I thank God, whom I serve
with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember
you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your
tears, so that I may be filled with joy. For I am mindful of the sincere faith
within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice,
and I am sure that it is in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:3-5)
Permit
a time of reflection…
My
father was instrumental in establishing a mission church in a new subdivision
not long after he returned from war and went to work for Carter Oil Co. in
Tulsa, OK. Soon after my brother was
born, He and my mother moved our young family into the new frame house on
Louisville Street. That move established
the neighborhood where I would grow up until the age of fourteen.
At
the same time, a church in Tulsa bought some property and began a mission on
Harvard Avenue just a few blocks from my home.
The mission pastor, W. E. Smith, began to knock on doors in the
neighborhood looking for those who would join with him to build a new
congregation in what was to become the Parkland Baptist Church. When he came to our house my parents welcomed
him in and soon dedicated their lives to assist in building that church. That decision established the fellowship and
friends that I would have throughout my childhood and young adult years.
Sometimes
I consider just who I might have been had those two things not occurred. There is no question but that I am a product
of those two decisions. It was in that
neighborhood and in the arms of that fellowship of believers that I learned of
God and Christ’s gift on the cross for my life.
It was also there I was encouraged to follow the Lord in service as a
minister. They are the ones who
displayed the love of God and taught me the truths of His Word through their
lives and personal instruction.
When
I went away to college, married and began my ministry years, I longed to go
back and tell them about what they had done.
Every person I touch in ministry needs to know about Velma Wilburn, Joe
Clevenger, Okie Hinnen, Gomer Haikey Doris Soost and so many others who
believed in me and rejoiced in God’s call on my life. They are my mentors of love and service. It was from them I learned to pray, speak and
serve.
Possibly
as you have read this your mind has wandered back to the days when you were
young and went to church with your parents and discovered just this type of
fellowship. There are names you remember
as well who were there to open their arms of love and share the love of
Christ. The names may be different but
their mission was the same…to raise you up in the name of the Lord.
Today
we have a great number of children and youth who enter our building. Some come with parents and some do not, but
all are our responsibility to nurture and grow into strong believers. As I see them in the hallways and in the
classrooms I can’t help but wonder if they have met Velma, Joe, Okie or any of
the ones who made me feel important when I went to church. You know I don’t mean them personally for
most have gone on with dad to be with the Lord; but I pray their kindred
spirits are here at NSBC.
We
don’t easily forget those who valued us as children. As a matter of fact, they almost assume a
hero status. I do trust that some will
take the time to stoop down and get to know some of these special people who
come here. You might just become a hero
to them.
Scripture to
Claim:
Come, you children, listen
to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (Psalms 34:11)
