Minister in the Pew: Thankful for Balcony People
by Rev Robert A Wendel
A common boast for so many young people these days is “I am a self-made man or woman.” That is a feeling it’s hard not to think about oneself in our completive market-place like world. But, it is seldom true. Yes anyone may have been self-motivated, self-starter. Usually there is someone outside our family circle urging us along or helping us notice the psychological potholes.
In Baptist churches, these singular cheerleaders might be sitting in the last pew in the sanctuary or up in the balcony. For the church’s pastor, there’s also his or her loyal, faithful spouse, each Sabbath, taking in what is heard from the pulpit or from regular listeners or the occasional visitor.
Sunday, after Sunday, I could look up while reading the morning scripture or text of that weeks’ sermon and there they were my wife and those who cared about me and my ministry and the impact it was having upon the flock I was charged to shepherd until the Lord pressed me with a new “assignment.”
One such person for me was Mrs. Ladeel Mizwa, the flower lady, who also prepared the trays for each Communion observance. She was one on the church board in my church in Fredonia, never neglecting to speak up at each monthly board meeting. When I talked with her, in mid-week, her extra comments would help me be aware of which of the members might need some time or effort from me.
I sent her a Christmas card in December and received a very thoughtful note from her professor daughter telling me that she had gone to be reunited with her husband in heaven earlier that month.
Even now, I can still see Mrs. Mizwa up there taking my various types of ministry in, here in Beckley, wishing me well. It was hard to let this good lady go. But, we can hold on to all the good things she said, did and made happen when she was here. Thank you Lord, for all the people who have helped shape my ministry. I’ll always remember to look in the balcony.
The February ABC men’s breakfast will be at the Crab Orchard Baptist Church at 8:00 a.m. on Sat. Feb. 28th with Rev. Frank Miller leading the devotions. Please plan to join us.
At the Advent lunches in December $482.00 was raised and given to the Women’s Resource Center by the Beckley Clergy Association. A bit over $200 of that money was raised at the lunch that was held here on Dec. 10th. Thanks for your support and your help.