This is Matt. Actually, both people in this picture are named Matt. I came across this picture I took of them after the younger Matt got baptized at summer camp a couple of years ago.

I can’t look at this picture without tearing up a bit, and I’m not the guy who tears up. There’s so much to love about a teenage kid hugging a 50+ year-old leader at camp. It shouts, “Thank you!”, “I value your presence in my life!”, “You are making a difference!”

The story is Matt is Matt’s Bible study leader and his cabin leader at summer camp. Older Matt looks more like dad than he does a close friend and mentor. That’s exactly what he is – a mentor and close friend who teaches Matt’s Bible study. He started doing youth ministry in his 40’s.

You’re never too old to pour into the lives of students. I could argue more about being too young than I could being too old. If you ever feel too old, or like you’re not able to make an impact, you need to talk to one of the Matts. Neither one wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

Srereotype broken.