May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13
As I prepare for worship services this weekend, I can’t help but think about the members of First Baptist Church of Maryville, Ill. This will be the first Sunday that they worship together since the death of their beloved pastor, Fred Winters. The young pastor was shot and killed by a gunman last Sunday during a morning service.
It heartens me to know that Al Meredith will bring a message to that congregation on Sunday. I can’t think of a better person to do so. You see, Pastor Meredith’s own church, Wedgwood Baptist in Fort Worth, suffered a similar tragedy. Nearly 10 years ago a gunman entered Wedgwood, where a youth event was taking place, and killed seven before turning the gun on himself.
I ask today that we all take time to pray for this hurting church family. Pray for the Winters family, who have lost a husband and father, pray for the congregation, and pray for Pastor Meredith as he brings a message of hope that comes only from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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1 comment:
Died, proclaiming the name of Jesus! Or should I say ALIVE!!! Pastor Fred has never been more alive than he is right now. Our hearts and prayers go out to his sweet family and thank the Lord for his faithfulness. How this should be an encouragement and wake up call to each of us to be found faithful in our spoken witness of Jesus Christ. How many times have I passed up an opportunity to share the Lord with a friend thinking that I'll do it next time? The perfect time for witnessing is right now, tomorrow may never come. I pray that the Lord will use Pastor Meredith in a mighty way tomorrow morning. Amen
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