The Open Door

For the past two weekends I have preached in the 280 corridor and have been greatly inspired and encouraged by the warm-spirited, enthusiastic, committed Georgia Baptists with whom I have worshipped.

The first weekend I preached at the First Baptist Church of Vidalia where Bucky Kennedy is pastor. I was the Sunday night preacher for their Bible Conference that began on Sunday morning with Sam Cathey and continued through Wednesday night with Frank Cox and Johnny Hunt sharing the preaching responsibilities with Sam on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

On Sunday night when I walked into the sanctuary I found it filled to capacity. The spirit of the worship service was super-charged with enthusiastic worshipers and beautiful music. Several persons came forward at the time of the invitation. If perchance you envisioned Vidalia as a quiet South Georgia town where life in the churches is slow and boring, you have missed reality by a country mile!

After church I joined Sam and a host of folks, mostly young people, for a time of fellowship at Bucky and Stacey's home. The experience reminded me of the youth fellowships that I used to be a part of in my growing-up years at First Baptist in Montgomery. I also had a flashback to my pastoring days at First Baptist Paducah when our house was often the gathering place for our young people primarily because of our three daughters. I so much enjoyed being with the young people.

Bucky reminded me of myself about twenty years ago. What a great time we had listening to Sam tell "preacher stories". We talked, laughed and ate taco soup and pecan pie. I felt right at home. On my way back to the motel that evening I felt good about the future of First Baptist Vidalia and the ministry of Bucky and Stacey Kennedy.

One week went by and the next Saturday evening I was back in Vidalia for the night in order to preach at First Baptist Church Lyons the next morning. By the way, if you have never been in Vidalia on a Saturday night you have missed the very interesting parade of cars and pickup trucks cruising up and down 280. With radios blaring, horns honking and kids yelling to each other. As I stood at the gas pump filling my truck, I watched the parade and said to myself, "You've missed one of life's unique experiences if you haven't cruised 280 in Vidalia on a Saturday night!"

Sunday morning arrived and I drove the six miles from Vidalia to Lyons and the First Baptist Church, which in my mind is the most impressive landmark in Lyons. The tall steeple on the sanctuary building is seen well before reaching the church. Recently the church made some significant additions and renovations to the church complex in order to provide for the outstanding growth they are experiencing. Upon arriving I was escorted to the new members class that was being taught by the pastor, Dannie Williams.

There were approximately twenty young people and adults in the beautiful new fellowship hall where Dannie was leading the class in a study of Hebrews 10. This new fellowship hall seats approximately 400 people at round tables. The youth were actively engaged in the class and responded freely to Dannie's questions.

It was apparent to me that there was a solid relationship between the pastor and the youth. I have learned through the years that this is one of the clearest signs of a healthy church situation. Youth thrive in a church that is free of an oppressive spirit. Free expression is a sign of openness and security among the young people.

The pastor and his wife have an outstanding background of ministry which includes serving on the ministry and missions staff at Rehoboth Baptist Church in Atlanta and serving the Florida Baptist Convention in the field of church planting.

The Sunday morning worship service was filled, the spirit was thrilling, and the music was outstanding. Several decisions were made at the time of invitation. As I left the church I thanked the Lord for blessing First Baptist Lyons with joy and health. After a delightful time of fellowship over lunch I headed my truck toward Atlanta reflecting on the reality of what a mighty God we serve!