I recently had the opportunity to connect online with Geoff, a 77-year-old from Oregon who, despite managing type 1 diabetes and cancer, continues to dedicate his life to serving others. He’s not slowing down—he’s actively involved in his church’s mission committee and giving his time to a special needs camp nearby. Our conversation left me feeling both inspired by his ongoing commitment to God’s work especially thinking about the stage and season of life he is in.

At SI, we focus on helping people discover and step into God’s calling. While we often work with high school and college students, I find it particularly encouraging to see adults and retirees who remain passionate about engaging actively in God’s mission. A few years ago, I took a worldview course through the Colson Fellows program. Chuck Colson, the founder, was a powerful example of lifelong service. He passed away while speaking at a conference, and many described him as having “died with his boots on”—a fitting tribute for a former Marine. His life, along with Geoff’s, reminds me that serving in God’s kingdom doesn’t have an expiration date.

I recently had the privilege of working with a team who traveled all the way from Indiana to assist with various work projects here in Jarabacoa. The group was a mix of ages, with several young people, as well as a number of men and women who were either in the later stages of their careers or already retired—one of whom was my 77-year-old dad. While we definitely had our share of fun and ice cream, these volunteers were not here to relax; they were here to work. Throughout the week, they replaced 12,000 screws on our metal roofs, built 30 bunk beds, installed kitchen cabinets, repaired termite-damaged porches, replaced a roof over our preschool dining area, and built closets for a social work site.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of SI’s service in Jarabacoa, and thanks to their hard work and others like them, our facilities are set up for another 25 years of ministry. Their labor will continue to serve future teams, students, and community members, providing a safe and functional space for learning, growing, and serving. The work they did goes far beyond their time here; it will have a lasting impact for years to come.

Yet what sticks out to me most, however, wasn’t just the physical work they accomplished. It was the heart behind it. These men and women made a choice to spend their time making a lasting difference that will impact countless lives in Jarabacoa, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to bear fruit. Their example shows me that our age and stage don’t limit our ability to serve. There’s no retirement from God’s work—just different opportunities to love and serve others in new ways and new places. Whether you’re 16 or 85, Geoff, Chuck Colson, my father, and the Indiana team should inspire us to make the most of the season we’re in right now.

A big thank you to Mike Unternahrer, his team and the Team Construction crew as well as so many of you who have also served alongside us here at Students International. As you read this today, I hope it encourages you to step into God’s mission right where He has placed you. Use your time, skills, and resources to serve those around you in small and practical ways. Let’s support one another in staying engaged and continue to build God’s kingdom together. And, when the time comes, may others be able to say about us that we too “died with our boots on”—fully committed to the work of God’s kingdom.

Eric Miller

Field Director – Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic