The Open Door

The reason I enjoy my ministry so much was beautifully framed by my experiences today. This is the last Sunday of January, and I had the privilege of preaching in two very fine Georgia Baptist churches and lending my support to the pastors and staffs of these churches as well as to express appreciation for what these congregations are doing in ministry and to support worldwide missions through the Cooperative Program. Both churches are happy churches with a clear vision of their calling from God and a strong commitment to fulfill their mission in their own communities.

Woodlake Baptist Church

Pastor Jerry Grey baptizes Torie Ponder in a recent service at Woodlake Baptist Church in Loganville. In the process of purchasing 45 acres where they will build new facilities, the church is currently renting warehouses to keep up with growth.

Sunday morning I enjoyed being with Woodlake Baptist Church in Loganville where Jerry Grey serves as pastor. This church is in the process of purchasing 45 acres of land in Walnut Grove where they will build their new facilities. At the present time, they are renting some warehouse buildings that supply the space they need for their growing congregation.

From the moment Janice and I entered the front door of the church, we were surrounded by warm-hearted members of the church extending a gracious welcome to us. We felt like home folks from the very moment we entered the church. The pastor and deacons met with us before the worship service to pray for the outpouring of God’s blessings on the service.

They also asked if we had any personal needs we would like to share so they could keep the matters in prayer. To be prayed for is always a tremendous blessing. To be prayed for by a consecrated group of deacons was a great blessing.

The worship service was energetic. The music was outstanding. The spirit of the service was uplifting. At the conclusion of the worship service several came forward making decisions.

The pastor announced that after the worship service we would gather in the parking lot, and the warehouse door would be opened on the other building where the baptistry was located and two who had recently made decisions for Christ would be baptized. The temperature was in the 30s and the baptistry was exposed to the outside air, but the water was warm.

We stood outside shivering in the crisp air and watched as two young people were baptized. With steam coming off the surface of the water in the chilly temperature, two new Christians followed Christ in believer’s baptism.

After a quick lunch with Jerry and his wife and Minister of Music/Worship Dan Blankenship and his family, I made my way toward Winder, through town, and out Highway 82 seven-and-a-half miles to the new location of Bear Creek Baptist Church to preach the dedication service for their new church facilities.

This church, under the capable leadership of bivocational Pastor Johnny Wright, has blossomed. This church began in 1985 as a trailer park ministry and has continued to grow through the years as God has blessed them.

By the time I got out of my truck, I was greeted by the pastor and Tommy Fountain, associational missionary for the Mulberry Baptist Association. Tommy has done a tremendous job providing leadership for his association of churches. It is obvious that he is deeply loved by his pastors and congregations.

I enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship with Tommy and Dianne as well as Johnny Wright, his wife, and the congregation. Following a wonderful time of worship together, we went to the fellowship hall for refreshments and a good time to visit with each other.

I returned home with a joyful heart after a memorable day of being with friends and seeing again how God is at work among our churches of the Georgia Baptist Convention. Serving as executive director here in Georgia is the greatest joy of my ministry. May God continue to bless all of our efforts for His Kingdom.