Not many people know Harold E. Salem.
Harold is 87 years old and has served as the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Aberdeen, SD for over 50 years. Nearly every member of the 350+ church has known no other pastor. He has seen most of them minutes after they were born, he stood with their parents on the day they were dedicated, he has married most of them, watched their families grow, visited them in times of joy and pain, and has wept and laughed with most of them.
He has been instrumental in founding a number of ministries that continue to impact the city of Aberdeen and age hasn't stifled his vision. I feel at home with Harold Salem, he's the personification of the gentle shepherd who loves his flock. When most would have settled for retirement, Harold Salem has picked up the pace.
His Sunday morning sermon is broadcast live to four television stations in eastern South Dakota. The same program is later rebroadcast on television stations in 28 other cities. The potential audience: 20.7 million.
I had dinner with Harold this evening. He munched on his walleye and was kind in responding to my questions. "What keeps you pressing forward?" I asked, "when most your age are settling in enjoying their grandchildren."
His wise response, "I've always looked for those who are running. I mean, the ones who have a vision and still believe in the power of God. That's the group I chose 50 years ago to join. I prayed I would never lose my fervor for what I had seen God do over and over again."
He hasn't. Who are you running with today?
Happy 90th Birthday Pastor Harold Salem! We enjoy your services. We listen every Sunday. We also enjoy the ones that help with your services. I have a cousin Andy who is in the nursing home. He also enjoys your services & I'm happy he is able to hear the word of God. Keep up the good work & we wish you many more birthdays.
Vernon, Amanda, Connie Vander Leest
Andy Dunnick
Posted by: Connie Vander Leest | June 24, 2011 at 07:46 PM
CTN currently came to Comcast in Tupelo, MS. I am enjoying listening to Dr. Harold Salem. He is a true man of the Lord with much wisdom in his sermons. I thank the Lord for him and it is unbelievable that he is 90 years old and still a pastor of a church. We need more preachers and pastors like him. God Bless you and I thank you Dr. Salem for your faithfulness and your ministry.
Gini Brandt, Tupelo, MS.
Posted by: Gini | July 16, 2011 at 04:43 PM
Dear DR Salem
we have to go on to the internet to hear you here in Busselton Western Australia.
We found you on the internet one Sunday morning and praise the Lord for your straight teaching, it's getting to be hard to find. We must be close to being the antipodes of you. Your sermon on the pearl of great price meant a lot to me. A sermon on Matthew 25 v1 to 13 would be appreciated sir if you would be so kind. If you do so would you be so kind as to let me know when so as I don't miss it ? May the Lord continue to bless you richly
Wayne Crow
Posted by: Wayne Crow | October 14, 2011 at 06:16 PM