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A Truly Joyful and Rewarding Time in My Life

Becoming involved with various First Baptist Church projects following my retirement has become a truly joyful and rewarding time in my life. Being engaged in church and community activities, I have learned new skills, and I have had an opportunity to meet some incredible people. Perhaps the most gratifying experience is having the opportunity to witness the sincerity of individuals who strive daily to be a blessing in the lives of fellow human beings.

As I reflect on my experience as a member at First Baptist Church, I am better able to understand the life application and meaning of my favorite scripture which is found in Psalms 1:3.  In the King James Version it states…”And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

God has brought me to this place and time such that perhaps my walk as a “Believer” will become a source of encouragement for one of God’s creations. My prayer is that I be a fruitful tree and that I be a source of encouragement to those who I meet along my journey in life.

A Blessing That Was Years in the Making

As so many of us do on New Year's Eve, I was taking time to reflect on the year. I thought about some of the highs and lows of 2024, and there was one thing that really stood out.  I was blessed with a great opportunity to do something I didn't think would ever happen. But as I thought about that wonderful experience, I realized that the beginning of that blessing started years ago.

In order to appreciate the fullness of what transpired, I need to refer back to 2018. April of that year, I was asked to speak at a program in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  My part in that program was to give a response to his book, Why We Can't Wait.  It was a response that I can unequivocally say was divinely imparted. For you see, as I was preparing the response, it came out in the form of a poem. Now mind you, I had never really written any poetry, so I was quite amazed. The poem is entitled, Do You Know Why We Can't Wait?  It addresses some of the points that Dr. King was making back then, while also highlighting some of the similar conditions of 2018.   

Now, fast forward to November 2024. Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King III came to Williamsburg, VA to ring the Freedom Bell at The Historic First Baptist Church and to attend the Let Freedom Ring Foundation annual gala. It was at this time that one of the highs of my year happened. The Lord allowed me the opportunity to get to meet and give a copy of that poem and my book to Mr. King. I would not have ever thought that would happen.  It is amazing what God can and will do if we yield to His will. 

As for 2025 … I don't know what lies ahead.  However, I know my God, who can and does do exceedingly and abundantly above all I can ask or even think according to the power that works within me … I know, He is already there.  He will walk with us throughout the coming year and if we yield to his will, who knows, what we do in 2025 may be the beginning of a blessing that will multiply and cross over many years to come.

An Honor to Spread the Word

During the week of October 24th-30th, I was honored to accept two invitations to speak. The first, an invitation to participate in services with the Racine Wisconsin Fall Pastor’s Association. I thank the Association's President, Rev. Keith T. Evans, pastor of the Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church and Moderator Rev. Melvin Hargrove, Founder & Senior Pastor of ZOE Outreach Ministries, who represented the Wisconsin Pastor’s Association. It was a tremendous honor to preach on the topic of the Black church and to share passages from "The Black Church Relevant or Irrelevant in the 21st Century."

My second opportunity to share the word was with the members of the John Wesley United Methodist Church, in Greenville, South Carolina.  John Wesley UMC is the oldest historically black United Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. My sincere thanks to  Rev. Dr. Daniel Hembree for his invitation to lecture and preach. I was honored that Rev. Hembree and his church members selected my book to be their primary focus for their 156th church celebration. The discussion regarding the Black church and the worship service was incredibly uplifting and inspiring. To God be the glory!