On Sunday, February 20, 2011, our church had a very special service. We honored two very special people who recently joined our church. Charles and Joyce Whitson have been married 60 years of marriage and Brother Whitson also turned 80 years. The Whitson's have spent their life serving the Lord. They have been faithful and selfless in their acts of love for those that have been in need. Brother Mike preached an excellent message on "why Brother Whitson was successful in his service for the Lord." The scripture that was taken out of II Timothy 4:1-8 and II Timothy 3: 14-17.
II Timothy 3: 14-17. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
II Timothy 4:1-8 1 I charge the therefor before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they people heap to themselves teachers, hving itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6 For I am now already to be offered, and the time of departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at theat day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Brother Mike brought out five points which has made Brother and Sister Whitson's ministry such a success, and these are: (1) they allowed Christ in their hearts (2)Christ's will was allowed to be done (3)the love of Christ filled their hearts for each other and for their fellowman (4) their children were led in the direction of the Lord (5) and, they followed the convictions of the bible.
In conclusion, Brother Mike brought our attention to verses 6 and 7 which states: 6 For I am now already to be offered, and the time of departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Brother Whitson has lived a long and blessed life. He has served the Lord with love, faithfulness, dedication and with dignity. Sister Whitson,has been faithful to stand behind her husband during hard times as well as good. Being a pastor of a church, although is a blessing, can be very difficult. Being a pastor's wife is difficult because she must stand by and watch the man she loves lose sleep over the worry that he feels for his flock. She also sees how hurt he is when, no matter how hard he tries, some people are never happy. But, the love that they share for the Lord and for each other has helped them through these hard times and in the end both of their hearts are filled with love and a sense of fulfillment that they have tried their best in the service of the Lord.
After the service, we had lunch at the fellowship hall and enjoyed the fellowship of Mr. and Mrs. Whitson's family and friends and we all showed love for each other.
