I was blessed to be part of two important church-related activities last Sunday. The first thing was an invitation to share my heartfelt story with Poplar Heights Baptist Church. I did this in the morning worship service. I actually was given the opportunity to conduct the whole Sunday morning service, which doesn’t happen that often 😉 I am grateful that their senior pastor, Richard Bragg, afforded me the chance to share my testimony and more about the work of CEF in West Tennessee and the world.
I started by singing a favorite song of mine, written by Squire Parsons… One Voice. This is a good place to mention that my dear wife, Dawn, was also with me that morning. After singing this powerful song about John the Baptist, I shared my personal testimony, well, at least the part that is appropriate to share in a public space. I followed that up with a concise accounting of the history of Child Evangelism Fellowship and, in particular, our local chapter’s work and vision.
One reason that I addressed the PHBC congregation was because we were in the middle of a potential partnership development where they would vote upon allowing us to move our ministry operation to their facilities as a cost savings gift to us. I am happy to report that they did indeed vote to officially offer that situation to us, and we as a local CEF chapter accepted the offer. So, within 60 days, we will be working from the PHBC property located at 1980 Hollywood Dr, Jackson, TN 38305. God is GOOD, and I am confident this will be a wonderful ministry partnership that will benefit everyone concerned.
Now for the second thing. Later that afternoon, Poplar Heights Baptist Church conducted an ordination service to officially recognize Pastor Bruce Entsminger’s entering into Gospel ministry. As a sidebar, I was one of the men gathered to take part in Bruce’s ordination council the week prior. It was a privilege to be asked to participate. Those who know Bruce, know that he and his family have already been very active in various ministry endeavors. One of those involves his service to CEF as a local committee member. There are lots of other good things that I could mention about Bruce and Monica, but let’s move on.
This lovely afternoon service was a powerful example of commitment and family unity. It was wonderful seeing Bruce’s whole family joined at the altar as Pastor Bragg presented them to the church for prayer. Bruce, if you read this, I appreciate you my brother. I look forward to opportunities to serve with you in the years ahead. God bless you and your household.
Now, for a few photos. The two of me were taken by Mr. Marty King, a soon-to-be staff member with CEF of Greater Jackson. Thanks Marty!
