One of my favorite devotional resources is "Streams in the Desert," by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. I find her writings speak very personally and practically to the real issues of life. Another one of my favorite writers from a bygone time is A.B. Simpson. Mrs. Cowman, in the May 18 devotional in volume one, shares the following A. B. Simpson quote.
"The pressure of hard places makes us value life. Every time our life is given back to us from such a trial, it is like a new beginning, and we learn better how much it is worth, and make more of it for God and man. The pressure helps us to understand the trials of others, and fits us to help and sympathize with them.
There is a shallow, superficial nature, that gets hold of a theory or a promise lightly, and talks very glibly about the distrust of those who shrink from every trial; but the man or woman who has suffered much never does this, but is very tender and gentle, and knows what suffering really means. This is what Paul meant when he said, "Death worketh in you."
Trials and hard places are needed to press us forward, even as the furnace fires in the hold of that mighty ship give force that moves the piston, drives the engine, and propels that great vessel across the sea in the face of the winds and waves." - A.B. Simpson
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Sunday, May 15, 2016
A New Chapter in Ministry
May 12, 2016 marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life and ministry. Sandra and I were presented to the Executive Committee of the Calhoun Baptist Association in north east Alabama in view of a call to become the next Director of Missions for that association. Dr. Larry Ragsdale, pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Alexandria, served as chairman of the search committee. Now, following the interview process and a prayerful search for God's will I was about to become a Director of Missions.
I was asked to say a few words and I took my text from Philippians 3:10-14. I spoke about my desire to know the Lord and serve the Lord. I long for a personal and intimate relationship with Christ in my life and I can honestly say that the driving passion of my ministerial life is to see other people grow day by day in an intimate relationship with Christ. In the text the Apostle Paul reminds us that he had not yet "arrived" in his spiritual journey...he was not yet at the conclusion of it. He reminds us that we are to press on every day to new depths of life in Christ.
For me this kind of walk with God is vital to ministry. Our ministry should be an overflow of our fellowship with the Lord.
I am excited about the opportunity to be a missionary. I look forward to being a "Pastor to Pastors." I look forward to being a resource person and a friend to pastors and church staff. I look forward to assisting congregations become healthier and stronger.
Sandra and I stepped out of the room while the Executive Committee members cast their vote. We were not gone long before we were asked to return. Dr. Ragsdale announced that the vote was unanimous. I joyfully accepted the call and will begin work immediately. Tomorrow morning will be my first official day on the job.
From 1995 to 2002, seven years to the Sunday, Sandra and I served the First Baptist Church of Weaver in the Calhoun Baptist Association. Those were wonderful years. They were extremely happy years for us. In those seven years Calhoun county was our home. We still have many friends there. In some ways we feel that we are going home.
Calhoun Baptist is a strong Association. There are many soul winning, Bible preaching churches there. There is an obvious commitment to missions...starting in the county and extending around the world. Dr. Sid Nichols, who just retired from the DOM position there, was a good leader and left a legacy. I still remember the night Bro. Sid was called to Calhoun County. John Thomas the Associate DOM has be invaluable to the work of the association over the past 14 years. John will continue to be a vital part of the team. I look forward to serving with him and other members of the staff.
I would ask you to pray for me as embark upon this new adventure in ministry. My hearts desire is to please the Master and serve the people.
I was asked to say a few words and I took my text from Philippians 3:10-14. I spoke about my desire to know the Lord and serve the Lord. I long for a personal and intimate relationship with Christ in my life and I can honestly say that the driving passion of my ministerial life is to see other people grow day by day in an intimate relationship with Christ. In the text the Apostle Paul reminds us that he had not yet "arrived" in his spiritual journey...he was not yet at the conclusion of it. He reminds us that we are to press on every day to new depths of life in Christ.
For me this kind of walk with God is vital to ministry. Our ministry should be an overflow of our fellowship with the Lord.
I am excited about the opportunity to be a missionary. I look forward to being a "Pastor to Pastors." I look forward to being a resource person and a friend to pastors and church staff. I look forward to assisting congregations become healthier and stronger.
Sandra and I stepped out of the room while the Executive Committee members cast their vote. We were not gone long before we were asked to return. Dr. Ragsdale announced that the vote was unanimous. I joyfully accepted the call and will begin work immediately. Tomorrow morning will be my first official day on the job.
From 1995 to 2002, seven years to the Sunday, Sandra and I served the First Baptist Church of Weaver in the Calhoun Baptist Association. Those were wonderful years. They were extremely happy years for us. In those seven years Calhoun county was our home. We still have many friends there. In some ways we feel that we are going home.
Calhoun Baptist is a strong Association. There are many soul winning, Bible preaching churches there. There is an obvious commitment to missions...starting in the county and extending around the world. Dr. Sid Nichols, who just retired from the DOM position there, was a good leader and left a legacy. I still remember the night Bro. Sid was called to Calhoun County. John Thomas the Associate DOM has be invaluable to the work of the association over the past 14 years. John will continue to be a vital part of the team. I look forward to serving with him and other members of the staff.
I would ask you to pray for me as embark upon this new adventure in ministry. My hearts desire is to please the Master and serve the people.
Roger Willmore
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