90 Birthdays And Counting!

Today, November 30, is Ann Corn's 90th Birthday!  Happy Birthday Ann!  You would never know Ann is 90.  She continues to be active, involved, and faithful to her church and many different community activities. 

Ann's sister-in-law, Ruth Corn celebrated her 90th birthday earlier this month.  On November 13, Sara Lineberger celebrated her 90th birthday.  That's 3 members of our church who have turned 90 this month!  

Our Senior Adults are an inspiration to us!  Goodness, 90 is the new 40.   The best is yet to come!

God Sent His Angel

        Martha Rhodes has always been one of our church’s “quiet faithful.”  Martha was always present, always active and involved, yet she was so quiet and unassuming you probably didn’t notice her.  Her father was a Baptist minister and she understood the life of a pastor, a fact that led us to have a close relationship from the beginning. 

        Martha experienced tragedy and sadness in her life.  Her son, Ricky, died of a massive heart-attack in the mid-1990s and her husband, Richard, also died.  But you never heard Martha complaining; she continued to be active in the church and community and was faithful in all her spiritual commitments.

        We learned last Wednesday that Martha’s sister died.  Tommy called Martha to see if she would be home, we wanted to stop by and visit with her.  “You don’t need to do that,” she said.  “It’s the day before Thanksgiving.  I know you are busy.”  That was Martha.

        Tommy and I had a good visit with Martha and caught up on everything that was going on in her family.  The funeral was Saturday and Martha’s other sister and brother-in-law from Pennsylvania came down to attend.

        Martha had not been feeling well, but she never complained.  She did have several health issues, but you wouldn’t know it if you talked to her. Because she did not feel well, she listened to the worship service on the radio Sunday morning.  If you recall, I talked about how fragile life is.  “You never know” when sadness and tragedy will come.  But when tragedy does come, God will send his angels. 

        Sunday evening, Martha’s son Chris and granddaughter Elizabeth came to the house along with Martha’s sister and her husband.  They were going out to eat and spend time together before Martha’s sister headed back home.  Martha probably didn’t feel like going to eat, but she never mentioned it.  She wanted to be with her family. 

        Walking out to get in the car, Martha collapsed.  She was not breathing.  Chris and his uncle performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.  Martha was taken to Lexington Medical Center and then transferred to Baptist Hospital.  She was on life-support.  Early Tuesday morning the doctors told Chris that no brain activity could be detected.  Tommy and I went to Winston and we were all with Martha when the machines were disconnected.  Her breathing stopped in a few minutes. 

        When I was with the family Sunday night, Chris told me that his mother had listened to the service that morning on the radio.  “She told me all about it,” he said.  “She talked about God sending his angels.” 

        There is no doubt in my mind that Sunday night when Martha collapsed in the drive, God sent his angel to bring one of his most faithful children home. 

        Martha we love you and we will miss you.  But we know you are rejoicing with your family in your eternal home. 

       

120 Children Will Be Blessed This Christmas Because of You

A week ago our church was challenged to adopt 100 "Angels" through the Salvation Army.  An Angel is a child who would not have gifts at Christmas unless someone is willing to adopt him and purchase gifts.  Due to our local economic crisis, the Salvation Army was overwhelmed with requests for help this year--1,660 in all!

Our church not only reached our goal of 100 Angels, but surpassed it by 20.  We adopted all 100 Angels the Sunday before Thanksgiving and yesterday, adopted more for a total of 120!  We also took 20 Christmas Stockings to fill for deserving children.

The deadline for bringing the gifts for your Angel is Sunday, December 11.  Do not wrap the gifts, but place them all together in a bag or box and attach the angel tag.  Bring the gifts to the Fellowship Hall and place them on the stage.  On Monday morning, December 12, we will deliver the gifts to the Salvation Army.  Thank you for making a difference in the life of a child!  

Christmas is on a Sunday this year and we are planning an informal worship service at 10:30 a.m.  No need to dress up!   I shared with the children yesterday that each child should bring a special toy.  The service will include a "Blessing of the Toys."   We will know as we do this that over 120 deserving children are being blessed because of the kindness and compassion of the First Baptist Family!

