Time to Fly
What a day full of emotions… Today was our final day in ministry at SFBC.
In September 2000, Susanne, Emilee, and I made our first visit to South Florence Baptist Church. From day one, we knew it was to be our home. Two weeks later, we joined. About 3 months later, Howard Allen (my preacher) approached me about teaching our adult Sunday School class while the teacher was on vacation. “Scared to Death” was an understatement!!! My 45 minute Sunday School lesson lasted 12 minutes. I had said everything in my notes. I think I spoke it all without taking a breath.
January 2001, Susanne and I were given a class of 7th & 8th Graders. A couple of years later… the 9th – 12th Graders.
From that time, until now, my pastor and sponsor church have been a great family to my family. They have allowed me the pleasure to serve as Deacon for 5 years, Church Treasurer for almost 4 years, and really given me a lot of opportunities to grow in maturity and leadership.
I would like to take just a moment to share my grateful heart.
- Howard & Nancy Allen (my pastor & his wife): I love you both!
Howard, you have been a true mentor and taught me how to love others. You have taken me under your wing, fed me, and taught me so much. You invested time and energy into me and my family. Thank you so much for loving us and taking us in as your and Nancy’s adopted children. “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15 - South Florence Baptist Church: Thank you for 8 wonderful years! You all have always loved on us and reached out your arms and hearts to minister to and with us. The Bible is true in saying “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17. I am who I am today because of my SFBC family!
- All the Children’s Workers @ SFBC: Thank you for loving Emilee, Jacob, and Samuel. Emilee received Christ as her Savior because of you! I am forever indebted for that! You poured your lives out in love and Christ changed hers! Thank you! Thank you for making Jake and Sam feel special. They are so full of scripture and Biblical truths because you cared enough to study and reaffirm what they had already heard at home. Thank you all! “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:14-15
- Youth & Collegiate Students: Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives for the past 7 years. We have literally watched you grow up. Please know that Susanne and I are so proud of you all! Pray and seek God’s purpose in your life and seek it with everything you have! Never give up… “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
I could go name after name through all those that have made a difference in my life but I know I would leave someone out. Please know that you are deeply missed already. Thank you all who hugged and cried with us this morning. We ask that you continue to pray with and for us concerning Revolution Church and Florence, SC. There are so many people in our city that need to experience the love of Christ like I have over the past 8 years. Never forget to love. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” – 1 John 3:14
June 1st, 2008: South Florence Baptist Church sends us out to birth a new church for Christ. Just like a baby bird in it’s momma’s nest. The day is here for the momma to watch the baby soar. It is never easy for that baby to launch. That baby is scared and nervous. But that baby bird will go. Why? …because it was made
to soar.
So, as we soar… Please know that there will always be a part of SFBC flying with us!
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