They're Going to Carolina!

I always liked James Taylor’s song, “Going to Carolina in My Mind,” and especially in these summer months I’ve come to appreciate the attraction of the climate and scenery there.  But when you have family there, and especially grandchildren, you can’t blame someone for wanting to be there for good.  That’s how I feel about Preston and Janie Odom’s decision to make transition from their responsibilities here at First Baptist to where their family now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

Preston and Janie are fixtures at First Baptist, having served us, as of this past June 1, for 26 years.  Over that span of time the two of them have blessed us in so many ways.  Preston’s primary responsibilities have been in the Christian Life Center, but in these past years, he has served us as well by working with our Senior Adults.  Almost twenty years ago, Jim Chavis, our pastor at the time, approached Janie about heading up our Intercessory Prayer Ministry.  Janie readily accepted, and over that period of time, has literally thrown herself into the ministry of prayer, with Preston offering significant support as well.  Only heaven knows how many persons have been blessed by this ministry of prayer, though Janie and Preston have also been careful to do their best to track the many ways that God has answered the prayers we have lifted to Him on behalf of so many.  Now comes the time for us to pray God’s blessings on them as they move to be near their family and to enjoy what we trust will be many good days together.  

 

Their letter of resignation is attached elsewhere in this newsletter.  As you will read, their last Sunday with us will be September 4.  The time between now and then will give us plenty of time to express our appreciation, and I trust you will join me in doing just that.

 

Knowing the two of them, they will be looking for further opportunities to serve Jesus when they get situated in the Charlotte area.  So, we pray that God will open such doors for them so that they may continue to use their talents and abilities for Kingdom purposes.  And of course, we can be certain that they’ll be praying for us, because that’s their heart for this church and people they have served so faithfully for so long.  We are better for the Odoms.  Their contributions to us will continue to bless us for years to come, and the difference they made in our midst will definitely not soon be forgotten.