He Served Even Beyond The End

        On a crystal-clear, pleasantly warm late November morning on Thanksgiving weekend, family members gathered for a simple service in the Lexington City Cemetery as we quietly laid a community servant and respected physician to rest.  Bob Team lived his life serving others.  He served even beyond the end as he donated his body to the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, his beloved alma mater.  Even in death he wanted to give back to the school that had given him the skill to serve others. 

        In the 1980s I served as pastor of the Roxboro Baptist Church where my physician, faithful church member, and one of my best friends was Dr. Thomas Long.  In the fall of 1989 Dr. Long heard that First Baptist Church in Lexington was talking with me.  He called me to his home and talked to me for a long time about why I should not leave.  But then he added, “If you do go, my good friend and medical school roommate, Bob Team, will be a member of your church.  I’m sure he will take good care of you as your physician.  He’s a great friend.  I think you will find he is a lot like me.”  Dr. Long, a community servant, church leader, elder statesman, and wise counselor was not being boastful, just honest and everything he said was true. 

        Marge Team was on the Search Committee that called me to Lexington so Joyce and I got to know Bob and Marge very early.  Yes, Bob became our physician and he took good care of us.  But more than being a faithful church member and dependable physician, Bob and Marge became our good friends.  I started as pastor of FBC Lexington in April of 1990 (April Fools’ Day as Tommy Wilson will never let me forget!)  Our oldest daughter Lynn was getting married in June at Roxboro Baptist.  Since we were so new in Lexington, we extended an invitation to the wedding only to the Search Committee members, but we really did not expect anyone to attend.  But shortly before the wedding started, I saw Bob and Marge Team walk into the church. 

        When our youngest son Ray Nance was married, Bob and Marge attended the rehearsal dinner and sat at the table with my mother, an experience she talks about even today.  We traveled together to Israel and to Germany for the Passion Play.  When Bob retired, he became a faithful member of our Thursday morning Bible Study and quickly earned the status of elder statesman along with Harry Hartley.  

        I shared at Bob’s funeral service how on the afternoon of his stroke, he held a medical clinic in the Baptist Emergency Department for all of the young docs and the residents.  He was there to be treated in a life-threatening situation, but ever the teacher, he was using the situation to better equip young physicians.  I marveled at his courage, his dignity, and his composure which was, without question, a reflection of his solid faith. 

        Everyone knows the story of how Bob defied all the odds and demonstrated that even the best physicians are still human, there is only one Great-Physician, when like a modern-day Lazarus, he came home to live another 4 years.  During that time Bob and I developed even a closer relationship.  He was a trusted confidant to me during our merger discussions with Baptist Hospital.  And no one was more pleased when Lexington Memorial became part of the Wake Forest Baptist Health System. 

        Bob would sometimes tell me that he didn’t know why God allowed him to survive, but we found out the reason why.  Dr. Team had one more patient to care for—we just didn’t know it would be Marge. 

        Bob and Marge grew strength from one another during Marge’s final journey.  He was always there, always loving, always encouraging.  Surrounded by a loving family, and grounded by an unyielding faith, Marge fought the good fight.  Finally, Bob’s work was done—well almost.  He had one more act of service to perform, donating his body to help young physicians. 

        A couple of weeks ago the medical school released Bob’s earthly remains and sent him home.  On Friday morning, the day after Thanksgiving, we gently laid “Doc” to rest. 

        Well done, good and faithful servant, Well Done. 

       

A Thanksgiving That Is Painful To Remember

        It doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving.  How many times have you heard that this week?  The unseasonable weather doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving, but for Joyce and me, the warm weather brought back a memory of a Thanksgiving that is painful to remember.

        We were living in the parsonage in Pollocksville, NC—way down east in Jones County—32 years ago, November of 1979.  It was a balmy Thanksgiving morning, we had the windows open as Joyce was busy in the kitchen preparing our Thanksgiving feast.  We had commented several times that it just didn’t feel like Thanksgiving, not with temperatures approaching 80.  But it was still Thanksgiving and I was looking forward to Joyce’s delicious culinary creations when the morning was interrupted with the high-pitched squeal of my Rescue Squad pager.

