“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;” 1 Timothy 1:12

My heart is full today.

I feel blessed far beyond what I deserve.

Last night, at our home church, 18 men gathered around me for several hours to encourage me, bless me, lay their hands on me, and ordain me into the Gospel ministry. These men have had, collectively, hundreds of years in the ministry. I was so humbled to be surrounded by these giants of the faith, and to hear of their recognition of God’s hand in my life.

I would like to thank the following men for not only having a part in my ordination, but for investing in my life. God has used you!

• Charles Blackstock — My pastor and close mentor and friend. (over 30 years of ministry)
• Carl Braswell — Church planter for years and now missionary with Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (over 50 years of ministry)
• Jeff Bush — Missionary to Argentina and now Director of Vision Baptist Missions. (over 10 years of ministry)
• Robert Canfield — Assistant pastor at Vision Baptist Church. (about 5 years of ministry)
• Trent Cornwell — Assistant pastor at Vision Baptist Church. (about 7 years of ministry)
• Mark Coffey — Missionary to South Africa with Vision Baptist Missions. (about 10 years of ministry)
• Austin Gardner — Close mentor and friend. Pastor of Vision Baptist Church and missionary to Peru for many years. (almost 40 years of ministry)
• David Gates — Close friend and missionary to Egypt with Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (about 5 years of ministry)
• Alfonso Gonzalez — My assistant while I pastored the Spanish church in GA, now pastor of Iglesia Bautista El Faro. (about 3 years of ministry)
• Kevin Hall — Missionary to South Africa with Vision Baptist Missions. (about 10 years of ministry)
• Brandon Mayes — Missionary to China and now Deputation Director for Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (about 15 years of ministry)
• Rex McPherson — Missionary in Wales and now Pastor of Galilean Baptist Church. (about 30 years of ministry)
• Larry Monroe — Pastored for many years now assistant pastor at my home church. (about 20 years of ministry)
• Cory Sexton — Friend for years and now pastor of The Church at Hoschton. (about 10 years of ministry)
• Donald Swaim — My grandfather and missionary to Mexico and US hispanics with BIMI. (about 30 years of ministry)
• Richard Vance — My dad and missionary printer with Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (about 18 years of ministry)
• Thurman Wade — Pastor for several years, now Director of Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (about 50 years of ministry)
• Frank Whitmire — Pastor for several years, now assistant pastor at my home church.  (about 30 years of ministry)

For years, I have seen God do great things over and over again in my life, and I’m constantly reminded that it’s not about me… it’s all about HIM! I’m just an earthen vessel, he’s the real treasure. Knowing this humbles me. It is an honor to serve the King of Kings. It is a privilege that God would see it fit to put me in ministry. It is a joy to be his voice in this world.

I want to also express my love and gratitude for the one that is by my side — that is, my wife, Aubrie. There’s no one else that has loved me more, encouraged me more, inspired me more, helped me more and will ever be with me more than her. Ministry can come and go, but she will be with me until the end. I tell you, God has been super good to this ol’ boy!