On Wednesday November 2, 1994, New Prospect Baptist Church voted to call me as their pastor. I remember the night just like it was yesterday. Renee and I heard a knock at the door. After opening the door we found 4 people standing outside: W.E. & Helen Batchelor and Terry & Billie Ruth Fannin. They came to inform us that the church had just voted to call me as their new pastor.
The former pastor, Bro. Jack Woodall had retired. Bro. Jack was a dear friend that I loved as a father. He and Mrs Ann were a blessing to all that knew them. But with Bro. Jack's health failing, he wanted to go ahead and retire and move back to his home in Pell City. Of course, we accepted the call to be their pastor and I resigned my church, at Bethel #2 that Sunday. It was very difficult to do because I had never resigned a church before since it was my first. I shared with our deacons that I had been called to NPBC and I would be leaving in 30 days. When I shared it with our church at the close of the service, it was very difficult to do. I was very emotional and most everyone else was as well. The Lord gave me a group of people that loved me and supported me at Bethel. Many of those dear saints of God are gone now. They have crossed over on the other side. They have "entered into the joy of the Lord..."
The Lord has blessed our church at NPBC. I have been able to be in two churches since being called to preach. Each church have been nothing but supportive to me and for that I am thankful. I have been able to be their pastor and they have supported and prayed for me. These past 16 years have truly been great times for me and my family. We have some of the best people to work with! My prayer would be to finish strong and stay focussed and faithful to our Lord. May God help me to continue preaching His Word and sharing Christ here and around the world. Number 17 is just around the corner!
Bro. Ron
