Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Tuesday Tidbits

As I approach my 2nd year Anniversary, I always take time to reflect on the previous year of ministry. Looking back, I can truly say that this has been a whirlwind of a year!

This past year of ministry started off with my family and I moving to South Bend. We were commuting from Merrillville, In, which is about 70 miles from South Bend. We were very grateful that we were able to be closer to the congregation and Nicole's new career. Then on the day of closing, my brother in law was murdered. This really sent all of us for a loop.

We celebrated the Church's 58th Anniversary in November, with a revival that resulted in 9 candidates for baptism, including my daughter Erynne! To God be the Glory!!

We were really excited about having Christmas in our new home. Only one problem, all of us were not there to share. On Dec. 23, I became ill and was hospitalized and had to stay until Dec. 29! My family came to my room and we exchanged presents there. It wasn't too bad, although the hospital food was terrible!

New Year's was special as we ended a 3 day fast for restoration and renewal. Our watch night service was off the chain! We didn't have a traditional Watch Service, we had a celebratory service, that included singing, praise dancing, mime ministry, and gospel rap. Everyone enjoyed the service as we thanked God for bringing us into 2008!

2008 started off with a bang! The Lord was adding to the church every time the invitation was extended. We had our 1st Friends and Family Day on the 4th Sunday in January and as a result 10 new souls were added on that day!

It hasn't been all peaches and cream though. We've had our share of challenges as well. My Aunt, Diana Witherspoon moved from labor to reward. This shook my world. I've counseled others but now I had to take my own medicine.

One thing I have learned this year through challenge and celebration is that God is Consistent! I have a new meaning to the scripture that says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble!"

Well, let me close this post by saying, God Is Awesome! I am on my way to choir rehearsal. I am leading a song that is very fitting for me in this past year and all of my existence. The song is entitled,"God is my everything", by Chicago Mass Choir.

"I've had many tears and sorrows, I've had questions for tomorrow, there's been times when I've felt so all alone. But in every situation, God gave me blessed consolation, that my trials only come to make me strong!"

I thank God for my mountains, I thank Him for my valleys. I thank Him for the storms, He's brought me through. If I never had a problem, I wouldn't know that God could solve them. I wouldn't know what faith in God could do."

Through it ALL, Through it ALL, I've learned to trust in Jesus, Ive' learned to trust in God. I've learned to depend upon His word!! Be Blessed!!

7 comments:

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

You just got me boy! I am not supposed to be reading the blogs of my friends and end up going in. But because I have been with you with every hill and every valley that you have been through, I can truly say that you have made it.

Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, neither has it entered into the hearts of men and women, what you shall be if you trust in the Lord.

Luv ya boy

Lance

Rev. Barney said...

Wow!! Two years already. You know it seems as though it has been longer then that. I am thankful for you and the ministry that God has planted you in.

brother today I rejoice, weep, laugh and love with you at this time in your ministry. I pray God's favor on you.

When are you singing?

Pastor A. A. McGhee said...

I am so thankful for God's sustaining grace!! The Lord has certainly been you Rock this year and I must say you held your own. I strongly believe that this week will be great.

Pastor Kevin Lanier Pullam said...

God be praised for His steadfast kindness, grace, and mercy.

I thoroughly rejoice with you. Wish I could be there.

Kevin

Rev.Aaron Holcombe said...

Happy Anniversary to you! May God continue to pour out His grace and mercies upon you, your family, and your church family. Remember that He sees and knows all that you do for Him and your flock, even when others don't. Keep pushing forward, one day it will be worth it all!! Your Brother in Christ Jesus, ~Aaron

Vietta P's two cents worth said...

I thank you for sharing the difficulties the Lord has brought you through in such a short time frame. A testiment that "what He has done for others He can do for you". What a mighty God we serve.

May your time of rejoicing serve as reflection of His goodness, mercy and total praises to our God.
Happy Anniversary.

Mother

HALLELUJAH said...

Two Years Journey at BBC!!!

Happy Anniversary

May GOD continue to grant you that sticktuivness.

Brother: Wilson
GSJ Member