        I was a North Carolina certified EMT and served on our town’s volunteer Rescue Squad.  We provided the only ambulance for the area and since there were not many of us, we were on call most all of the time.  We lived a block from the Pollocksville Fire Department/Rescue Squad (I was also on the Fire Department), so I was normally the first one to respond to a call.  There had been a shooting, I was told when I reached the ambulance and activated the radio, somewhere off of Highway 17 between Pollocksville and Maysville. 

        The directions were rather vague, not unusual in an emergency situation when a caller is overcome with emotion.  Arriving at the general area we slowed down, then in a clearing we saw a hunter, dressed in camouflage, frantically waving to get our attention.

        Jones County is a prime hunting area.  There are several hunting clubs and people come from everywhere to enjoy hunting everything from deer, turkey, quail, and even bear.  We pulled up to the man who was waving.  He had a frightened look on his face.  I rolled down the window as he ran up the ambulance.  “I thought he was a deer!  I thought he was a deer!” was the only thing he could manage to say.

        We got out of the ambulance and followed the hunter back into the woods.  Lying beside a large tree was a young man, he was a teenager.  His eyes were open.  There was a single hole in the side of his neck.  It had been a perfect shot that obviously had severed the carotid artery.  The boy had been killed instantly.  By now the hunter was sobbing, “I thought he was a deer!” “I thought he was a deer!”

        We called law enforcement and soon the area was full of flashing lights.  An officer removed a wallet from the body and found his identification.  He called someone to notify the family.  It was very clear what had happened.  The officers did what was necessary and then instructed us to transport the body to New Bern, to the Craven County Hospital. 

        He was a perfectly healthy young man with his entire life to live, but with one tragic mistake, his life was taken away.  My partner and I talked about what a terrible tragedy it was on the way to the hospital. We were arriving in New Bern on Highway 17 when a car pulled up beside us with the horn sounding.  Looking over to the car, we saw several people obviously in distress screaming at us.  We realized this was the boy’s mother.  “Do you have my baby!” she screamed.  “Do you have my baby!”

        We told them to meet us at the hospital and radioed the emergency room to inform them of the situation.  We were concerned about getting the body into the emergency room away from the presence of the distraught family.  My partner remained with the ambulance while I went inside.  It was then I realized that the mother did not know her son had been killed.  She was told there had been an accident, but did not know it was fatal. 

        The family was sheltered in a room while we removed the body and placed it in a holding room.  I had a brief consultation with the ER doctors about how to deal with the family.  “You’re a minister,” a doc said. “You need to tell them.” 

        How do you tell a mother that her fine young son who was so excited a few hours earlier to be going hunting had been killed in a tragic accident?  There is no right way.  I can’t remember what I said but I remember the cries of anguish.  I remember escorting the mother to the room and how she held her son’s lifeless body screaming, “My baby, my baby, what have they done to my baby!” 

        I remember driving back to Pollocksville in silence and walking back to the house where Joyce had our Thanksgiving meal ready.  Thanksgiving took on a new meaning that day. 

        Earlier this week when we were commenting on the warm weather, Joyce said, “Do you remember that warm Thanksgiving in Pollocksville?”  Of course I knew exactly what she was talking about.  Remember?  I can never forget.

        That young man would be in his late 40s now.  How sad.  Life is a gift.  Take a moment this Thanksgiving to reflect on this special and gracious gift.  

Helen Rogers Loves to Dance With Joy!

I always enjoy a visit with Helen Rogers who at 96 years old continues to radiate joy and gladness.  Helen was the first girl born in the new village of Erlanger back in 1915.  She lived most of her life at 245 Broad Street in a simple mill house she made into a loving home.  Helen's parents were dedicated Christians and her late husband, Ellis, was a spiritual giant. 

Ellis loved his Bible and would spend all week preparing to teach his Sunday School lesson.  He and several other men from our church did numerous church related jobs, helping people in need, collecting papers for a drive to raise money to dig wells in Central America, and taking care of maintenance issues at the church.  In the summer, Ellis grew the most delicious tomatoes that should have been featured on the cover of Southern Living. 

