Faith That Still Climbs Ladders

Stepping into the Weatherford Seventh-day Adventist Church felt like stepping back in time. It had been years since I had walked through the doors of the church of my youth. During our visit, my mother, Patti, asked if we would help with the rebuilding project after a devastating fire.

The fellowship hall was almost unrecognizable. Wood paneling had been removed, charred rafters remained exposed, and sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows, reminding me of childhood memories. Looking for the project leader, I was surprised to find Roscoe, an 89-year-old volunteer, standing on a ladder hard at work beside Dave, another man in his 70s. Dave had spent much of his life building and repairing churches, and now he and his wife, Cathy, were once again using their gifts to restore God's house.

They welcomed us warmly, and soon we joined them preparing the building for inspection. As the morning continued, more volunteers arrived, most in their 70s and 80s. One volunteer was even 91. My 15-year-old nephew, Rylan, eagerly tackled the dirtiest job, scraping char from the ceiling beams. Together we removed damaged electrical components, replaced supports, cleaned, and prepared the church for the next stage of restoration.

Watching this group laugh, encourage one another, and joyfully serve was inspiring. I jokingly told them they acted like teenagers as they climbed ladders without hesitation. But I soon realized their confidence came not from physical strength but from complete trust in God. They lived the promise of Isaiah 40:31: "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength," (NKJV). Though age had changed their bodies, it had only strengthened their faith.

By Sabbath, tremendous progress had been made. Worship was held in another church with a sermon about the Holy Spirit and our need to remain connected to the One who gives strength when ours fails. Sitting in the pew, I fought back tears because the members of Weatherford were already living that sermon. They didn't come simply to receive; they came ready to serve. They refused to let age define what God could accomplish through willing hearts.

On Sunday, even more volunteers arrived to paint, remove flooring, clean, and prepare the building for inspection. My mother joked that the volunteers had "worked themselves out of a job." Their example reminded me of Galatians 6:9: "Let us not grow weary while doing good," (NKJV).

The Weatherford church reminded me that God's work is never limited by age but empowered by hearts surrendered to Him. Thank you for showing me that a life devoted to Christ never retires from His service.

By Angel Clapp