Homecoming Brings Back Memories

I attended the homecoming service at First Baptist Church of Olustee on Sunday morning. This is the first homecoming service I have been able to attend there in several years, although I have attended and preached a few services there. It was good to see some folks that I haven't seen in some time and to see some folks that I "grew-up" knowing. I also still have some close friends and family at that church.

While there, I looked through some photo albums containing pictures from past events at the church and I saw a lot familiar faces, some still around and others now gone-on. It made me think of my "growing-up" in that church. I started thinking about how important being a part of a born-again body of believers is to our spiritual growth. Our life is molded by our beliefs and the "things" we are involved with. Some of the photos reminded me of things I had forgotten and of some things I still vividly remember.

I made my public profession of faith in Christ, at FBC Olustee, while in elementary school, during a revival service preached by Rev. O.E. Boals (I was saved earlier in a VBS in Green Cove Springs, FL). I was baptized by Pastor George Chism (now with the Lord) later that summer in Ocean Pond, because the church did not have a baptistery at that time. I was in and even directed several Christmas programs; taught the youth VBS class for several years and was VBS director for a few more; I remember "third-Sunday dinners" and quarterly Sunday School socials; I once had seven years of perfect attendance in Sunday School (do you remember the little pins you would receive?); I've attended too many funerals of loved ones and friends in that church; I remember weddings, homecomings and other special events; I held almost every position in that church except for deacon, pastor and nursery teacher, I even led the singing for a while; I remember being taught the Word of God and developing a deeper appreciation for God's Word and building a desire to want to learn more; I was called to the Gospel Ministry while there and publicly surrendered to the Lord to preach His Word; I remember the second message I preached was in that church. WOW! I have tons of memories from that church experience.

I am now a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Butler and building a whole new set of memories, even though I'm often away preaching at other churches. All of these experiences have been a preparation for what the Lord has called me to do as an evangelist. These experiences have "shaped" my life and my spiritual walk. What about you?

Are you being molded into someone that God can use in His service? It may not be as a minister or deacon, but it could be as a teacher, nursery worker, preparing the church bulletin, keeping the church yard mowed or just being an encouragement to a friend or stranger. God wants to use you, the question is, are you allowing Him to prepare you? Our being a part of our local church, worshiping, serving and learning is crucial in our preparation. The Bible says:

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

I've included three photos from those good ol' days, so you can see how much I have grown (wider, not taller). The top and bottom photos are with some good friends. Unfortunately miles and the death of one now separates us all. The middle photo has me sporting the traditional, yet fashionable, shepherd outfit (I'm the little one in the photo). I'm sure tomorrow I'll be wondering, "why did I post those ugly photos of me", but they are so full of memories.

If you live near or are passing through Olustee, Florida, Pastor Mike Williams would welcome you at FBC of Olustee; and, if you are near or passing through Lake Butler, Florida, Pastor Jason Johns would welcome you at FBC Lake Butler. In fact, I just imagine that no matter where you live or are passing through, there would be a Bible-believing, Jesus-centered church that would welcome you!

This Sunday, don't forsake the assembling at a church near you. There is preparation (and memories) to be made.