Dear pastor,
A few days ago, I was called upon
to perform the funeral services for the mother of one of our MDPD
officers. This morning was the graveside service. The family had
asked me to allow a friend/co-worker to say some words at the funeral
service. He is a spiritual friend to the officer and carried the nickname
"preacher man". I guess you can imagine why I might be a bit
hesitant. However, I felt that if I spoke to the individual, I would
ascertain if it would be a good thing or a tough situation to handle.
After talking with this brother, I asked him to share some words with the
gathering. Long story short, he turned out to be a very humble, godly,
Christ like man. This morning after the graveside service, I asked him,
"What church do you go to?" He responded, I attend New Way
Fellowship. I was happily surprised and told him, "You know, Bishop
Baskin is a long time friend of mine. You have a great
pastor!" He nodded yes with a great big smile. By the way, his
name is Herbert Matthews and he works at MDPD headquarters as a mechanic.
He serves at his church in a number of ministries and has the gifting of an
evangelist.
I share this story to make
this statement to all of you pastors. Your many years of ministry
reach out across this land. God in you and through you produce great
people that are a blessings to our city. Great teachers produce great
disciples. Sometimes we may wonder, "Is it worth
it?" Yes! Your legacy is the lives that you have touched, the
people you have built up, yes, even those you have had to correct and have
bolted. Building will get old and crumble, but people are our greatest
kingdom asset.
I was blessed to have a
deacon with a servants heart stand by my side and assist me in ministering to a
hurting family. We flowed together like as if we knew each other for
years. His comments were right on Scripturally. His demeanor and
spirit where Christ-like and compassionate. I want to thank Bishop Baskin
for his many years of ministry to South Florida. I can imagine that there
are many others like Herbert Matthews out there in the workplace. I began
to bring to remembrance many that have been a part of my ministry and took a
moment to pray for God's blessing on their lives.
Keep fighting the good
fight! Maranatha.
ER
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