As I write this, the Monday evening service at the Big Valley Bible Baptist Church in Lodi, California, is in the books.  It was an interesting service for two reasons.  First of all, there have been a good number of visitors in this meeting from all over this area (not far from Sacramento and Stockton).  Second, there is a very godly woman in the church who is a tremendous example of faithfulness.

Betty is 93 years old and never misses a service, except for the time when she fell and broke four ribs.  Other than that, she is in her place every time the doors are open.  When others less than half her age come to pastor and make excuse after excuse for why they can’t be faithful, she is serious about serving God, even at her age.

This evening, the message on faith really spoke to her heart and she felt led of the Lord to respond in the invitation.  Being legally blind and somewhat unsteady on her feet, she called for help from my son Josiah so that she could respond at the altar call.  She told me afterwards that the Lord had really used the message to speak to her heart.

I could not help being amazed by her dedication.  Here she was in her nineties recovering from a fall in which she broke four ribs, yet she wanted everyone to be sure which side she was on.  In personal conversation after the service, she relayed to me that she has a life’s goal to be an old woman of joy.  Too many, she said, were crabby and cranky.  She wanted to be known for being full of joy.  It was impossible to hear her speak without thinking of the fruit of the Spirit and how God produces joy in the life of a surrendered Christian.

There can be no doubt that she was a blessing and a challenge to me.  If God gives me that many years to serve Him, I want to be like Betty in two ways: first of all, in faithfulness, and second of all, in joy.

As always, thank you for your prayers.  Keep faithful and keep joyful.

Paul