Helen loves her church.  She was always active, always faithful.  She talks about what a loving church we have and what her church means to her.  Helen has always lived a very simple life and has never been blessed with financial abundance.  The first year our young people did a Port-A-Pit fundraiser to help with the Belize Mission Trip, we talked about several deserving members of our church for whom we wanted to donate a plate.  One was Helen Rogers. 

Several of the youth went with me to Helen's modest home on Broad Street.  She was delighted to see the youth and wanted to know who they were---grandparents, etc.   We gave Helen the plate and told her that we hoped she would enjoy it.  "Wait a minute," she said.  "I need to pay you."

We objected, telling Helen that we wanted her to have the plate as a gift from the youth. 

"But aren't you raising money for the mission trip to Belize?" she asked.  "I want to be a part of this."   And Helen went back to her bedroom and returned with a generous donation to the mission trip.  When we were in Belize, I reminded the youth of her sacrificial gift!  She was an inspiration to us all.

Helen is now a resident at Brookstone and has a wonderful roommate named "Kat" who is a vibrant Christian.  Helen and Kat have become dear friends. 

I was getting ready to leave when Helen said, "Preacher, I want to tell you something.  Perhaps, I shouldn't tell my preacher this, but I love to dance.  I always have and I always will."

I told Helen I wish I could dance.  Helen grew up in a time when many Baptists thought dancing was a sin.  Thank goodness Helen didn't listen to them.  My grandmother did listen and taught me I shouldn't dance, a lesson I now regret. 

Dancing is a celebration of joy and Helen shares love and joy every day!  Isn't it great that at age 96 she still talks about her love of dancing!   People danced in the Bible to celebrate their joy in the Lord.  And don't tell my grandmother, but I think we will all dance and rejoice in heaven!   (Actually, my grandmother is probably dancing with joy right now!)

If you get a chance to visit Helen Rogers you will be blessed and you may just dance with joy all the way home!

102 Angels! And We Still Have More!

We have more angels in the church office.  They will be available on Wednesday night and if we have any left, next Sunday. 

When you purchase the items for your Angel, place them all together in a large bag or box.  They should not be wrapped. Make sure the angel tag is attached to the bag or box. Please return them to the church by Sunday, December 11 (The Sunday of the Nine Lessons and the Chili Cook-off)   We will deliver the angels to the Salvation Army Collection Center on South Main on Monday morning, December 12. 

98 Angels! . . . and Counting!

What a great response!   Sunday morning we adopted 98 angels!  We only have two angels remaining and two stockings!  Several indicated they were coming by the church office this week, so I will pick up another 10 angels in the morning.

I will get the details together concerning the angels, but I do know that the presents should not be wrapped, should all be placed together in a bag or box (with the angel tag attached) and returned to the church.  I will let you know the specifics in a few days.

We are making a big difference in the lives of children who need to be loved.  Thank you for such a fantastic response!   

Angels and Thanksgiving Top Eleven (RSVP Requested)

I sense enthusiasm building and momentum growing for our "Adopt an Angel" this Sunday.  The Salvation Army worker who was with us last night for the Gift Fair simply said, "This is a God Thing, it has to be."  She was speaking of our church's goal of adopting 100 angels.  We already have commitments from several via Facebook and this blog to adopt an angel.  Some are going to take 2.  Joyce and I have taken 2 and we plan to go shopping for the angels with our grandchildren right after Thanksgiving. 

Let us hear from you if you plan to join us in adopting an angel.  The easiest way to make a comment on the blog is by choosing the "anonymous" option, but if you have a Google or other account, you can access the comment section that way.  You can also comment on our Facebook page. 

In last Saturday's paper I used my column to list the 11 things for which I am most thankful.  This column, copied on this blog, was geared primarily to the community.  But I want to come up with 11 things in our church for which we are thankful, and I want you to be a part of this.  A quick 5 would be, our Youth Ministry, Children's Center, Music Ministry, Senior Adult Ministry, Staff, our worship---whoa, that's six---okay, you help me out now.

