Words of Reflection and Gratitude

Well, I must admit, the 5Th Year Pastoral Anniversary Celebration held in honor of my family and I on Sunday was second to none. The wonderful people of GSJ left no stone unturned as countless expressions of gratitude fell from their lips and many tangible gifts were given to demonstrate their appreciation. It’s always good to sit down and allow others to share reflections of your labor of love throughout the year. Pastors are so busy serving their congregations until it’s often difficult to remember everything we do. Thank God for people of faith who don’t mind bringing our labor back into focus as they praise God for His awesome providence.

We were blessed with the presence of several pastors and their congregations who shared with us in worship all day. Pastor H. Gregory Haygood of Pilgrim, South Bend, preached a message during 8am worship entitled,” When Your Faith Is on the Ropes” taken from Matthew 11:2-6. We were encouraged through the message to not allow our crisis to cause us to lose focus on Christ. Pastor Haygood is a premiere preacher who has been a big brother to me ever since my days at American Baptist College of A. B. T. Seminary in Nashville Tenn. He was instrumental in my becoming acquainted with GSJ and I truly thank him for his friendship.

Pastor Charles L. Emery, my father in the ministry and pastor of Pilgrim, Gary, Indiana, brought the message during our 11am worship. We had a hallelujah good time! There was not a dry eye or immobile person in the place. In everyday preacher jargon, he dumped the house. The message he shared came from John 21:15-17, entitled “The Shepherds Love for the Sheep.” I thank God for my pastor and what he has meant to me through the years. After 11am worship, we dined sufficiently in the lower level of our church where the culinary staff did not disappoint. The food was simply delicious. Were it not for one more service, I could have gone to sleep. You know how drowsy we get after a sumptuous meal.

At 5pm, our services continued with Pastor Ray E. Owens & Macedonia Baptist Church along with Pastor Keith D. Witherspoon & Bethlehem Baptist Church as our guests. Something special happened to me during this service. Our youngest child, Jared (9yrs.old) favored me with a surprise tribute that left me with tears of joy. When they asked for the person with the special tribute to come forward, the church went in with excitement as he mounted the podium. His tribute was confirmation I desperately needed because I never want to become too busy as a pastor that I fail at being a family man. Thank God I’m not failing in this area of my life.

The services concluded with Pastor Keith D. Witherspoon preaching like a man possessed. He came through like a rushing mighty wind. He is sho-nuff some preacher. The house had already been dumped before he arrived but one more dumping has never hurt anybody. The message he preached was entitled “The Gospel” taken from Romans 1:16. My brother preached my soul happy and I am yet to recuperate.

This day will go down as one of the most rewarding, refreshing and richest days I have ever experienced. I owe deep gratitude to the GSJ family in general and the Anniversary Committee in particular. You guys have certainly out done yourselves and I am so thankful to be your pastor. Let’s stay together for as long as God will allow. Love Ya!!!

Appreciation Sunday

Sunday, November 16, 2008 is the Annual Celebration of my Pastoral Ministry to Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. It has been my privilege to serve this church as pastor/teacher for the past five years.

Our guests for this special occasion include: at 8am, Pastor H. Gregory Haygood & Pilgrim Baptist Church, South Bend, Indiana, at 11am, Pastor Charles L. Emery of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Gary, Indiana, at 5pm, Pastor Ray E. Owens & Macedonia Baptist Church, and Pastor Keith D. Witherspoon & Bethlehem Baptist Church of South Bend.

I am deeply humbled by our congregation’s willingness to honor us and am thankful for every kind expression. It is my sincere prayer that God will bless this day of celebration, and that He will grant us many more years of worshipping, witnessing, working and walking together to the glory of His name and the edifying of His people.

In closing, I would be remiss if I did not thank my lovely wife Jennifer, who without her love, understanding, sacrifices and partnership, I could not have freely and joyously served GSJ these past 5 years.

Please pray God’s blessings on this celebration and I look forward to sharing some photos etc. in a few days. Peace!!

Appreciating A Shepherd

Last evening, the family and I traveled to Gary, Indiana, to share with the Pilgrim Baptist Church who honored Pastor Charles L. Emery & Family with a 30th Year Pastoral Anniversary Banquet at the Genesis Convention Center.

The banquet was a culmination of services held the prior weekend as many pastors, elected officials, guest churches and sons in the ministry gathered to express appreciation, affection and adoration for his ministry to church, community and even the country. An honor was bestowed upon me to serve as Toastmaster for this great occasion. I was not sure how it would turn out seeing that I’ve never served in this capacity, but those present expressed appreciation for how smoothly we went along, so I am grateful. The theme for this occasion was “The Shepherd’s Love for the Sheep” taken from John 21:15-17 which says:

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 (ESV)

Usually, pastors ask one of their ministerial colleagues to serve as keynote speaker for such occasions, however, Pastor Emery chose a different route this time. Mrs. Coraetta Rollins, a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Indianapolis, and one who has served as Leader of the Women's Auxiliary in The General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Indiana, did a marvelous job expounding on the theme and gave great encouragement to many of the pastors present. I have always respected this seasoned woman of God and her work in the church and convention speaks for itself. It was a joy to see her and hear her speak.

Pastor Emery is a prolific preacher, a dynamic leader, a visionary pastor and world renowned evangelist, who has touched the lives of countless people across the length and breadth of this country. I spent my formative years under his capable leadership and I am thankful to God for the many things I learned at his feet. I am the preacher, pastor and person I am today largely because of what God did through his influence upon my life.

We had a wonderful evening and all present came away thrilled that they were able to spend this time honoring such a great Man of God. Please pray for the continued success of Pastor Emery and his labor of love at the Pilgrim Baptist Church.