40 Years of Service

A few days ago I had the opportunity to be part of a celebration of the 40th year anniversary of University Baptist Church of Middletown Ohio. I served as Minister of Music there from 1993 - 2000. There are many churches that have had 40 years of existence but UBC is different than most because they have had the same pastor for all forty years. Pastor Nolan Phillips came to Middletown Ohio forty years ago to plant a church and became its pastor. Why don't you see more long term pastors? Is it the church or is it the pastor? All churches have problems and difficulties as do even the best pastors. I think it takes a special person to lead a group of people through the discouragement that forces some to look for a new place of ministry.
At the celebration many of those who Pastor Nolan Phillips had led to the Lord or had been mentored in ministry were present to honor and thank God for such a long tenure. The testimonies were numorous and touching. It amazed me how many lives were touched by this one life. It urged me to continue to invest in people that I might follow in the same way. All done for the cause of Christ . Thank you Lord for models of consistancy and intergrity like Nolan Phillips. Salute

Creeping in Virginia

I am not what you would call an athlete, but I have found an enjoyable activity in southwest Virginia called the Virginia Creeper. The Creeper is 32 miles of abandoned railway that has been converted into a bike trail. The wonderful thing about the Creeper is that 17.2 miles of this trail is a coast downhill from White Top Station to Damascus with hardly any peddling. It is a great day trip for the whole family. Even small kids can coast through the beautiful countryside and scenery of Mt. Rodgers National Forest. We used a shuttle service "The Bike Station" with good equipment and a friendly driver. The 17.2 mile portion takes about 2 1/2 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you spend soaking up the sights. A good break can be taken about half way at the Creeper Trail Cafe. I hear that their chocolate cake has been in the Southern Living magazine. If it looks rainy at all, remember to bring an extra change of clothes. You will get splattered with the mud as you zoom through the puddles.