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?
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