Twelve years old and already teaching chess and sharing the Gospel. Eighty and still serving the Lord. What do these two have in common? They both said yes.

In a world that often says “wait until you’re older” or “you no longer have anything to offer”, Christ calls us differently. He invites us into His mission at every stage of life—whether we’re just discovering our gifts or looking back at a lifetime of service.

Susan and Carsen may be worlds apart in age and location, but their hearts beat with the same purpose—to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Still Saying Yes at 80

Susan Grosser first came to Costa Rica in 1970 to study Spanish. At the time, she had no intention of staying long-term—certainly not a lifetime.

“I remember boarding the plane to Ecuador and thinking, ‘Thank God He didn’t call me to Costa Rica!’” she laughs.

But God had other plans.

After serving two years in Ecuador, she returned to Costa Rica temporarily. One temporary step led to another, and soon Susan found herself going on medical caravans, then staffing a rural clinic without a doctor, then helping launch a new outreach ministry in Carpio alongside fellow missionary Sarita Bautista. That ministry eventually became part of Christ For the City International.

Today, 80-year-old Susan still serves in Carpio, a community of over 40,000 people. Mornings find her at the local clinic offering care, prayer, and a listening ear. Afternoons are for tutoring children, encouraging young mothers, and mentoring women through WhatsApp devotionals. She writes daily Scripture reflections for over 100 women in her “Amigas de Nicaragua” chat group.

“It never gets boring,” she says. “There are always new challenges. Most of all, I know I’m doing God’s will. That’s my motivation.”

Over the years, Susan has watched God transform individuals—like a young mother she once met through the clinic, who gave her life to Christ and now leads ministries of her own.

“It’s beautiful to see how God sustains people. Now she teaches Sunday school and runs our clothing ministry,” Susan said. “Her daughter is one of the most spiritually sensitive kids I’ve ever met.”

What keeps her going? Susan points to her daily rhythm of prayer and Scripture.

“Guarding time for my personal relationship with God sustains me,” she said.

But she’s also quick to name the need for younger leaders to rise up.

“We need a new generation of doctors, nurses, and teachers to come alongside and eventually carry on the work,” she said.

For those considering serving—even just for a short-term trip—Susan’s encouragement is simple: “Come and serve. Get to know us. You might just hear God calling you to stay.”

Just 12 and Already on Mission

Carsen is only 12-years-old—but already, he’s learning what it means to say yes to God.

On a family and young adult mission trip to El Salvador, he walked through neighborhoods handing out food baskets and praying with the elderly.

“There was one woman who cried when we prayed for her,” Carsen recalls. “That really stuck with me.”

During Sunday School, he taught a chess lesson at a local church for teens just a little older than him.

“It was exciting because I was able to do what I’m passionate about,” he says.

As he explained how each chess piece moves, he shared a deeper truth too:

“In chess, every piece has a special job. Some are small, some are strong, and some move in surprising ways. Just like in God’s kingdom, every piece matters—and every person does too!”

Teaching chess wasn’t just about the game—it was a chance to talk about patience, focus, and purpose.

“When you play chess, you have to think ahead and stay calm,” Carsen explains. “And that’s kind of like life with God. We all have something we’re meant to do—even if it seems small, it’s still really important.”

And at a local soccer school, he shared his testimony:

“For a long time, I felt like I had to be perfect all the time—whether it was in school, sports, or even just how I acted. I would get really anxious and stressed if I made a mistake. But one day, God spoke to my heart and told me something simple that changed everything. He said, ‘You don’t have to be perfect—your best is enough.’”

When asked how it felt to give that talk, he said, “I was pretty nervous—but afterwards, I felt proud.”

And he’s not done. “I want to go on another mission trip,” he says. “I loved seeing how the Lord shaped me.”

When asked what he’d say to another kid who feels nervous about going on a mission trip, Carsen doesn’t hesitate: “You will really enjoy it. It’s cool to see new places, eat new food, meet new people, and hear their stories.”

There’s a Place for You

Susan said yes. Carsen said yes.

And no matter your age or stage of life, you can too.

You are never too young to share God’s love.

Never too old to step into His calling.

Never too small to make an impact.

Never too late to begin.

Some are called to go—to step into neighborhoods, cities, and nations with the love of Christ. Others are called to give—to fuel that mission through prayer, generosity, and support.

Both are vital. Both are Kingdom work.

So what’s your next step?