This Sunday I would like us to "Count Our Many Blessings, and name them (at least eleven of them, one by one)  Again, use Facebook or the Comment option below!  

Also Sunday we are recognizing two very important people in the service for outstanding Christian service and at the end of the service, our church will be challenged to Adopt the Angels!    This is going to be some Thanksgiving service!

Now, let's hear from you!

Can We Be Angels?

Do you ever hear something that troubles you so much that it stays with you and won't let you go?  This happened to me last week when at a Ministers' Meeting we were talking to the Salvation Army leadership.  They have several great Christmas programs that benefit families who are struggling financially.  One of the most touching programs is "Adopt an Angel."  

Many families with children do not have the resources to provide Christmas for their children.  The Salvation Army has taken requests from these families and they want us to "Adopt an Angel" for Christmas.  You will receive a note that gives you the child's first name, age, sex, clothing sizes and a wish list for Christmas.  For example, Micah is 4 years old.  He needs pajamas, shoes, socks, a sweater, and coat.  He would like to have clothes and if possible, a training bike for Christmas.

Amani is 12.  She would like to have clothes, arts and crafts, and "girlie stuff" for Christmas.  

Unless someone "Adopts an Angel" these kids won't receive anything for Christmas. 

Last week we learned that the Salvation Army had received requests for 1,660 children!   Can you belive it?

I think our church can make a difference.  Do you?   I would like to hear from you, do you think we as a church could be responsible for at least 100 of these children?  

I've been thinking about the best way to present this to the church.  The first way is to get a conversation going on Facebook and on this blog.  Our theme this Sunday will be Thanksgiving.  We are going to talk about Gratitude.  How do we express Gratitude?  One way is through giving.  I think one of the best ways to express our gratitude would be to Adopt an Angel for Christmas.  I can see families going shopping together for their Angel.  It will make an impression on our children and youth. 

I simply cannot bear the thought of children not having at least a little something for Christmas.   Do you think we as a church can be responsible for 100 Angels?   Do you think we can have 100 individuals or families to adopt the Angels this Sunday?   Let me hear from you. 

We will keep this conversation going all week!

Bible Studies

This week marks the conclusion of our Fall Monday Night/Tuesday morning Bible Study.  We are finishing the book of Job. 

I have been doing a weekly Bible Study for almost twenty years.  It started as a Tuesday morning Bible Study for Senior Adults.  Evelyn Kepley was coordinating our Senior Adult Ministry in early '90s when she asked me to do a Bible Study for several weeks.  Eventually, this evolved into a Fall and Spring Tuesday morning Bible Study.  In the early days we would meet in the church parlor and sometimes in the chapel.  Later, as attendance picked up, we moved to the Fellowship Hall. 

After a couple of years doing the Bible Studies on Tuesday mornings, several people asked me about doing a study at night.  That is when the Monday night study started.  We also started having people from other churches join us. 

The Bible Study took a dramatic leap around the mid-1990s (I can't recall the exact year)  Coming out of church one Sunday my good friend Mack Mast said, "Do you have enough guts to teach the Book of Revelation?"   I took the challenge to heart.

I remember two things about that study.  One, we decided to invite the community to join us and we ran a few ads in the paper.  Secondly, I wasn't sure what kind of response we would have and I remember Rochella Baker telling me she would pray for a good turnout.  Well, the first night we had over 200 people show up in the Fellowship Hall!   I called Rochella the next morning and told her to quit praying!  

A lot of the people who initially came to the Revelation study were more curious than serious Bible students, but our attendance remained strong and continues to this day. (Mack Mast did not miss a single session of Revelation!) It is not unusual to have as many, or maybe more, people from other churches in attendance than First Baptist.  I always promise not to try to make a Baptist out of people and not to take an offering!  The ecumencial spirit in the Bible Study is one of our great strengths. 

In the late 90s, Frank Sherron called me one day and asked if I would be interested in teaching a men's morning Bible Study.  We started meeting in the Board Room of LSB, a Bible Study that continues today every Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. (We are now meeting at the YMCA)  We have developed into a very close-knit group of men and since we have a smaller group, we have some great discussion!

