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Never too old

Muriel Larson

Skjold Photos

Ben Raymond wanted to study the Bible in depth. However, he had one problem: He couldn’t read. So, at the age of 110, he enrolled in an adult reading academy. He was met by his teacher as he came in the first time. “You certainly don’t look 110,” she exclaimed in surprise – and he didn’t. He could see without glasses, hear without an aid and smile with his own teeth. He also was married to a much younger woman. (His wife, Leola, was only 70 years old.)

So often, human beings are tempted to use the excuse, “I’m too old to do that.” But is this true? In many cases, it may be only an attitude of mind that keeps Christians from serving the Lord in some specific way. As a writer, I have interviewed a number of people who told me they were called by God to prepare for Christian service in their 30s and 40s; they now serve as pastors and missionaries.

My father came to Christ when he was 52 years old. He immediately began studying God’s Word. He joined the Gideons and helped place New Testaments in formerly unreached places. Dad also became a leader in his church, and teacher of the adult Bible class. He began playing his violin at church, and each month went with a church group to play and give his testimony at a mission. As a school crossing guard, he later led a number of children to Christ.

When Myriam Faust was left a widow at 61, she obeyed God’s call to go to Taiwan to serve as a housemother to missionary children. There she also held Bible clubs for Taiwanese children. Her interpreter, Boya Yang, became equally zealous for lost souls. Adopting him, she brought him to the US to prepare for service. Then they returned to Taiwan, where Boya started a church.

Has the Lord laid on your heart something to do for Him, but you have wondered if you are too old to do it? You’re not too old if He has a job for you. Remember, Moses was 80 when God called him to lead His people out of slavery to the Promised Land!

Muriel Larson is a freelance writer from Greenville, S.C.

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Last modified January 8, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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