Optimist Roundtable 4/15
By Martha Sykes
If my heart could tell a story, it would be a love story that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember!! From the days of walking to our little Methodist in Shintown to a day in June of 2003, I have felt and known about the love of Jesus working in my life. On this upcoming Sunday, April 18th, we will be closing the doors of the First Presbyterian Church as it has been known for over a century, but as we know, “When God closes one door, He opens another one”.
In the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, chapter 29, verses 11-13, it tells us “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”. From my heart, I can tell you that this church has had the presence of the Holy Spirit in it for many, many years, so I know that God has plans for its future.It is amazing when words from scripture seems to fit into our lives so well. Did I know that on a day in June almost 18 years ago that I would go on a faith journey that would help me through some tough times, bless me with many spiritual moments, grant me thousands of happy memories, or encourage me in my faith? No way did I think that when I agreed to fill in ONE Sunday when they needed someone.
My journey began through the Methodist Church, which I give credit to Rev. Jim VanZandt for encouraging me to take the courses to become a lay speaker. My gratitude goes out to the leaders of the Presbytery for accepting me into their flock as a temporary pastor for these many years. I have been blessed in countless ways by the members of this church that have passed away since I have been there, as each one of them has encouraged me to be right where God needed me.
Several years ago, I led a Bible study in our Methodist charge, entitled the Prayer of Jabez, found in I Chronicles 4:10, which says, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain”. Well, God certainly enlarged my territory of faith and I give all the glory to Him for blessing me in ways that I never would have believed could happen! It has been an honor to serve Him and join with many other believers to be His church.
We have called on Him, we have prayed, and prayed, and prayed, and now we will see what He has planned for the future as we continue to let Him lead the way.My heart is full of His love and praise for His grace and faithfulness to this church and His people.