Bible Studies take a lot of time.  I usually study on Monday mornings, beginning about 5:00 a.m.  While they are time consuming, the discipline of Bible Study and the spiritual truths discovered in the discipline provide a solid foundation for the week.  It is one of the most important things I do! The Bible Studies are highlights of the week for me.  I am grateful for so many faithful individuals who come every week. 

Our Winter/Spring Bible Study will be on the Gospel of Mark and will begin Monday night and Tuesday morning, January 23 and 24. We would love for you to join us. We will be using the Abingdon New Testament Commentary on Mark written by C. Clifton Black, who happens to be the brother of Dr. Jim Black of Lexington.  Jim, by the way, is a faithful member of the Monday night Bible Study!  

Another great tradition is our annual Bible Study Field Trip.  Next May we will be traveling to Savannah, Georgia. It's a great time to celebrate our study of the Word. 

Eleven (No actually twelve) Things for Which I am Thankful

            It’s one of the best ways to improve your life.  Live with an attitude of gratitude.   Don’t complain about what you don’t have; focus on what you do have.  Count your many blessings—yes, it is good to name them, one by one, although that would take the entire paper.   In honor of the 11th month of 2011, here are 11 of my blessings.

            “The New Life Choir” at the Davidson Correctional Center  This remarkable group of men sang at our church last month.  These men live behind bars but they sang with a joy and freedom that inspired our entire church to give them a standing ovation!  Are you kidding me!   And, the new chapel at the prison will be dedicated next month.

            Bible Studies  One of my favorite times of the week is early Thursday morning at the Y where a loyal group of guys meet for Bible study.  We also have a faithful group of people who gather on Monday nights and Tuesday mornings.   A good Bible Study will enrich your life. 

            The Lexington Police Department, Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and all public servants  They are underpaid and never appreciated enough, but we cannot imagine life without them.  And a special word of gratitude for my friend, Jimmy Truell, who retired from LPD after 38 years of dedicated service!

            American Legion Baseball  I don’t announce the games anymore, but Norman Rockwell couldn’t paint a truer picture of Americana.  And the hot dogs and popcorn are great!

            Lexington Medical Center  We now have all the resources of Wake Forest Baptist at our community hospital.  With an expanded Emergency Department, enlarged and renovated Physical Therapy, a world class Cancer Center, and Wake Forest specialists providing services here, health care in Lexington has never been better! 

            Conrad and Hinkle, The Candy Factory, Southern Lunch, and Lanier’s Hardware  Tourists travel to town to visit them!   I love me some C&H pimento cheese and some Southern Lunch Chicken and Dumplings.  Taking the grandchildren to the Candy Factory is tradition (in other words, we don’t change it) and if you can’t find it anywhere else, you can rest assured Lanier’s will have it. 

            The Lexington Faith Community  Does it really matter what the name brand of our church is when we all work together in the spirit of Christ?   Our community models the ecumenical spirit!   And I am especially grateful for my church where we are family in a loving and caring fellowship.  I hope everyone can say the same for their church.  

            The Lexington Kiwanis Club  Helping children has never been so much fun!  The Davidson County Fair supports Kamp Kiwanis where 180 children have a summer camp experience they will cherish for a lifetime. As we say in Kiwanis, “We do it for the kids!”

            The J. Smith Young YMCA  Surrounded by churches the Y is one of our community’s greatest blessings.  Our new director, Gene Klump, is serious about fulfilling the Y’s mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.  You need the Y and the Y needs you!

            Our Veterans  They put their lives on the line for our freedom.  Many continue to suffer from war injuries and post-war syndrome.  Our World War II veterans are quickly leaving us.  Have you expressed your gratitude to a veteran this week?

            Our Youth  I love working with our young people.  They are intelligent, creative, engaging, committed, compassionate, and fun.  We can feel good about the future.  Let’s give our youth every opportunity to grow and discover their potential.  

            And finally and always number 1 in my heart, My Family   Want to see pictures of my grandchildren?   

Well, that’s actually 12, but when you start counting your blessings it’s hard to stop.  Share the attitude of gratitude!

