Five years ago, folks over 50 were an endangered species at Mars Hill so whenever a glimmer of grey hair showed up I was always quick to say hello. Such folks usually responded to Mars Hill in one of two ways: either, Wow, I feel so old, or Wow, look at all these young people worshiping Jesus.

Bud and his wife Joyce are of the latter variety. They love Jesus, and when they found Mars Hill they were overjoyed with the amount of younger people actually attending church of their own volition. The Johansens are the grandparents you always wanted: warm, loving, serving, wise and filled with joy. Every time I see them it’s a privilege to stop and talk with them; their joy is infectious.

When they first showed up five years ago, one of the first questions Joyce asked me was, “Does Mars Hill do funerals? Because my husband is about to die and meet Jesus.” I was taken back by her matter-of-fact approach to her husband’s death, and it was quite endearing and obvious that she knew Jesus and she knew her husband was someday headed to a better home with Jesus.

Since that day God has given Bud, a retired plumber, many more days to live. This month, however, he was told that, due to an inoperable aortic aneurysm, he may only have a few more weeks to live. I spent some time with Bud and Joyce this week, and, with death imminent, their faith is as strong as ever.

I want to publicly thank Bud and Joyce for their service to the church. “I’m one of the oldest members at Mars Hill,” Bud says, pleased to be a part of our church family. I spoke with him recently and he shared some thoughts for the congregation:

I’m so grateful for the Johansens and the joy they exude, their example as an older couple embracing a bunch of young folks, and their faithful demonstration of love for Jesus.

Please pray for Bud and Joyce as they hold each other close for their last days on earth together.

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