Five Victorious Years

FIVE VICTORIOUS YEARS We’d come home from vacation, we each had a good time, And we were not expecting the change that we would find. Our pastor was retiring, the one who we loved so, And we were now expecting that he would quickly go. But right there in the shadows was one who would replace, And we had heard him often, and knew his smiling face. It was a quick transition, and though we were not sure How many would support him or how long they would endure, Deep down inside I felt it--this was God’s perfect will, And we’d respect and honor this man who now would fill Our pulpit with his preaching, and soon I was amazed With how the Holy Spirit worked through him those first days! Now five years have passed by us, we’ve seen God bless him so With wisdom and with leadership the way that we should go. The dreams we’d had so often to be debt free and build Were coming true as He let his life be Spirit-filled. Now as “The Ready Writer” I thank you, pastor, so For letting God so mold you those years while you did grow. It’s hard to say in poem, it’s hard in written line To tell you how I’m thankful that you’re a friend of mine And how I praise the Saviour for what He’s done through you As pastor and as leader, and for your family, too. I know of that special honor you’ll get in a few days, And I wish that I could be there to join in cheers and praise, For I know that you deserve it, and yet I know that still You’ll keep determination to follow in God’s will. So this day I salute you, my eyes joy-filled with tears And praise to you, my pastor, for five victorious years! Dedicated to Rev. Fowler on his fifth anniversary as pastor of Heritage Baptist Church.