January 30th, 2024
by Gerald Hawk
by Gerald Hawk
During our time away over the course of the last five months of 2023, it was so encouraging and refreshing to see some young men, both at the church in Indiana and then at our home church, so committed to cause of Christ. Their level of dedication and devotion to the Lord while working long hours, having children to care for in the home, and being there for their wives, was a bit humbling for me. They gave themselves to deacon (serve) in the true sense of the word.
Another area of great note, was the extraordinary and unbending love and assistance of these men to their pastors. One of the gentlemen made sure that each Sunday morning and evening a stool was in place and properly adjusted from which his pastor could sit and preach, as a bout with illness had left his pastor without the ability to stand for long periods of time. The other man gave much of his limited free time to help move things out of the home of the pastor’s mom into storage. The pastor’s mother was selling her home in order to move in with the pastor’s family. These men were attentive to the needs of their pastors.
Furthermore, these men contributed greatly to the life of the church in organizing youth fundraisers, a golf outing event, taught the youth, were at most every church service during each week (unless providentially hindered), and so much more. I never heard a complaint. They lovingly prayed and cared for the flock of God with an amazing heart of kindness.
I know that my commendation of these men matters very little as compared to God’s ultimate commendation. Neither of these men were seeking my praise, but they only sought the praise of God. Their faith and service were very edifying!
1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Another area of great note, was the extraordinary and unbending love and assistance of these men to their pastors. One of the gentlemen made sure that each Sunday morning and evening a stool was in place and properly adjusted from which his pastor could sit and preach, as a bout with illness had left his pastor without the ability to stand for long periods of time. The other man gave much of his limited free time to help move things out of the home of the pastor’s mom into storage. The pastor’s mother was selling her home in order to move in with the pastor’s family. These men were attentive to the needs of their pastors.
Furthermore, these men contributed greatly to the life of the church in organizing youth fundraisers, a golf outing event, taught the youth, were at most every church service during each week (unless providentially hindered), and so much more. I never heard a complaint. They lovingly prayed and cared for the flock of God with an amazing heart of kindness.
I know that my commendation of these men matters very little as compared to God’s ultimate commendation. Neither of these men were seeking my praise, but they only sought the praise of God. Their faith and service were very edifying!
1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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