It has been my great privilege to serve with some great men through the years! Some stand out in terms of their influence on my life. Each of the following men had a particular impact on me at various points of my ministry! There are dozens more who could be on this list - but these are particularly influential.
1. Dr. W. Levon Moore - Dr. Moore was my pastor at FBC Pontotoc as I grew up and graduated from High School. Dr. Moore was a fabulous mentor to me as a young - teenaged preacher! He was a brilliant administrator - and helped me again later in life when I entered seminary. He taught me the value of excellence in ministry.
2. Waymon Needham - Mr. Waymon was wonderful layman at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Benton County, MS. Mr. Waymon served as Chairman of Deacons and was one of the kindest, most generous men I have ever known. He had a kind spirit and gave me consistent, sound advice. He taught me generosity!
3. Leon Anthony - Mr. Leon was also a Chairman of Deacons, serving at Liberty Hill Baptist Church. Mr. Leon was more like a second father to me! He was closer than a grand-dad! We prayed together, worked together, helped people together! Mr. Leon taught me the value of working in the community! He also was one of those guys who had their pastor's back! Pastor's will know what I mean!
4. Robert McKinney - Robert was (and still is) a member of a church I pastored in Kentucky, Trammel Creek! Robert and I, in my opinion, were as close as brothers! We talked about, and still do sometimes, everything. Robert taught me how to be resourceful! He could (can) do just about anything - fix anything - if he has some time to give it some thought! He has been a great friend.
5. Gene Paul Hellebush - Gene Paul was (and still is) a member of FBC Ludlow, KY - just across the river from downtown Cincinnati. Gene Paul was a tremendous friend and deacon at FBC! He was also quite resourceful - and we did a lot of projects together. But I think Gene Paul's greatest contribution to me was teaching me how to listen to people and help them with their needs. He was (is) a great listener and was the best at resolving difficulties in the lives of our people!
6. Doug Gray - Doug was the Chairman of Deacons at one point at FBC Pearl, MS. Doug was another of those men who had his Pastor's back! He was a great worker in church - and I know that God used him the most to teach me a love for lost people! Doug was passionate about lost people - and was used by the Lord as a wonderful soul-winner!
7. Simmie Hollinghead - Simmie was at one time the Chairman of Deacons here at Agricola Baptist. My heart broke the day he died of a massive heart attack! Simmie was one of the closest friends I have ever made within a church family. Simmie was definitely my confidant - and encourager. That 82nd 101st Airborne blood ran deep in him and he was a guy who was willing to "take a bullet" for you. When I would pour my heart out to Simmie about some need or problem or challenge - invariably he would say, "Whatcha gonna do about it?" That was Simmie's way, after giving some advice, to make sure I could tell him something of a plan or solution! Simmie taught me to toughen up - and how to work through a problem.
There are two other men in my life who are at the very top of my list.
Jeff Eaton - my long time Kentucky friend who I may talk to weekly and then talk to him months later! No matter when we talk - it is like we just hung up the day before. We walked (and rode) a lot of miles together going through seminary - and Jeff taught me how to live free in Christ!
My Dad - J. C. Mitchell - Dad taught me the value of holiness! I know other man who is as righteous as my Dad! For all my years in ministry - he has been my number one confidant - my advisor - my infinite walking book of real knowledge! My heart breaks and the tears are running down my face as I type this because now he is no longer able to interact with me at this level. He struggles through these days awaiting a heavenly home that he has told me he is ready to occupy! One of my last meaningful doctrinal /spiritual conversations with Dad was one that I will never forget. He sat in a chair in front of me -weeping over the glory of approaching God on His throne in prayer! He could hardly describe the glory he felt when in prayer at that throne.
There are many more who have had great influence on me outside ministry. It is a blessing that there are so many the list would be long. I am blessed!
You are very blessed indeed and my heart hurts with you over your fathers aging but how blessed to have had one and a Godly one at that.Thanks for your writings , they keep me from going to far from center many times.
Posted by: Teresa Howell | November 15, 2011 at 01:23 AM