1. First Baptist Church, Triangle, VA (I, my two brothers and father were saved there.)
2. First Baptist Church, East Hartford, Connecticut (My husband was saved there, my son and daughter were saved there and my husband was called to ministry there. Strong emphasis taught on Missions Home and Abroad. Churches which have a heart for missions provide an environment conducive for people to hear the call of God in their lives.)
3. Boyce Bible School, Louisville, KY., (They had great men of God teach my husband to preach the gospel and prepared him for pastoring for nearly 23 years in KY.)
4. Seminary Village. (The apartment complex that housed only Seminary students in 1979-82 or longer). We forged tremendous lifelong friendships in that little apartment. Peter Lumpkins being one of mine.
5. All four of the Kentucky churches which allowed my husband to pastor and me to minister as God led. The joy of knowing those people comes to my heart daily. And so many good memories linger.
6. The Cooperative Program. It help fund our education and provided great teachers for my husband and myself as we prepared for ministry. It helps so many churches get started and exist until able to stand on their own.
7. Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong. Women who gave their all to share Jesus with a lost and dying world. Their stories and many missionaries' biographies have led the way in inspiring others to give theirs. WMU--they gave me so much in how to care for others, and present the gospel. They encouraged me in my prayer life and gave me a love for missions.
God has given me so many blessings through the people in the SBC. In fact, it was at a writer’s conference in Nashville that gave me opportunity in publishing articles for them. I’ve met, loved and prayed for many a missionary I’ve met at Ridgecrest N.C. That’s another blessing of the SBC. And the Bible studies and authors who’ve been trained in our Baptist colleges and Seminaries. The curriculum that has led thousands of children to Christ through Vacation Bible Schools and Backyard Bible clubs. And the Baptist Hospitals who’ve helped save lives, birth babies and heal the broken hearted. There’s much to be grateful for.
Had it not been for the faithfulness of Southern Baptists giving to Annie Armstrong offering, First Baptist East Hartford would never have existed. It started in a YMCA in Connecticut. Had it not been for FBC East Hartford, two men I know would not have gone into the fulltime service for the Lord.
The Southern Baptists have given me and my family far more than I can say while allowing their lights to shine for Jesus. I am forever grateful to all who have crossed my path. selahV
