This one will be a little more personal to me. As I have mentioned many times I have had some great mentors in my life. Each one provided a special need for me at the right time (God’s timing I learned later). This morning I had three reminders from friends asking about a time when I pastored a Landmark Satellite called Landmark of Monte Forte Heights. It is in the west side of Cincinnati adjacent to I-74.
It was Thanksgiving 1986. I had just turned 36. I challenged the church to feed 1000 people that Thanksgiving. We had done this before with a good measure of success but not many decisions. This time, however, we decided that we should hold a revival along with it. I was impressed to ask Bro James Hollingsworth, my mentor to preach. Stop and think about it. During the Thanksgiving season the members of this church gave up all their family traditions and committed themselves to spreading the gospel.
We had 11 buses that brought in several hundred children and their parents. We had many who drove in. Our people worked all night cooking turkey at the kitchen at the Landmark Christian School. We had all the trimmings. Many businesses donated funds and one turkey farm donated “giblets” for the gravy. Grocery stores gave us discount prices. You get the point.
We were expecting a great crowd. We put up a tent for the children grades 1-3. Our nursery was beaming with babies and preschoolers. Our choir was prepared led by Jim Steward and Bill Hillard. I had trained at least a dozen of men and women to work at the altar. (I just knew that Bro Hollingsworth would bring a powerful message. We prayed and worked and prayed more. We were ready!
When the busses began to arrive we began to get excited. We fed almost 600 people. But the best news is that when Bro Hollingsworth preached 66 people came forward to receive Christ. Most of them were adults. It was awesome.
Today I was asked about this from two sources. Mark, one of two best friends, wrote me last night asking about the details. See Bro H has had a stroke and he didn’t remember the meeting. This morning James George, who was on Bro Hollingsworth staff, wrote his memories of the day and said that every Thanksgiving he is reminded of that special time of God’s Spirit doing a work in Cincinnati.
So today I am thankful that God has done great works in our lives. But I’m also thankful that He wants to do it again…anywhere and anytime. All we have to do is believe and attempt great exploits for the Lord.
Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
Psalm 126:1 A Song of degrees.When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Psalm 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
Psalm 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
Psalm 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psalm 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
May our Lord receive the thanks for His wonderful works.
Bro Jim
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