Celebrating a Legacy

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF SIXTY YEARS Your birthday this year is a great time to recall When you trusted Jesus and gave Him your all. It started in Hammond when just a young man, When there you surrendered to God’s will and plan. You came to your pastor, he put you to work, And nothing he gave you did you ever shirk. Youth pastor, school teacher, and principal, too, And filling the pulpit as you’d sometimes do. And then came a day when that pastor did say, “I’m going to retire and I want you to stay, I want you to pastor these people you love And stay true to your calling from God up above.” I’m sure that short notice brought you to much prayer As you thought of the mission now given you there. It was very evident soon there then to me God knew what He was doing, our pastor to be. So now you’ve turned SIXTY, and time’s seemed to fly Since that special morning you looked to the sky, Said, “God, anywhere, anything that You will, I’ll serve You the best with Your Spirit infilled.” From the day as a teenager you’ve seen many things, Some with rejoicing, some sorrows did bring. And now God has given you another year, Not knowing what plans He may have for you here, But saying like you said in Hammond that day, “Lord, I still am willing to follow Your way.” I love you, my pastor, and that love still lasts In my life especially, knowing much of my past. I knew I could tell you, for you’d understand And tell me how special I am in God’s plan. Your wisdom is awesome, your zeal is sincere, So now as you look to yet another year, I pray for God’s guidance will make clear His ways As you lead our church forward in the coming days. for my pastor's birthday