Thomas Haggai told me once, “Every morning since I was a teenager, I start the day by simply saying, ‘Lord, don’t let me die until I am dead!’ ” He was an enormously successful businessman and motivational speaker. He passed away on March 27, 2020, at the age of 89.
Some things are impressive because of longevity, strength, or size. But the most outstanding and memorable things are people who not only live long but live well. They trust Jesus, attend church, and live for His glory.
For about the last six months, I have been serving Rocky River Baptist Church near Iva as supply pastor. The church is small but strong. It has the potential for growth and contains some remarkable people. On Mother’s Day, I had my photo taken with three sisters who are some of the most faithful Christian Baptists I have met. They sit together every Sunday morning on the same pew.
On my first Sunday there, they initiated a conversation with me. They were friends with my late mother and told me how much they loved her. Every Sunday, I walk by their pew and speak with them. They always greet me with a sweet smile and a warm handshake. They are special in the best sense of that word.
I grew up in Iva and know something about nearly all the churches in the area. The church’s property is in Anderson County and Abbeville County. Lake Secession is very close by. I grew up fishing, skiing, swimming, and camping around the lake. It has been a delight to serve the church during the last few months.
While we were having our photo taken, one of the sisters said, “Rudy, we consider you one of us.” These sisters make you feel accepted and welcomed: Helen Hanks (95), Joyce McCullough (88), and Juanita Loftis (92). In some ways, they remind me of the giant redwoods of California. These trees can live over 1,000 years and can grow taller than the length of a football field. Year in and year out, they just keep going. They are resistant to decay and fire (a good thing for living in California). In a similar manner, these Christian ladies have lived through so much in their lifetimes and just keep on keeping on. That, in itself, is a great testimony.
I plan to retire for the second time at the end of this year after over 47 years in ministry. I don’t plan to retire from serving God! In fact, I am praying now about the next opportunity He will give me. I feel like the boxer who was knocked down in the last round. He got up, shook himself off, and said, “There’s still a lot of fight left in me.” That is the way I feel about serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
I started out as a journalist, a sportswriter and layout man for the Anderson Independent newspaper. My time as editor of the Anderson University school paper helped prepare me for that job. From journalist to youth minister, pastor, pastor and counselor, and journalist again, I have been blessed by the sovereign hand of our great God. I have some regrets, hurts, sorrows, and failures, but I have never been forsaken by Christ Jesus. I believe the Bible and can bear witness to the truth of Romans 10:11 in my journey: “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”
The faithful sisters at Rocky River Baptist have been a blessing to see each Sunday. I think they illustrate to us the call to be faithful. Luke 9:62 says, “Jesus said to them, ‘No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’ ” From one plowman to another, let’s keep on plowing until we meet our Lord at death or in the air when He raptures His church. Either way: Keep on keeping on! God is faithful, and it is the calling of each one of His children to be faithful to Him.