calling from God remains active, providing purpose and direction. What about the days when we feel hopeless? Bruce explains that hope for tomorrow gives us the confidence and energy to face each day, no matter the challenges. He shares personal experiences, highlighting how faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit provide reassurance in uncertain times.  

Jim and Bruce also touch on the struggles retirees face, such as waning hope due to life's difficulties, and how surrounding oneself with hopeful, faith-filled people can rekindle that hope. The episode concludes with Bruce sharing a personal story about how hope is keeping his family motivated for an upcoming trip to Ireland, illustrating the practical impact of holding onto hope in our daily lives. 

Doug Hunter – an unretired retiree – joins in the second segment to provide exemplary hope to retirement-aged listeners. You can enjoy your retirement to the fullest when you’re asking God “what’s next?” as you journey along life’s way. Tune in for a 30-minute dose of HOPE! 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Doug Hunter

Ministry: Pinnacle Forum

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series Transitions 

This episode highlights personal experiences, noting the impact adult children's transitions can have on retirees. Bruce stresses the importance of prayer, support, and the complexities of modern family dynamics. Jim recounts his own challenges, including caring for a granddaughter after his son's health issues and his parents moving to stay close. 

Mike Henry of Follower of One joins the show to discuss his ministry and to encourage retirees to integrate faith into everyday life. He explains the five habits for living out faith: pray, appreciate others, know what you believe, serve others, and speak for yourself. Although focused on workplace missions, anyone can take part in Follower of One’s Marketplace Mission Trips for spiritual growth and community support. 

Wrapping up, Bruce emphasizes the significance of being a trustworthy and loving presence in the lives of grandchildren, especially amidst family upheaval. We’re reminded that we can find purpose in the transitions as long as we depend on God, finding strength and guidance in Him.  

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Mike Henry

Ministry: Follower of One

Part 2 of the 3-Part Series Transitions 

Let’s keep examining the transitions retirees face and more specifically those related to health changes. Bruce shares a personal story about his wife Judy's recent health concerns and how they’re coping with this unexpected crisis. It highlights the importance of recognizing and preparing for transitions, especially during our retirement years. 

Dr. Jim Harris joins the second segment to share his journey of rediscovering purpose in his “4th quarter.” Despite being 71, Jim continues to pursue his calling, writing books and hosting a TV podcast, all with the motive of teaching others to discern God's voice. He encourages seniors to utilize their experiences to mentor younger generations.  

Changes are guaranteed to come, but how you deal with them will make all the difference! Keep listening to the iRetire4Him Podcast for practical and spiritual help, and check out the resources at www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Dr. Jim Harris

Ministry: drjimharris.com

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Transitions 

Come discuss with co-hosts Bruce and Jim the transitions retirees face, highlighting the three phases of retirement: active, mentoring, and reflective. Bruce explains that the active phase (ages 65 to late 70s) involves fulfilling bucket lists and to-do lists. The mentoring phase (late 70s to mid-80s) focuses on sharing life experiences and guidance. Finally, the reflective phase (mid-80s onward) emphasizes reflecting on and sharing wisdom with future generations. 

Joel Penton, CEO of LifeWise Academy, joins to share how retirees can make a significant impact by helping provide Bible education to public school students during school hours. He encourages listeners to support LifeWise by signing petitions, joining steering committees, teaching, chaperoning, or donating. Find out how you can get involved!  

Bruce concludes by urging retirees to embrace the reflective phase early, finding fulfillment in their relationship with God and sharing their faith journey. He emphasizes the importance of mentoring and supporting not only younger generations but also peers and even parents. Give Ecclesiastes a read for some much needed perspective! 

www.RetirementReformation.org 

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Joel Penton

Ministry: LifeWise Academy

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series Evaluating Your Retirement 

In part 2 of this series, hosts Jim and Bruce discussed 9 evaluative questions that all believers 55+ need to be asking themselves on a regular basis. This episode introduces the 9 reflective questions that accompany your evaluation. While your evaluation tells you where you’re at currently, your reflection will help you determine where you need to go. 

Here’s a hint about all the questions: they’re based specifically on walking out the fruit of the Spirit. Incidentally, that’s the name of Bruce’s newest book – Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit: In Every Age and Life Stage. You can rest easy knowing there’s a strong, biblical approach to making sure your retirement is as fulfilling as possible. As mentioned in part 2, reach out to contactus@retirementreformation.org to request a PDF copy of these evaluative and reflective questions.  

