First Baptist of West Hollywood Reunion

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a reunion celebrating a great pastor - Dr. Verle Ackerman, and a great church - the First Baptist Church of West Hollywood, FL. I had the privilege of growing up in that church that was once named among the ten fastest growing churches in America. Dr. Verle Ackerman was, without any doubt, one of the greatest pastors of all time. That fact was obvious as we reminisced, shared testimonies, cried, and laughed. It is also obvious by those who found Christ under Pastor A's ministry and are still serving faithfully; and by the number of people who have served and are still serving in vocational ministry.

It was so good to see people that I had not seen in quite some time -- nearly 30 years since I last saw some of them. These people included friends, staff pastors, teachers, bus drivers, children's ministry workers, cafeteria workers, classmates, parents of classmates, former co-workers, a man whose grass I used to cut, and so many more. The surprise of the day was seeing the grown-up "little sister" of a high-school sweetheart. I would never have recognized her without a name tag. I'm sure others felt the same about me, but some people looked exactly the same as I remember them from 30 years ago!

Among the brightest spots of the day was being able to spend time with my parents; and being reunited with people who had put up with, trained, invested in, and prepared me for the ministry in which I serve today. God blessed me with mentors during my teenage years like Dell Lindsey, Guy Melton, Larry Coy, and Pastor Ackerman. If nothing else had happened at the reunion, it was worth feeling that embrace from Pastor A. and hearing him say, "I am so proud of you." I can't even imagine how much better it is going to be to hear our Lord say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

First Baptist has been through some difficult times after Pastor A left. Changes in leadership, the community, economic conditions, and even the name have all taken their toll; but God has now blessed that church with a good and godly pastor. I've known Brian and Vicki Burkholder since my days at BUA and I would expect God to do some great things through them.

To everyone who had a part in putting the reunion together -- THANK YOU! It was a great time and brought back many, many wonderful memories.

A Promise Kept at the Grand Canyon

As our family discussed what to do for vacation 2012, we had a few of our favorites listed including visiting family in FL, trip to Myrtle Beach,time in the mountains, week on the lake at Hickory Knob State Park, and a few others. During our discussion process, I remembered a promise we had made to our children. Two years ago, as my wife and I were discussing a trip for our 25th wedding anniversary, we ultimately decided and promised that we would take the whole family with us to the Grand Canyon. A series of circumstances arose that prohibited our trip at that time and up until now - we had not made that trip.

As my wife and I were talking about it, I reminded her that we had made a promise to our children. Being a big fan of the early Promise Keepers movement and wanting my children to remember that their father kept his promises, I decided that we had to go to the Grand Canyon. With daughters moving away next year, if we didn't go now... we may never get the opportunity.

Looking at our summer calendar which included one studying for her state nursing exam, one taking a summer class in preparation to transfer to Liberty University, and my summer calendar of weddings and other scheduled events; we realized that we had only one week - for this entire summer - that was even a possibility for family vacation.

Long story short, we went to the Grand Canyon! We rode 4x4's in Sedona, stayed in Grand Canyon National Park, visited Hoover Dam, saw Lake Mead, and even stayed one night in Las Vegas. The beauty of the Grand Canyon was indescribable and reminded me just how BIG God really is! (I got tired of hearing about the millions of years it took to carve out the canyon and wished someone would have given God some credit.) No picture nor description can give you any idea how beautiful it is - you have to experience it for yourself. I immediately thought of how the Bible describes heaven. We will never be able to fully grasp its beauty until we get there.

We had a GREAT family vacation and I am so glad our kids got to experience the Grand Canyon with us. More than that, I'm glad my children will remember their dad as a man who keeps his promises!

25th Anniversary

It's hard to believe, but today, Flora and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary! December 20, 1985 we were married at Belmont Baptist Church just outside Atlanta, GA. It was the little church that my wife attended during college, but it has since grown and relocated to a beautiful new building right on I-20. The old building was destroyed, but the memories remain. Flora made her dress, our friends hosted the reception, and another friend took our pictures (the same pictures that our kids laugh at and ask who is standing with mom). Dr. Jack Baskin performed the ceremony and our family and friends were all present. We didn't spend a lot of money (we didn't have a lot of money), but we both loved the Lord, loved each other, and dreamed of the plans that God had for us.

Twenty-five years later... seems like the blink of an eye and I better understand what James meant in James 4:14 when he said "your life is but a vapor that appears for a little while then vanishes away." Our three babies are now beautiful young ladies who love the Lord and we could not be any more proud of. God has blessed us far beyond what we ever imagined and we are still serving Him. Who knows what the next 25 years might hold, but I hope and pray they are as wonderful as the first 25.

Smokey Mountain Vacation

What a week we had! Our oldest daughter was in NC on vacation with her college roommate, our middle daughter was in Belize, Central America on a missions trip, and we enjoyed some time in the mountains with our youngest daughter. Just a few weeks ago, she reminded me that I never took her on her 9 year old trip -- she is now 13. That was something we did with our other girls to celebrate their reaching the 1/2 way point of their life under our roof. (It's also a good reminder to us of how fast the time flies and to make the most of it.)

After much deliberation, she chose a trip to Tennessee as recommended by some friends of ours. In just four days, we spent time in Pigeon Forge, then Gatlinburg. We enjoyed the roller coasters at Dollywood, took a zip line tour 175' in the air, went horseback riding through the mountains, rode inner tubes down a river with mild rapids, rode a chair lift, went alpine sledding, played mini-golf, and even rode a water slide. It was GREAT! Our thirteen year old had to make all the decisions (well most of them) since it was her special trip. Hated to come home, but the fun and money had to run out at some point. My special thanks to David and Steve for preaching Sunday so I could just focus on having fun with the family.

If you are still developing traditions with your children, I'd recommend some sort of special celebrations or trips as your kids reach certain ages and/or landmarks along their journey to adulthood.

Business Person of the Year

Last month, I was approached by one of our church members who asked, "Would you mind if I nominated you for the Business Person of the Year Award?" Quite surprised, I told him that I would be honored and it would be quite a statement for any pastor to be recognized in such fashion. Not expecting anything further, I was shocked to receive that award last night at the annual banquet of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce.

Someone immediately joked about preachers only working one day per week, but I quickly guarded my 1.5 day's per week, since we still have a midweek service. Another said, "I didn't know the church was a business," to which I replied, "It was Jesus who first said that He must be about His Father's business." :-) While God has blessed our church tremendously, he has also given me opportunities to reach into our community as a Hospice Chaplain, Chairman for two new Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Board member for a faith-based initiative, serving as a Board member of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce for 5 years, and more. You see, this award had more to do with community involvement and service, than it did with just our church.

Realizing the basis of this award, I find it somewhat humorous that a pastor would be given such a prestigious award for just simply doing what ALL pastors are supposed to be doing-- getting involved, ministering to, and impacting his community! Sadly too many churches limit their pastors to holding hands and wiping the noses of members. Our church family has caught the bigger vision and allows me the privilege of ministering both internally and externally. EBC is reaching beyond our walls and impacting eternity! So, this award really belongs to our entire church! Thank you EBC for allowing me to serve and represent you. This award belongs to all of us!