Blessings!!!

Yesterday was such a blessing for both Mark and I. We got to go back to Mark's home church for him to preach. He answered the call to preach at Victory Community Baptist Church on March 4, 1990. He was licensed and ordained by the church, plus preached his first sermon there. It was like a homecoming of sorts. The last time Mark did any service at the church was in the spring of 2001, when he helped conduct Rev. Max A. Gilmore's funeral. Mr. Gilmore was a mentor and friend to us as we started out in the pastorate. He always had gentle words of guidance and wisdom for things that we were facing. He was always there when we needed someone to help us pray about something that concerned us in our ministry. Yesterday, the people of Victory made us feel so welcomed and loved. It was a though we had stepped back in time and had never left there. Mark and I were members from '95 to '98 when we lived in Moore County before being called to WV to pastor. What a great 2 services we had. The choir sang "The King is Coming"....one of my favorites. The fellowship was just great. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Victory Community Baptist Church

This is a beautiful stain glass that hangs behind the baptistery. One of the prettiest I have ever seen. First Baptist Southern Pines donated this stain glass when they tore down their old church. What a wonderful gift they gave.

Rev. Max A. Gilmore. A great mentor and friend...a father in the ministry. He always lovingly referred to Mark as his Timothy. He was such a Godly example and a wonderful pastor. He has truly been missed over the last 9 years. There have been times that we wanted to call and get his advice on things. We are thankful for the time that we had and for crossing of paths on this journey called life.