Today is Memorial Day and a time to remember and be thankful.
I’m thankful for those who have given everything for the freedom and safety I enjoy today. I’m thankful for those who today, choose to serve our country as protectors and freedom fighters. I remember and honor them with fondness and gratitude.
I also remember those who’ve gone before me in Kids Ministry. Those closest to me are still alive, some still in the work, others retired… some have passed… but for all, I am thankful.
I’m thankful for the first children’s minister I remember, Margaret Rogers. She worked for years in my home church and still is active in that ministry as a lay person. Margaret taught me what Kids ministry really is… relationships. She loved me, encouragaged me, and still does today.
I’m thankful for Susie Webb who mentored my through my first years as a Kids Minister. She was such an inspiration and a wealth of information and support. I could always count on Susie to take time for me, invite me over, and assure me along the way. Susie continues the good work at Briarlake in a new role… but still encouraging and leading families.
I’m thankful for Sue Rother. Sue served as the Childhood Ministry Associate for the Georgia Baptist Convention the entire time I served local churches as a Children’s Minister. Her support, guidance, wisdom, and love have been instrumental in my ministry and was multiplied in my life and in my ministry to this day.
I’m thankful for Bill Young. Bill worked at the Baptist Sunday School Board while I was "growing up in the ministry." He saw something in me that I may not have seen in myself. I always wanted to be Bill (Young)… and continue to admire and love him. I now am priveleged to serve with Bill on the Sunday School teaching team at First Baptist Church, Nashville.
There are so many who have paved the way for the ministries we enjoy today. Take the time to remember them, thank God for them, and perhaps even honor them with a note of thanks.
Happy Memorial Day! God bless you as you leave memories and pave the way for those who will follow you! It’s an awesome ministry so leave an awesome legacy!
