Oden counts return to pulpit a ‘privilege’

Without hesitation 99-year-old Andrew Oden enthusiastically replied, “I’ll be there,” in answer to Pastor Vince Whittington’s invitation to return in 2003 as guest speaker at First Baptist Church Glencoe’s Senior Adult Day.
   
Oden, who preached at the church’s Senior Adult Day service May 5, also preached at First, Glencoe’s, recognition service last year.
   
The spry Oden, who carries a cane but doesn’t use it, sported a dark suit, complimented by a lively navy tie.
   
The tie was adorned with the word “Jesus” written in white with red crosses and a big red heart at the bottom.
   
Oden has preached for 72 of his 99 years and has baptized more than 1,000 people.
   
Oden explained to the Glencoe congregation that as the aging process starting taking its toll on him, with failing eyesight and weak legs, he promised God that he would preach at every opportunity presented to him.
   
“Lord, if you can use me to convince someone that there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun, I’ll go,” Oden said.
   
Although Oden’s body may be weaker, there is no weakness in his stamina, voice, or his memory of Scripture.
   
Not needing a microphone or Bible, the prolific preacher clearly conveys his message through his Spirit-filled body and mind. 
   
“If you have lived long enough to be a senior citizen, thank God,” Oden said. “He has a plan for you and a purpose for everyone. You never get too old to go to church. The older you get, the harder you need to work because you may not have much longer to serve Him.”
   
Oden shook the rafters as he sang from memory a favorite gospel song his father taught him when he was a boy. He sings it at every Senior Citizen Singing — “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?”
   
“Every minute you have God gives to you to spend how you want,” Oden said. “You can spend it to praise, magnify and glorify God with your life. You are ‘created in Christ Jesus unto good works.’ How are you spending your time?” he asked.
   
“Everyone is responsible for his own life at the judgment. I wouldn’t exchange the baptisms for all the cattle on a thousand hills! It’s a glorious privilege to do what God wants you to do.”