Monday, May 7, 2012

Tom's Smile

One of the things I have always loved about Tom McIntyre is his smile.  It is an indiscriminate smile - one shared freely, whether he knows you or not - and it is coupled with eyes that literally light up as he does.  In fact, his eyes are part of his smile -  they go together.  In a way that leaves you wondering which of the two is most distinguishing. But then, that doesn't matter - because it's just the way it happens.  It's Tom's smile.

I couldn't say how many times I have enjoyed Tom's smile, but I can relate it to years. Since the late 70s, or over 30 years.  Back then, standing in the foyer of Northway Baptist Church, he used it on me a lot. In fact, the Sunday night I first 'flirted' with Belinda, Tom used it then. We were serving as ushers together, and I'd stepped in front of him to take her to her seat. I told Belinda I'd give her a nickel if she'd save me a seat by her (my line). Then, later, when I came back down the aisle to sit with her, there was Tom in my place - he used it on me then.

He used it on me recently, too! Standing amidst the back rows of ParkwayHills, while I worked the crowd. He had a tidbit, some story, some remark to remind me of days gone by, or something we once did, or some joke he'd just heard. His eyes twinkled and he looked at me with his grin, causing me to smile back at him - as a thanks for the humor and reminder not to take myself, or him, too seriously.

This morning, before I went to the church, I dropped by the hospital to check on he and Rita. I was pleased to hear he'd passed through the night without incident. Good news, I thought.  As I hugged Rita, she motioned toward Tom in bed, telling me to take a look. When I did, Tom's eyes lit up. I said to him, "Hey buddy, I love you - and I'm so proud of you." Then, it happened, he opened his mouth as if to speak - and I said, "Tom, this girl (pointing at Rita) saved your life."  "The day you decided to marry her was the best day of your life."  Then I winked at him, and... he smiled back and mouthed the words, "I know."  I started crying, and bent over him to pray, and Tom, smiling - with eyes lit up, squeezed my hand.

So it was a good day, today.  I saw Tom's smile. And for this I say...

Praise be to God!


Pastor Sam


Saturday, May 5, 2012

Praying for Tom

In January of 1989 Dr. Bill Tinsley, Director of Missions for Denton County Baptist Association and an old friend, dropped by my office at Northway Baptist Church to ask me to pray about starting a new church in the growing area where Denton, Dallas and Collin Counties converged. One of the first persons I told this to was my long-time friend, Tom McIntyre.  So that as things continued, the first couple I sat down with to ask if they'd consider being a part was... Tom and Rita McIntyre.  I met them in their home on Briargrove, the one they still live in, and Tom said, 'yes,' but agreed - upon Rita's urging, that they would pray about it first.

That was Tom, both then and now. For he was never one to labor too long over any decision, major OR minor.  When he decided to marry Rita, after years of being a staunch single adult, he did - as quick as he could.  And... when he decided to help launch a new church, he  did that too, as quick as he could.

Tom's home was the place we held our first 'Core Group' gathering. It was Tom's business that housed our church for its first 6 months - calling it, affectionately, "Car Church".  And it was Tom and Rita who led the way in mission spirit by being first to say, 'children matter' - as much, if not more, than we adults - and have lived to show this by serving as 5th and 6th grade SMBS teachers for the past 21 years.

Every year Tom would dress up as 'Santa Claus', then invite all the PHBC children to come to his home to see him (Santa), with no one knowing, or perhaps daring to ask, "where's Tom?"  And every year - Sunday after Sunday - Tom and Rita would come faithfully to church. If in town, they'd be at THEIR CHURCH, always expecting God to do something great, and HE DID.

Over 15 years ago Tom and Rita began to feed the homeless with a friend he'd met from Park Cities Baptist Church. Today, that friend has gone home to be with Jesus, and Tom and Rita have carried this ministry on. A ministry where 1000s of homeless know that Jesus loves them because Tom does.

Today Tom and Rita finished their Saturday run on the Katy Trail. Tom had run it every day this week, logging 52 miles, but today he ran it with Rita.  As they drove up the alley toward their garage and home, Tom suffered a major heart attack. Rita administered all the CPR methods she could, garnering instruction from the 911 operator until Paramedics could arrive - and, once there, the medics worked with Tom to attain some response.  Now, Tom is in the hospital where the best team available is working to save his life. The next days are critical.  His heart and pulse must stabilize - and they will monitor all activity, including the brain, for the next hours before proceeding with any next steps or surgery.

So what can you do?  Well, I have been a pastor for 23 years - and Tom was my first parishioner.  I love Tom but am convinced that God loves him even more. Selfishly I want him to live.  I want to see him on the 'back row' of ParkwayHills again.  And I want to travel with him off I-30, in  near south Dallas, to pass out food and the love of Christ to those without a home.  So, tonight, I am praying for Tom McIntyre, and ask if you might join me in the same. Adding this, that God loves us all.  That He hears our prayer. And that the prayers of a righteous man avail much.

God is in charge, of this I am certain. But He also wants us - instructs us - to pray.  So... this I do.

Your pastor, praying...


Pastor Sam