And the recently retired commercial angler says the ministry opportunities have only expanded as Americans live longer and families are more fragmented.
Convalescent centers are America's fastest-growing institution.
Haakenson, now 76, started the Sonshine Society in 1973. Because of his group, more than 14,000 lay volunteers help with regular worship services that reach 300,000 people in care centers across the country. Every Sunday morning, volunteers who have been trained with nondenominational Sonshine Society materials lead worship, preach, and teach Scripture memory in nursing homes. Although some residents are hardened to the gospel and some are senile, Haakenson has found many who want to learn about the Lord because they feel so lonely. Most really are helpless.