The Open Door

I received an early Christmas gift from Timothy L. Hall, who serves as pastor of the Elim Baptist Church in Ludowici, Georgia. Brother Hall sent me a letter expressing appreciation for the ministry of our Georgia Baptist Convention staff in his church in recent days. His words are not only encouraging to me, but I believe they would be informative to the good folks in our churches as they speak of the willingness of our staff to be as involved in the ministry of our local churches as we have opportunity to be.

Certainly the desire of our staff is to serve Jesus Christ by doing all that we can to strengthen our churches. We truly want to be available and we want to be a blessing. It is a joy to share with you Timothy Hall’s letter with a very special “thank you” to him for taking time to express his appreciation.

November 19, 2007

Dear Dr. White:

I pray the joy of our Lord Jesus fills your day.

I’m writing to inform you of the way some of the GBC staff are conducting themselves among the churches.

Over the last year, Steve Parr has conducted three Sunday School leadership workshops for us here at Elim Baptist. My folks have been encouraged, as well as instructed, each time, but Steve’s greatest impact may have been in his last visit. There was a young man in the meeting that is a high school senior. After the meeting was over he went home and spent almost an hour excitedly telling his parents about what he had learned. He later talked with me about what he could do to implement the things he had learned in his Sunday School class. Needless to say, Bro. Steve has had a positive impact on our Sunday School.

In October, Kenneth Keene led a Deacons’ Workshop for us. Although the information he shared was just what our deacons needed to hear, that which impressed our men the most was Dr. Keene’s attitude. His love for our Lord’s church was infectious. My men walked away from the workshop with a greater sense of purpose as well as better informed. The difference in attitude and approach to the deacon ministry is readily seen in those who attended the workshop.

On November 11, Dr. Gerald Harris was a part of our 150-year Thanksgiving service where he presented a plaque to us from you. Dr. Harris then preached a message that has been referred to as more of a revival message. We had one young man get saved and several rededications during the service. May God be praised for His abounding grace.

Just yesterday Ted Kandler, the Ministry Resource Consultant for our area, came and led our 11 a.m. service. My father-in-law passed away Saturday night about 8 o’clock. My chairman of deacons called Jim Elliott, our Director of Missions here in the New Sunbury Association. Jim had a previous engagement but he told my deacon that he would get someone for us. He called and Ted was available. Yesterday Ted not only preached, he also performed a baptism. A young girl was scheduled to be baptized and she had family and friends who were coming to celebrate with her. Therefore Ted not only preached but he enabled this young girl to be a witness to her family and friends, fulfilling her wishes.

Dr. White, I wish there was some way I could express to you the depth of my gratitude for the work of the GBC. These are only a small representation of the blessings I have received from my interaction with the men and women who serve our Lord through the GBC. Though words cannot begin to express my gratitude, please hear my heart as I say THANK YOU. Thank you and may our Lord Jesus continue to pour His blessings upon you and the men and women of the Georgia Baptist Convention.

Yours in Christ,
Timothy L. Hall
Pastor
Elim Baptist Church