Let's throw a little gasoline on some friends to inspire their work to even greater levels!
First, this will be my last post for a week as I'll be traveling home to see my momma for TG.
Now, to Fiery Friday!
Eph. 4:29 says to speak words which will give grace to those who hear....so let's "speak us some power!" I chose to throw gasoline on three people whom I applaud for their servant faith.
JOHN DOBBS......serves tired and tirelessly as pulpit minister in Mississippi. The man is both worn down and stronger than ever due to the amazing grace of God filling his shoes. John inspires me to work when it ain't fun. We took a team to Pasgagoula last summer. What a depressing thrill! That is rugged work and it's facing John every day he drives down the street. JOHN DOBBS, I think you are a living wonder!
ARLENE MAYES....serves faithfully beside her husband (SHAWN) while he leads worship at Garnett. The Mayes are members at Memorial Drive; their home. But, Shawn has been called by God to help Garnett out for a time with his strong ability to lead in worship. Arlene packs up her four little kids and steadily, faithfully stands by her man by attending a church---while neat in its own right---is not home. She misses her Memorial friends and family. She misses the worship here. Yet, she serves faithfully to God and to her husband by keeping the family in tact. The kids stand by daddy as momma does and the lessons they are learning will bear continued fruit. ARLENE MAYES.....you are JUST one amazing, powerful friend. I love you!
BRENDA HUGHES....is a wife, a momma, and a nursing student. I call her the "Going Home Nurse" because of the saying that when you are in the hospital and the nurses start looking better, you are about to find out you are going home. BRENDA is beautiful all the way through. She carries a big load which includes missing every Sunday morning's assembly in order to complete her training at the hospital. One would think her faith might be threatened; that her interests might slip. NOT! She is committed to Him....period. She has not and will not let go even though her temporary schedule is not ideal for her and her family. BRENDAY HUGHES......I salute you!
Would you pick three people and throw a little gasoline on them? Let's cause their fire to erupt by grace-filled words which will cause them to pop with over-joy! Tell us about three of your most amazing servant-hearted friends.
14 comments:
I love Arlene, and I am learning to love Shawn! :) We love that they are representing Harding, no matter where they are. We couldn't ask for greater ambassadors.
DU
Thanks for the comments on those I named. I want to hear from others whose names you would toss into the fire.
Amen to Brenda. She is amazing.
I'll add TRACY KOUNS. He does so much work behind the scenes at Memorial Drive, and seldom is recognized for the countless hours spent updating the web site and maintaining our audio/visual systems. Without him, Terry and I both would sound horrible on Sundays! And I've never once heard a single word of complaint or discouragement. What a servant!
How about RICK LATHROP, who serves by helping to maintain our mechanical systems at the church building and is a devoted man of prayer - all of which goes on behind the scenes. I'm so blessed to be able to work with him each week.
And I don't want to forget LINDA JONES, who is a master-encourager herself. Linda cares for everyone and has a way of offering just the right words to lift your spirits when you are down. She has an amazing sensetivity to the Spirit when it comes to hurting people.
Let the fires burn!
I am humbeled by your kind words. I am not worthy of such praises, but I thank you for encouraging me and keeping me from falling through the cracks! I feel honored and blessed you would hold me in such high regards. You are amazing my friend! I'll post my 3 on my blog when I have a few moments today. Love you Terry!
(You too Shane..thanks!)
Dusty..in time my friend, we'll get to know one another.
Dude, Shane stole my three. Seriously!
Linda has blessed me since teaching me to read during the summer of my discontent. (I think I was 12. Ha.) Now, she champions Kim and myself whenever she knows of a need we have.
I had such a blast with Rick when we lived in Tulsa for those few months almost 4 years ago. He is always so encouraging.
And Tracy Kouns. So that's your name, I thought it was Web Master or Techno Deacon. Who knew? What a great servant and helper.
Because I know Shane is about to mention these, I wanted to say it first...
Jennifer Curtis. She is so sweet and fun, but I'm especially appreciative of how she's loved my wife. She befriended her from day one (or evening one... helping us unpack and get settled in) and keeps encouraging her and assuring her that she will make it as a mother of twins.
And Wade Hodges. I was looking forward to last year's workshop, but would have never guessed how powerful it would be. He went out on quite a limb for God and it is still paying off in so many lives. Thanks Wade.
