I have started writing today's blog no less that 5X over the last few days, stopping short with each try. Why? Well, frankly, it is hard to put into words - at least a few words - all I am feeling as I look back over the last years, which began this very day now thirty years ago.
The night before, on March 25, 1989, Paul Abney and Bill Richardson had sent the other men home (Scott Olivier, Kyle Gooch, Jack Holder and others) then they prepared themselves to spend the night protecting the small, 'borrowed' sound system, pulpit and chairs. The next day was Easter Sunday, and it was our new church's first first service. We'd pitched a tent at the Northeast Corner of Frankford and Midway Roads, directly behind the Chevron station. By permission we were borrowing from their electricity, running an extension cord from the station to our tent. Less than 1/4 mile away, the Bent Tree West Clubhouse had also been prepped. Several of our families lived in the community, so it was made ready to be used by us to house our children's Sunday School and worship the next day, as well. As the sun set all seemed ready. I gathered with those few remaining to pray, then drove to my home for a sleepless night anticipating all that the morrow might bring.
The next day, March 26, I wakened to a cloud-filled sky. I dressed and left home quickly, telling Belinda I needed to get to the site early, to check on things, then drove toward our tent in rain. I was worried. Would anyone come to our new church? What would we do? Those who'd arrived early with me kept looking up at the sky, hopeful. The rain, though not hard, was steady. It was Easter all right, but - in truth - it was a dreary, cold, rainy day. Not the kind of day I'd hoped for at all. But then... that's when the miracle happened!
One by one cars began driving onto our lot. Our parents - all of them - had come to be with us, swelling our crowd to over 100 worshippers. As people drove onto the muddied grass Tom Herman waved folks up close - to the tents entrance - then walked each one into our tent safely under his huge umbrella. He then returned to each of the cars, parking them one by one. People were smiling. Giddy with excitement over our beginning. Then a word, making its way from the Club House, was sent to me from our workers there. Our children were "having a blast!" "Mary Martha Holder was teaching them songs about Jesus," and they 'couldn't be having more fun.' When I think back over that day now, I can but recall one thing and one thing only - how perfect the day was and what precious memories it still brings.
But, on Saturday last I watched as members of our new mission gathered -really for much of the same - and a new memory was formed. As before, the sky was cloudy and plans for planting new shrubs and cleaning out the basement of the church-house to make ready for the children to come were being challenged by threat of rain and drizzle to boot. But, in the same way, I observed much of what I'd witnessed 30 years before. People were all smiles, and filled with the excitement and hope that comes from getting ready for our next day - the LORD"S Day, Sunday, March 24 at... The Church at Junius Heights.
So, yes, it is hard to put into words how I feel as I think over the last 30 years. Certainly, precious memories are Belinda's and my great treasures, and our joy. But, tonight, as I think over it all, I must add that our greatest gift has actually been just watching YOU. Seeing you - those whom we have come to know in countless visits, meetings, projects and missions - as you have accepted the call of Christ to serve His Kingdom for His glory alone. Some we've known are now called 'home'. And we know we will see them again - in heaven. Yet others of you remain - at ParkwayHills, at The Church at Junius Heights and at many, many other places along our way.
And yes, the mission and memories go on. For this coming Sunday I will baptize once again - in a baptismal tank that is borrowed. Good people, serving people, will drive to get it and bring it to an old building nearly 100 years old, then set it down on a spot where a church has stood since 1911. Then these good folk will fill it, likely doing so with great smiles. Are the people the same? Why, yes, indeed they are! The very same! They are people who are on mission - called by God to serve the purposes of God and God alone. For the gospel, indeed, is for everyone - that whosever will may come. And us? Well, we are the ones - the called out ones - who are calling out the called. And, as for it all, I am grateful that B and I have been around to see this much of it - in fact quite a lot of it - over the last 30 years and through people like you.
Yours for memories, mission and joy -
Pastor Sam
Ephesians 3:20-21
