Newsletter Mar 29th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We offer our love and sympathy to Mrs. Amy Linker Adams and family upon the death of her Father-in-law, Mr. Rinky Adams. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.
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Recently, the Lord reminded me of an experience I had about 50 years ago. It had not entered my mind in many years until the Lord brought it back to memory. Let me give you some background. The Lord called me to fulltime Christian ministry while I was in my teens. At first, I had no idea where that would lead—-Pastor, Missionary, or Teacher. As time passed, I began to have a dream:
   …Pamela and I would get married. She and I [and any kids we had] would live on a small 30-50 acre farm. There would be a large garden, fruit trees, and some cows.
   …On Sundays, I would do supply preaching and Interim pastorates at churches in the surrounding community.
   …My main ministry would be teaching Bible and perhaps Church History  at a small Christian College. I was thinking maybe Wingate or Pfeiffer.

Following that dream, I received a degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a Master of Divinity Degree form Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I remained at Southeastern and earned a second degree, a Master of Theology. I don’t know about now, but 50 years ago I was told that the second degree would qualify me to teach on the college or seminary level.

The ink was barely dry on that  Master of Theology diploma when about bedtime one night I received a phone call. I did not recognize the voice. The man introduced himself as the President of a Baptist College in New Mexico. They were looking for a Professor of Old Testament studies. That was my specialty. They had heard of me and wanted to know if I was interested. ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVILY. YES! We spent the next half hour in a job interview. He told me all about the college and asked about my qualifications. My dream was coming true and I was thrilled!

Just about the time I was going to ask when I needed to be on campus, the man started laughing hysterically. It was all a PRANK, a HOAX, a SICK JOKE. The man who called was a local Pastor who knew of my dream and decided to make fun of me and get a big laugh at my expense. I had never talked with him on the phone. That is why I did not recognize his voice.

As you can guess, my first impulse was to get in my car, drive to his house and beat him into a pulp. Then I remembered. Physically, he was much bigger than me. Plus, I had seen him on the basketball court. He had a mean, ugly, nasty streak, that was totally out of place at a friendly Church League game. Besides, I was too hurt, disappointed, shamed, heartsick, and in mental and emotional pain to have the energy to fight. I never cried any physical tears, but I cried inside for a long time.

In many places the Bible tells us that God has His own plans for our lives, His plans are for us to be blessed. As I followed God’s plan for my life, I discovered that He had a different dream for me. I never lived on my own farm. I never owned a single cow. I never taught at a Christian College. I did marry Pamela—-Hallelujah, Praise the Lord.  We had two wonderful children, Stephen and Sarah. God called us to Pastor several wonderful churches. Our lives have become intertwined with so many special people. Births,  deaths, marriages, meal sharing, mission trips, praying and ministering in partnership—-so many precious memories. I am a blessed man to have so many longtime Christian friends and fellow servants of our Lord.

Friends, God may alter your path as you journey through life. Follow Him and you will be blessed. At times you may encounter hurtful people who impact your life. Forgive them [as I forgave my fellow Pastor]. Don’t allow the misdeeds of others to sour your relationship with Jesus. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and upon eternal goals, and you will walk in victory.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10 on 99.1 FM in the parking lot and after 12:30 pm on the website.
3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 700—Latest total for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions. Give through Easter
5. Easter Schedule
           No Wednesday Bible Study
           Thursday—6:30  pm—Maundy Thursday Service
           7:00 am—Easter Sunrise Service
           7:30–Breakfast
           8:30- Easter Worship Service
           Please attend and invite others to attend with you
6. April—-Spring Food Drive for the NC Baptist Children’s Homes
          You may give monetary donations any Sunday during April. Mark your envelope accordingly.
          Paper products and food must be at the church by April 19. Please check to make sure food is not out of date.

The Bible reminds us—-Others may mean to harm us , but our Lord can use it for good!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church