Terry you would be at the top of my list. You are always so faithful and so encouraging to those around you. I would also have to say Beverly Ross. She is one of the most faithful women I know and God continues to use her every day. Tim Spivey is also doing a great job at Highland Oaks. He just had either his 32nd or 33rd birthday! For such a young guy, God has truly blessed him and is using him in mighty and powerful ways for His kingdom. Have a great Thanksgiving and a safe trip! And thanks for reminding us to be more intentional about fanning the flame for God!
I've been away from the computer for most of the day ... and what a joy and blessing to come and find these words of encouragement. Thank you my dear brother. Because of those who have taken up the servant's towel here in Pascagoula and the thousands of volunteers who have come our way, I have truly found myself in the company of angels. They are much more deserving than I am. What an adventure...one that continues ... and God has never been more visible than He has in the past 15 months.
Dusty, thank you for your comment about me. I hope we will always be friends.
Okay It's hard to only choose 3! So many great hearts to choose from I don't even know where to begin. So choosing from my family congregation I would choose:
Jeanne Priest~ I've known and loved her for many years and when I stumble and fall, I know she is there to help pick me up. She illumninates with her love for the Lord and I love praising with her. She has raised a tremendous family and continues to support mothers and families who need encouragement. She is ready and willing to serve the Lord in any capacity. She initiated the David's Song ministry where the praise team goes to the homes of shut ins and worships with them. She has a heart of Gold that I hope to replicate.
Shawn Mayes~ I can't say enough. I learn so much from his teachings and his love for the Lord. When he speaks, he captivates everyones attention. He is such a Godly man and it shines through him, his family, and pretty much everyone he is friends with. God has given him a heart that incapsulates what a Godly man should be.
Well..then there's Terry~
Your faith and love for the Lord is addictive. Your compassion and generosity is something that I want to model. When you speak, you speak with love and conviction. Your work for the kingdom is unbelieveable. All I can say is when I grow up, I want to be just like you! You are dear to me my friend and I look forward to the day when I can come back to church and hear God speak through you again.
Wow - I would have to yell a huge AMEN for Rick Lathrop. The man is just so humble, such a hard worker, never complaining... every conversation just leaves me thinking I want my attitude to be like his.
Jeff and Cheryl Cash would be some others I would throw out there. They are missionaries in Africa... Jeff was a classmate from Aim. There is not a post I read on their blogs that doesn't inspire me, though they are half way around the world and I've never even met Cheryl. You can check them out at :
www.gentlyled.blogspot.com and www.missionaryjournal.blogspot.com.
Jack Gill is on my heart too. Such simple moves... his presence, constant smile, and gentle hugs. Humility beyond belief... who would have realized the impact of such seemingly simple moves -or that their absence would create a void this big??
Terry... you do this well. So gasoline rounds for you too.... this is refreshing for my soul.
Thanks for the comments but what little I do is miniscule compared to what He has done for me and my family through this church family. I have to agree with Heather. What an gentle and humble man of God I have seen in Jack Gill. His is the true model for a servant heart. How I wish that more could know him and experience the love of Christ that overflows from him. And so many in this church family are like him. We are truly blessed.
Terry - Even though the cost of fuel is high -- I'll buy you some gasoline for fueling these fires.
I too met John in Pascagoula as part of a personal mission that Linda & I went on last March. He got me into blogging and I encounter him or references to him all over my blogging community -- he has become a dear friend -- He is an amazing and inspiring minister of God's word.
And I pray he continues BUT he also needs to focus on John's health -- he is too important in the kingdom for him to sacrifice his health in his passion for Jesus.
Terry - you are great to have the humility to honor others -- in doing so you honor Jesus and he will honor you.
My list would be headed with my wife Linda who puts up with me and works quietly behind the scenes acting a ssurragate mother and nurse for a widespread community of friends and relatives and shares her love of Jesus in her deeds - starting a children's class during the "sermon time" in our struggling congregation to allow some new couples the chance to better learn and grow in their faith.
God Bless
Charlie
ok, I'm like 20 days late. But JD is a great encouragement to so many. God has shown up there in so many ways and John has humbly and authentically broken the bread of life to many when they needed it most.
I know I will never forget my visits there.
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