Thank you! Those two words were drilled into my brother and me by our parents. Yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am, please, and thank you were words and disciplines to live by. Dad particularly had ways of making sure his sons used these words properly and with the right attitude. Today, I want to say thank you reader, for you all represent many and much of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
As you likely know, the Operating Committee of the ABSC under the leadership of Eddie Morgan, has started the work which will culminate in naming my successor. This is a good and prayerful group of Arkansas Baptists. By the time our convention meets in October, I will have served in this role for three years. I have learned a lot and trust my leadership sets us on a good path for the future. I have grown ever more thankful for the ministries of our convention, those who lead them, and the results of cooperative service for the Lord. I am thankful for the cooperating churches who fill our state and serve our citizens as well as our members.
I am thankful for the faithful men and women who have come before us. While we are all people of a specific period of time, we all benefit from the labor spent in serving Christ, the churches and the world. Our time is right now. Many who touched our lives are now in Heaven. Their race is run. I can testify how quickly days and decades pass by. We have, however, today and whatever time the Lord has set for us. Let’s make a difference!
There is much to do as we prepare to meet the challenges in our denomination and world. I have no doubt that Arkansas Baptists will stand tall, strong, and optimistic about the future. I am blessed far beyond what I could have dreamed as a boy at Cullendale First Baptist Church. Little did I know how the Lord would use Arkansas Baptist churches, entities, institutions and people to form, challenge, and encourage me.