In the second segment you’ll find a special treat, hearing from Scott Couchenour once again. This time he shares the 6 key areas that need to be addressed for your “Fourth Quarter Strategic Plan.” It’s a short but impactful interview! 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Scott Couchenour

Ministry: Serving Strong

Part 2 of the 3-Part Series Evaluating Your Retirement

Feeling adrift in retirement? Yearning for purpose beyond the horizon of leisure? This episode of iRetire4Him is your wake-up call! Host Jim Brangenberg joins forces with Bruce Bruinsma, founder of Retirement Reformation, to unveil a path paved with the fruits of the Spirit. Through nine evaluative questions inspired by these fruits, Bruce guides you on a journey of self-reflection and the opportunity to grow closer to God during your fourth quarter. 

The episode also features an impactful segment with Scott who shares about finding renewed purpose through service. His story is a testament to the power of using your golden years to make a difference. Let Jim, Bruce, and Scott be your companions today as you evaluate and reflect on your retirement in this special series. If you’d like a PDF copy of the questions asked in today’s show, email contactus@retirementreformation.org. 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Scott Couchenour

Ministry: Serving Strong

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Evaluating Your Retirement 

Learn in this episode the importance of asking questions during retirement. It's not meant to be a time of passivity, but rather a chance to discover your purpose. Host Jim Brangenberg and Retirement Reformation’s Bruce Bruinsma introduce this new series on reflection and evaluation questions – questions that will challenge you to make your retirement years more impactful than ever.  

Bruce shares resources such as events like Retirement Voices and Oxygen for Life, which provide deeper reflection opportunities. If you're interested in bringing these events to your church, visit the Retirement Reformation website at https://retirementreformation.org. You can also find books there that Bruce also recommends in the show. 

The iRetire4Him Podcast was eager to welcome Linda Priaulx, host of the practical podcast Aging in Place Strategies and Answers. She shares her experience working past retirement age and feeling God’s call to start her podcast to serve other retirees. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to be proactive in their retirement by asking questions, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and considering how they can continue to make a positive impact. 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Linda Priaulx

Ministry: Aging in Place Strategies and Answers

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series The RJFFA vs. Loneliness 

This last episode of the series delves into the significant role seniors can play in combating loneliness, emphasizing the importance of being present, flexible, and offering their resources. It highlights specific actions RJFFA (Retired Jesus Following Folks of America) can take. 

Reaching Out to Pastors 

We addressed the unique challenges pastors face, often experiencing isolation due to the demands of their role and potentially feeling disconnected from their congregations. Some practical ideas you can implement: 

• Connect with pastors from different churches. Stepping outside your own church community allows for building new relationships and offering support to those outside your immediate circle. 

• Offer a listening ear. Inviting a pastor for coffee or lunch creates a space for genuine connection and understanding his or her specific struggles without judgment. 

• Provide practical help. For pastors with young families, offering childcare or assistance with errands can significantly alleviate their burden. Or if you’re handy, volunteer to fix something for them or put your skills to use. 

Combating Loneliness Among Peers  

Stay connected with fellow retirees, particularly those who might be struggling due to limited mobility or social isolation. Some of the show suggestions: 

• Regularly visit or call friends and acquaintances. Maintaining contact helps combat feelings of loneliness and reminds them they are valued members of the community. 

• Actively listen and identify needs. Asking how you can best support your peers allows for tailored assistance, whether it's running errands, providing companionship, or simply being a listening ear. 

• Offer practical assistance. Transportation, household chores, or other tasks that have become challenging can significantly improve their quality of life. 

Lending Support to Businessmen and women 

As they can suffer from loneliness too, retirees can come alongside businesspeople, both current and retired, to support them and protect them from succumbing to loneliness.

• Mentorship. Retired business owners and workers have a great opportunity to pour into younger generations. Your experience is valuable! 

• Relate to them. You’ve both walked through similar circumstances in dealing with the ups and downs of enterprise. Be a listening ear and wealth of wisdom. 

Even small gestures of kindness and connection can have profound impact in reducing loneliness and fostering strong bonds among retirees. Also hear from CEO of Life Action, Donny Vanker. Check out Life Action for all sorts of help and resources to encourage and love on your pastors, business leaders, and other retirees in your life!

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Donny Vanker

Ministry: Life Action