(This article was published in The Dispatch on 11/12/11)

                                                                                           

ELLA RAE IS "TWO" OLD

Ask Ella Rae how old she is and she will say, "Two Old."  Sunday is her second birthday and we are celebrating Sunday afternoon.

Ella Rae is the 4th of our 5 grandchildren.  Our oldest, Benjamin, is a Sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill.  Samuel, Benjamin's brother, is 14 and an excellent baseball player.  Hannah is our 11 year-old granddaughter who used to spend a lot of time with us before she got "too old."   Then there is Parker, Hannah's baby brother, who will turn two in January.

I'm Ella Rae's G-Daddy and Joyce (my wife) is G-Mommy.  Ella Rae is getting very talkative and every outing with her is a grand adventure. When she gets in the car she will say, "Songs!"  She wants to hear the CDs of children's music that Joyce keeps in her CD player.  She sings along with the music and has learned, among other things, to say AMEN!  (If you're happy and you know it . . . ) That is a wonderful thing for the daughter and granddaughter of a preacher to say!  Ella Rae also loves her "babies"  (baby dolls) and she will add to her collection this Sunday. 

She loves her dog, a gentle rescue Yellow Lab named Teddy, whom I call Teddy Reusky.  Every night she wants G-Daddy to tell her a story, and it usually revolves around Teddy Reusky running away into the woods and meeting all these wonderful animals: cows, pigs, horses, chickens, ducks (we make the animal sounds for each one)  Teddy Reusky eventually finds the Three Bears House and after eating Baby Bear's grits (G-Mommy makes the best grits), breaking Baby Bear's chair and going to sleep in Baby Bear's bed, the Three Bears return home to find Teddy Reusky in bed where, according to Ella Rae, he wakes up and pee pees!  

All of Ella Rae's family will be at the party Sunday except her Uncle Knight who is in the US Navy, but plans to be home for Thanksgiving.  Aunt Lynn (Aunt "N") is bringing a fantastic Horsey birthday cake that will be decorated with a horse (Ella Rae has been horseback riding and loves horses) and, of course, Teddy Reusky will be on the cake.  Her four cousins, Benjamin, Samuel, Hannah and Parker will all be here along with their families.  

Ella Rae is at that wonderful age where she is fascinated with life and loves everyone.  The other night at Southern Lunch we were getting ready to go when Ella Rae walked up to a complete stranger to inform her that she was going bye-bye with G-Daddy.  

We are blessed with our children and grandchildren.   All children deserve unconditional love and a stable and secure environment. Every child deserves a chance!  

Happy Birthday Ella Rae, even if you are "Two Old!"    

Ashley Auman this Sunday!

Sunday will be a great day!   Ashley Auman, one of our outstanding young adults who recently participated in an amazing mission experience, The World Race, will speak to our church Sunday morning. The World Race is a journey to 11 countries in 11 months to serve "the least of these" while amongst real and raw community.  Here is a description from their website:

"There is a generation of radicals whose heartbeat is to see a changed world. It's a generation that's dissatisfied with the status quo and is actively rising to the challenge of seeing the world transformed through tangible expressions of God's love. World Racers are seeing lives changed in nations all over the world."

Ashley has been a part of the First Baptist Family her entire life.  She participated in every aspect of church life growing up, including youth mission trips.  I know that Ashley plans to speak on the influence of her church and the importance of those youth mission trips in shaping her life and providing values and guidance.  

Ashley was a part of our youth group when Alan Sherouse came as our youth minister.  When Alan left, Ashley and Melissa Garrett stepped up to the plate and became the leaders of our youth ministry.  Rarely have have I seen such initiative and maturity in high school seniors.  I knew that God had something special in store for these young ladies.  Melissa will be with us Sunday and will read Scripture before Ashley speaks.

We are so proud of Ashley and her commitment to Christ and his Kingdom.  I think we can see how important our youth ministry is and how those early formative years in the life of a child are so very important in establishing a solid spiritual foundation.   I am excited about Sunday!   I hope those of you in Lexington and the surrounding area can join us at 11:00 a.m. as we worship together and hear Ashley share her vibrant faith!

