Saturday, September 15, 2007
Minutes with Marylou
Looking back over the past 41 years, many things flash through my mind.
Most memories are pleasant ones. But there have been times you wish you
could go back and do things differently or not go through them at all.
Perhaps do a better job at the task that were yours or deal with
someone's situation with a bit more maturity.And through the years, God was there, and He still is. When and where it
was needed, God showed me His wisdom, guidance and grace. I know what I
am doing is in His will, because this is what God has called me to do.
I love the people of our church and am closer to them than some of my own
relatives. Because of Christ, the hand of love is stronger. God is so
good to us. He has sent numerous blessings over the years and used many
of you precious ones of Riverside to be those blessings.
The most precious blessing is my husband. He is caring, supportive, and
giving. And through the ups and downs of our lives and my illness, one
thing I can say about him that I admire the most, is his consistency. My
husband practices what he preaches.
He always gets back up when Satan has attacked him. When there have been
church problems, when people have hated him, he showed that he truly was
a pastor who loves the Lord and cares for his people. Two of my favorite
Bible versus are Lamentations 3:22-23 and Psalm 27:1.
Here is a poem a former church member wrote about Riverside Baptist
Church.
Happy 41st Anniversary Riverside Baptist Church
Happy Anniversary Riverside to you
41 years serving the Lord
Continuing His work to do.
From the humble heart in a store front
Beginning as a mission,
For over a quarter of the century
Obeying the great commission.
"Yo-Yo Baptist Church"
It has been called upon occasion,
But part of that is simply due
To Riverside's location.
The membership goes up and down
As people come and go
Especially those brought by Uncle Sam
Who when they join, serve, learn and grow.
There've even been a select few
Who've made the decision to stay
And continue to serve the Lord faithfully
Using their talents in various ways.
We thank the Lord for the faithfulness
Of his servants over the years
Through good times and prosperity,
Through trials, even tears.
It hasn't always been easy
But God doesn't promise us that.
He merely ask for faithfulness
And provides the weapons for combat.
We're thankful for the strength God gives
In the trials and tribulation
Your steadfast stand for 41 years
Is cause for celebration!
The people who have grown here
And have through this work believed
As well as those whom they influenced,
Are quantities that can't be perceived.
The numbers have been many who've
Passed through these friendly doors
We'll not know how extensive
Till we meet on Heaven's shores.
The teaching and the preaching
That are grounded in God's Word
Are LIFE to those of us who through
This ministry have heard.
The message that's been heard here
Tells of Jesus sacrifice.
His blood was shed on Calvary
So that sinners might possess NEW LIFE!
Your tender heart for missions
And the generous, joyful giving
Are evidence of your love the Lord
And your purpose for him to be living.
We thank God for a faithful man
And his dedication,
41 years of preaching God's Word
Seeking his will in each situation.
As the shepard of the flock
It's been a joy for him to see
His people make decisions for the Lord
And to Him faithful be.
We thank the Lord for a pastors wife
Who's spirit and strength have been great.
Her cheerfulness and encouragement
Are qualities we appreciate.
She's been a fine example
And a precious testimony
Through all her suffering and pain
Her smile is bright and sunny.
What a better accolade or praise
Could a ministry proclaim?
Standing true to Christ and
Glorifying His Holy Name!
We pray the Lord Will bless you
As for Him you "run the race"
Giving Growth and Wisdom
Until you meet Him face to face.
And may this work continue
To remain true to God's Word
Preaching and teaching salvation
And uplifting the Name of the Lord.
