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Building on the acronym "ICAN," which means "Involvement in Community Action Now," the author has formed the slogan, "Get involved the AmerICAN way." With this as the basis for his call to action, he describes numerous humanitarian service activities in which retired people can make significant contributions for the betterment of their communities. His descriptions are filled with anecdotes that make these service opportunities come alive.
Midway in his book, the author focuses on the joys of serving as couple missionaries for the Church. He speaks of many different types of callings: reactivation of current members, shadow leadership, resource and development callings, mission leadership responsibilities, etc. He answers the hard questions: what is expected, the many types of community relationships, costs, and stay-at-home service opportunities in such Church functions as the Family History Centers and the temples.
What makes this book sparkle is the author’s enthusiasm, the hundreds of inspiring stories he tells, the deep insights he shares, and his unique power to motivate readers to meaningful action. This is truly a life-changing book that can be enjoyed by every Latter-day Saint, retired or not!
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Dedication, 7
Acknowledgments, 8
Foreword, 9
Preface, 13
1. The American Way, 17
People Helping People, 17
2. Help Wanted, 21
People Needing People, 21
3. The Paradox, 29
A Matter of Age, 28
4. My Friend Burt, 34
An Example of Endurance, 34
5. The Price, 39
Giving of One’s Self, 39
6. The Neighbor, 44
Finding the One in Need, 44
7. Golden Threads, 47
In the Fabric of Missionary Service, 47
8. Who Me, Serve a Mission?, 54
Not in my Golden Years, I Won’t!, 54
9. Counting the Costs, 61
Sustaining Your Needs, Containing Your Wants, Retaining Your Resources, 61
10. "Then Shall Thy Confidence Wax Strong", 66
Personal Development Through the Lord’s Service, 66
11. Together In the Gospel, Now, 73
Families, the Lord’s Way, 73
12. Emily, 79
A Ward United in Saving a Soul, 79
13. Help! I’ve Lost My Testimony, 89
Tender, Precious and Sweet; the Young Missionary, 89
14. "Behold, What Shall We Do?", 100
Polishing the Lord’s Agates Found in Life’s Rock Quarry, 100
15. Eric Died Today, 108
It Was the Eleventh Hour and He Asked for the Missionaries, 108
16. Horsefly, 114
Small Branches of the Church Exist Worldwide, 114
17. I Didn’t Know That!, 123
Serving in Harmony, Success, and Fulfillment, 123
18. But, What Can I Do?, 130
Sharing Your Wealth of Experience, 130
19. The Saturday Night Egg Man, 138
Activity, Inactivity—A Fine Line, 138
20. He Who the Lord Calls, 145
The Lord Can Use Your Avocational Expertise, 145
21. With Heart, Might, Mind and Strength, 150
It Is How, Not Where One Serves, 150
22. Of Names, Dates and Eternity, 154
The Spirit of Elijah Is Moving Upon People Throughout the World, 154
23. The Frosting On the Cake, 160
Service in the Lord’s Temple, 160
24. Roofing Your Celestial Mansion, 163
This Life Is the Time to Prepare, 163
Index, 171
About the Author, 176
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