J. T. Elliff retired from the active ministry in 1965, but he continued to preach whenever he was able. When he was about to turn 93, Jr. T. walked the sidewalks of his neighborhood as far as he was able, inviting people to a barbeque. After the meal, he stood to make an announcement:
“Folks, I have an announcement: I’ll be turning 93 in a few days (which was met with applause and cheering). And…I’m going to die (which quickly brought the celebration to an awkward pause). I don’t know when I’m going to die, but you’re going to die too. (At this point, he shared his testimony). Now, here’s the offer: at 93, I don’t do a lot of traveling. But if you want to know how you can go to Heaven when you die, will you just stop by to see me?”
And, sure enough, members of different households came by to talk. J. T. Elliff, now 97, is still eager to speak to others about Christ.
–adapted from “Reflections of Faith” from GuideStone Magazine, Issue 13, 2014, pp. 12-13