Oftentimes, we encourage young people with the words, “You are never too young to make a difference.” This truth is found in 1 Timothy 4:12, a Bible verse read at the end of every Custom middle and high school service. But the younger generation isn’t the only one that needs to believe that their age doesn’t disqualify them from making a difference—the reality is, in God’s Kingdom, you are never too old either.
Serve Day 2022 reminded us of just that, as people of all ages and from every Seacoast Church campus came out ready to help and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their communities. It was a beautiful picture of the body of Christ, and how together, we can make a difference.
If you’re wondering how old is too old, a man from the Summerville Campus showed us that as long as we have breath in our lungs and our bodies are able, age is just a number. Jim Walden is 93-years-young and was just as eager to serve as everyone else in his church family. He and his family have been a part of the Summerville Campus for five years, and every week his light shines brightly. His daughter, Judy, shared: “He is at church every Sunday to shake hands and give hugs to both people he knows and others he doesn’t! My father doesn’t always realize the light and joy he is to others.” Jim is a gentle soul who truly just loves people and the world around him, and it is evident.
Jim’s background is in business, and just a few years ago at age 91, he had the desire to start his own hotdog food truck. To take it a step further, he wanted to be able to bless others and give out hotdogs for free. “He is legally blind and only sees shadows, so we had to be honest as his kids and tell him that wouldn’t be possible,” Judy said. Having to tell their father his dream couldn’t be a reality was difficult, as his children have always watched their dad reach for his dreams and make them come true.
Just as Jim has been generous and giving to anyone and everyone, Pastor Roy Jacques wanted to help make Jim’s dream come true of giving out free hotdogs. “We planned and planned how we could make this happen,” Judy said. “My father was so surprised when everything came together for Food Pantry Day (which fell on the same Saturday as Serve Day) at the church. He got to serve others and have a bucket list dream come true!”
“Life is about accepting God, and attitude is everything.” – Jim Walden
“The moment when we walked him out to show him his hot dog stand was the most precious and blessed thing ever! His smile, tears, and excitement overtook us all. I saw the light in his heart and eyes as he served others. There was a young man on a bike who hung around my dad for a couple of hours. He ate hotdogs and I shared my dad’s story with him. My father took his hand and invited him to church. He told him, ‘Life is about accepting God, and attitude is everything.'” Jim also shared that if he stayed happy, positive, and asked Jesus to guide his every moment that he would be at peace.
Thank you, Mr. Jim for teaching us that we can make a difference in the lives of others at any age! Whether it’s a smile, hug, or a dream of how we can serve others to show them Jesus—we can all make an impact.