A Medical Center for Belize?

Over 35 years ago I met a man who would change my life.  Cliff Scarborough and I became friends because he was from Thomasville, Alabama, my grandmother's hometown.  We met in the Forest of Wake, the old Wake Forest campus in Wake County.  I was with Cliff the night he felt God calling him to be a missionary.  Later, I started taking church groups to work with Cliff in Belize and I have continued to do so for almost 30 years.

Many lives in Lexington have been changed by mission trips to Belize.  We see the tremendous needs in this Third World Country and wonder, "Is there anything we can do?"  

As many of you know, I am on the board of Baptist Hospital in WS.  Through my connections in Belize and at Baptist Hospital, I see a great opportunity developing.  

The Baptist Association of Belize owns 102 undeveloped acres of land and the government has been pressuring them to do something with the land.  While I was in Belize last August, I talked to Henry, the Baptist Executive of the country, about the possibility of establishing a medical clinic that might eventually become a hospital.  He said, "We already have a dream for such a clinic!" 

I have talked with leaders at Baptist Hospital who feel that this would be an excellent opportunity for the hospital and the medical school to provide international experiences for students, residents, and Wake Forest doctors.  I am talking soon to a representative of the Global Health Organization. 

I am also on the Baptist Hospital Foundation committee and the committee feels that this would be a worthy project that could possibly receive Foundation funds. 

Yesterday I had a meeting in Statesville with a church (FBC Marion) that is very interested in seeing this happen.  We talk to NC-CBF early next month about this project. 

Isn't it amazing how a friendship over 35 years ago continues to influence my life today.  And can't you see God's hand at work in placing me at the right places at the right time---some people call that "Providential"   

So do I!

Visiting Helen Linder--What a Joy!

Visiting Helen Linder

I went to see Helen Linder yesterday.  To visit Helen is always a joy.  In spite of her physical limitations that have slowed Helen considerably, she continues to be a great inspiration to all of us.

Helen loves her church!!!!  Every Sunday morning, even though she is not able to attend church, she gets dressed for church and sits in her living room, first watching everyone arrive (Helen lives next door to our church) then she will listen to the broadcast of the service at 11:00 a.m. on WLXN radio.  (Helen used to work for the radio station)  

How many people with excellent health don't even bother to get ready and attend church on Sunday?   Too much trouble, other important things to do, Sunday is my only day to rest, etc. etc.

Helen started teaching SS at age 15!   She continued to teach until just recently when her health demanded that she stop.  Did I tell you she loves her church---she told me several times!

Helen and I reminisced about great trips we have taken together.  Helen and Bush traveled with us on our first trip to Israel in 1997 and to Germany in 2000.  They always went on the Bible Study Field Trips.   We talked about Tuesday morning Bible Study when it was not as large as it is now.  We would have the Bible Study in the parlor, then all go to Avery's for lunch.  Bush always ordered a Reuben sandwich!  Those were great times of fun and fellowship!

I don't get to see Helen as much as I want to--but whenever I pull out of the parking lot in front of her house, I think of her and pray for her. 

Helen, you are a blessing to us!   We love you!   Continue to write, pray, and inspire us on the way!    

What's In A Name?

One of the first big decisions in creating a blog is what to name it.  You want the name to be memorable, creative, clever, etc.   When Brian Walker and I were setting up the blog, I thought about "Ray's Ramblings"   Alliterative, but not that creative.  I wanted something catchy so I thought about, "Hey, Hey it's Ray!"   Another alliterative thought was Raconteur Ray, but you would have to explain what Raconteur means ( a storyteller) and it sounds a little high-flaluting if you ask me. 

I guess you could have "Ray on a Rampage" or "Rebel Ray" or "Recitative Ray."  

Maybe the best thing would be to leave, "Hey, Hey It's Ray", until someone suggests a better title.   Which is what this blog is all about.  It's not about Ray as much as it is about dialogue with you.  I want to listen as much as I want to share via this blog. 

Let me hear from you--I promise to be "Receptive Ray!"