Honor where it's Due

[Poimen]

I just wanted to take a moment to mention some of the men in TCOG and/or COGOP (outside of my family) who have had a tremendous positive effect in my Christian life and ministry.

A.G. Denard -- For believing in a young minister and having the wisdom to see he needed to be used. For opening doors for me to preach at your church and in Camp. For no doubt influencing your congregation to be supportive of young ministers financially, as you were of me, sending me to BTI even when I was not a member of your local church. I hope I am able to come for you retirement celebration.

Lewis Harrison -- For befriending me and my family and trusting me to minister to your congregation in the very first revival I ever conducted.

Corby Isbell -- For setting such a powerful example before me of what it meant to be a passionate minister in study and declaration of the Scripture. Your influence probably had more to do with my method of delivery and explanation as well as love for study than any other person's influence. I can't wait to see you in heaven. I know your waiting there.

Billy Ray Terrell -- Though you pastored me as a young man before I was called to preach, you were also my pastor when the call came. You were a fine man and Christian example, with a sincere dedication that was clearly obvious. The longer I served in ministry, specifically pastoral work the more I reflect back on your conduct and spirit. You have in many ways become to me the epitome of the Shepherd's heart. I miss you, and hope wherever you are laboring for Christ now you are enjoying great success.

Stephen Smith -- Your spirit and instruction both at BTI and through various general means throughout the church at the time served to help solidify me and create in me a hunger for holiness, a thirst for knowledge, and a desire for wisdom and excellence in the things I put my hands too. I did not enjoy as deep a relationship with you as those who served as my pastors or overseers, etc. Yet, your willingness to have me come and minister in your region, to stay in your home, to share opinions and reflections on biblical subjects with, to count me a friend, caused me to aspire to follow the godly example you set before me.

E. Roger Ammons -- For more than I can verbalize. It was you God used in my life (Outside of family) during a time when I was so uncertain, scared, wounded, hurting, and vulnerable. Your love, your wisdom, your mentoring, your confidence in me they were a primary ingredient in the balm the Spirit used to help me keep it togther through the healing process. Though it is difficult to truly know the value of a person's contributions and influences in our lives as they really are, it is you who in my own estimation has been the most influential, impacting, and edifying on my Christian life and ministry. These words spoken from a young man who likes to fancy himself a Timothy, and you his Paul.

Jason Heacox -- For befriending me in a time of isolation and introspection. When I decided to resign my ministry in TCOG doors to minister were essentially closed (understandably). But it was difficult on me as a minister and as a Christian to not have an outlet to function in my gifting and calling. It was you God used to help me not become stagnate or grow cold. I was honored to minister to your congregation. I truly felt a part of them, and still feel like I could walk in on any given day and just fit in among you all. Thank you for being a peer, and encouragement, a personal friend. We've kinda fell out of touch over the last year. But I want you to know what kind of impact you've had on me. You became my pastor, whether you know it or not, during a time when I had no place to call mine and no minister to lean on.

Thank you all, so very much.