Older Adults Still in Service, O.A.S.I.S., is a volunteer ministry at World Changers Church International that supports church members who are 55 years old and older. In service for nearly a decade, O.A.S.I.S. plays numerous roles in the ministry, which include uplifting the older congregation in a variety of ways and serving the church in different capacities.

The desire to be actively involved in the world does not dissipate after a certain age or milestone is reached, and in fact, many studies support the idea that societal participation increases the quality of aging. However, it is not uncommon for elderly people to face isolation and a sense of feeling uselessness as a result of sudden retirement, poverty, lack of transportation, sickness, and other factors that have the potential to devastate this age group. When living alone, an older adult is even more at risk within an already vulnerable population. But at World Changers, change—and hope—happens!

When she was 27 years old, God told Cynthina Minor, longtime member of WCCI, that He planned to use her as a blessing in some capacity, but never could she have imagined this something would manifest later rather than sooner. At one point, she’d even believed she had missed His call. She could not yet imagine how her life resembled a “calling” in any way. Yet, after nearly thirty years when it seemed “too late,” God began to reveal His plan to her.

Minor is in the right corner of the photo.

Minor founded O.A.S.I.S. in 2010 after conducting extensive, eye-opening research about older adults, prompted by her brief involvement in the WCCI Change Counsel. Upon realizing she was the only older adult in attendance, she also began to notice the straggling seniors in church services that consisted of primarily youthful people. With the assistance of Pastors Ken Terry and Carol Jones, Minor was able to pass along a DVD that summed up not only her research but WCCI’s specific need for the ministry. After all, not every senior citizen is able to sing or serve as a deacon or usher.

Once approved, the work continued. The behind-the-scenes was difficult for several reasons, including Minor’s desire to provide a table of time-sensitive resources for members of the group. A counsel was constructed to meet monthly, throw out ideas, and discuss how to continually improve the volunteer ministry. In October 2010, the first meeting took place and was attended by one hundred people—many of whom wanted to be a part of nurturing the oasis. Now, in 2023, every month the members enjoy praise and worship, dancing, fellowship, and tea and snacks. This group has also been known to host elegant galas and take destination trips.

An oasis is a place usually found in the desert and typically composed of a small body of water and trees. This area provides solace and rest for those traveling through dry, unforgiving terrain. Along with her husband, Minor is a background actor who has been involved in various movies; her life experience has given her the understanding that age doesn’t play a role when God has called you to do something. This mindset has enabled her to craft this refuge at WCCI: “One person described an oasis as a place in the middle of the desert that seemed to just ‘drop out of the sky.’ And what I heard in that statement was a place that ‘dropped from heaven’—a gift from God.”

There are quite a few avenues available to search for a place of belonging. O.A.S.I.S. is sectioned into four age groups: “Suddenly Senior” (ages 55-60), “Prime Time” Seniors (ages 61-69), “Solid Rock” Seniors (ages 70-84), and “Amazing Grace” Seniors (ages 85 and older). From there, participants may also enjoy varying circles depending on their specific interests; for example, there is a Music Circle, Genealogy Circle, Dance Circle, Drama Circle, Brothers Circle, Book Club Circle, Travel Circle, and others!

The primary mission of O.A.S.I.S. goes beyond filling the social calendar of those involved in the ministry; the chief purpose is to “serve members of WCCI by answering the call to assist whenever and wherever there’s a need.” Members of O.A.S.I.S. volunteer for WCCI outreach events in addition to assisting other volunteer ministries like the Children’s Ministry or Bereavement Ministry. In 2023, O.A.S.I.S. helped pack backpacks for the Back 2 School event; in addition, they assist with the Feeding Families Outreach and the Fall Festival.

After a brief hiatus, Minor has returned as Director of O.A.S.I.S. and currently desires to rejuvenate the spirit of serving within the group. She believes this is the answer to the depression and boredom often faced by older adults. She wants to remind WCCI that O.A.S.I.S. is here to serve and that they have a fun time doing it! This specific season of their lives allows them to be a blessing to others.

“O.A.S.I.S. is a place where the older adults of World Changers Church International can come for rest, relaxation, rejuvenation, and transformation.” Life’s journey continues, and it does not have to be traveled alone or in desolation. “As Older Adults Still in Service, we are a blessed people of God that are here to serve our Father, each other, and World Changers Church International as a whole.”