It is really interesting how life can bring you full circle. I grew up in the fellowship of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Buffalo, but left after I was married and then later I had a beautiful daughter, Paige. I still had contact with some of the dear friends at Mt. Lebanon even through all the years that I was away. One of the dearest friends whom I had known since childhood was Sammy Farmer, and he happened to be the youth minister.
Sammy FarmerPaige had reached the age where she needed to be involved in a church youth group, but we had been drifting from church to church trying to find the place for her, but it just was not happening. Sometimes it is very difficult to find the right fit, so as a mother I was very concerned.
Of course, through prayer I asked God to put us in the right place. Well, as always, God never fails us. It just so happens Sammy and his dear wife Pam have a place next door to us at Lake Greenwood, and they had the youth group from Mt. Lebanon there for fun and fellowship on a beautiful Saturday. Paige saw all the fun and great fellowship that was going on, and I could see that she wanted to be involved.
Sammy and Pam made the first move by asking Paige to come over and join them. Just a loving invitation to be a part of the group was all that it took. Paige found her place and has spiritually grown through the years, thanks to a youth minister who cared.
What an impact Sammy has had on our youth. He has affected so many lives of the youth at Mt. Lebanon through the years, and each youth has affected the lives of others they have touched. The love of God radiates from Sammy not only by words but through his actions. He has dedicated so much of his life to be sure all the youth hear the gospel, are made to feel special and know they are loved more than words could ever express. There have been endless miles driven and endless hours spent at youth events, camp, the lake, the mountains, or anywhere good Christian youth fellowship can be, and through Sammy and his dedication it was made possible.
Although Sammy currently is not the youth minister at Mt. Lebanon, God used him immensely during his nearly 25 years of service.
I am thankful that Paige found her place as well as many other youth. She will be attending college next year , so her time in the youth group will end, but I know she will always remember the Saturday at the lake when Sammy made a simple invitation to include her and to bring me full circle to my childhood church. Thank you to Sammy Farmer – a true servant of God who always makes a difference.