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Roden and Pat Campbell: Phil Herndon The main hero in my faith has been: Phil Herndon. We have had many heroes in our lives. Some of them are very significant to us individually, but others we share. We would like to tell you about one that is very dear to us. He is so personable that people light up with joy when they are around him. When North Fort Worth Baptist Church was considering him for a staff position, we had no idea how much impact he would have on our lives and the church. The Lord had planned a blessing for us that could not be imagined. He expressed his loyalty for his alma mater in a manner that made him an easy target for many jovial barbs that induced his delightful personality. It did not take long to realize he had a very deep love and knowledge of the Lord and he knew how to share it with others. He has an innate ability to council, a gift he uses to help those who are hurting. When searching for a pastor and our interim pastor resigned, the Lord used him to be the encourager, the stabilizer, the leader, and the interim pastor of a church in need. He was the man sent by God to be our hero. His love, devotion, and guidance from the Lord made it possible to bring fellowship together at a very challenging time. He was truly the one that God selected to lead us in difficult times, His ability to effectively deliver God’s word grew and abounded so quickly he must have been on Holy Spirit steroids. We were blessed, encouraged, and grew in the knowledge of the Lord each time he took the pulpit. Using his interpersonal skills, love for everyone and ability to share God’s word, the fellowship came alive with a renewed Christian Spirit. Phil Herndon is our hero. He listens to people’s problems and gives them guidance on how the Lord can meet their every need. He put sunshine in our lives, joy in our hearts, and love in our souls. Phil is our hero because he really cares about everyone, prays for them, shows us how to relate to others, and is willing to follow the Lord’s leadership wherever He leads him. Every time we think of Phil, he brings a smile to our faces and a joy to our hearts. RODEN AND PAT CAMPBELL The Main Hero in my faith has been: My Grandmother. My
grandmother, who passed away in 2004, is my hero. She lived the life by example and didn’t
preach to anyone or judge, but brought more people to God than anyone I
know. She missed eleven days being 102
years old. She had seven children and
outlived four of them. She had 23
grandchildren and many, many great grandchildren and all respected her even if
they weren’t believers because of the example she lived in her own life. She had failures in her life but always
stayed faithful to God! I am so very blessed to be born into her family. With all my failures and there are many, I am so thankful to have her for my example, that He is still always there for me! ERIN HAMER The main heroes in my faith have been: My Dad and Mom and both my Grandfathers. The main heroes in my faith (besides Jesus Christ) have been my Dad and Mom and both my Granddads. Both my parents were Christians and as far back as I can remember we attended church. That takes me back to Alabama where I was born. In those days we either walked or rode in a wagon. My home town is Tuscumbia, Alabama, known mainly as the birth place of Helen Keller. The blind and deaf woman who learned to speak from the tutoring of Anne Sullivan. If you’re ever in Tuscumbia, be sure and visit “Ivy Green” her birthplace and learn about this amazing woman. My sister related to me about my name enoch Samson. My parents were studying about Enoch in Sunday School and gave me that name. My mother’s father, John Lewis Johnson, added Samson as my middle name. Everyone is unique and I sure am because of my name. I named four people but would like to talk mainly about my Grandfather Lewis Johnson. Although we left Alabama when I was five my Mom would take us on a train to visit her kinfolk in Leighton and surrounding towns. This would be in the time period of middle forties to late fifties. I have very vivid memories of my grandfather and his family. There were thirteen in my mother’s family. Besides the parents there were six girls and five boys. They enjoyed a comfortable living but had to work hard. My grandfather had 60 acres of land and he also worked as a carpenter. If my mother was living she would be 100. She helped her dad on the farm as well as at carpentry. As a young boy I was impressed by my granddad. While we were visiting he allowed me to go everywhere he went and went out of his way to show me the big town of Leighton that had a population of somewhere between 900 to 1000 inhabitants. During these visits I watched my granddad and learned a great deal about him. He was a man of honesty and integrity. He had passed these traits down to all his children and I realized that as I visited my uncles and aunts. Out of this family there’s two uncles and two aunts still living. They all accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. I know my granddad told me about his salvation experience when he was seventeen years old. In fact he related it to me several times. I’d like to read his obit and then comment some more. J.L. Johnson “A Tribute” published in the pages of The Tri-Cities Daily. Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals, Alabama. April 10, 1967. John Lewis Johnson, 83, Rt. 1, Leighton, died at Colbert County Hospital, Sunday at 4:50 p.m. He was a native of Lawrence County, had lived in Colbert County most of his life. He was a retired carpenter, a member of Leighton Baptist Church 67 years and a deacon for 40 years and chairman of the Board of Deacons for 32 years. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2:p.m. at Leighton Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Colston officiating. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery. The body will remain at the residence until 12:30 Tuesday, when it will be taken to the church to lie in state for one hour. Besides 6 daughters and 5 sons he is survived by 30 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, a brother, four sisters, and a number of nieces and nephews. My grandfather was a stately man of about 6 feet,1 inch tall, and 3 of his sons were over six feet. I saw my grandfather cry and I saw him laugh. He was a benevolent man giving garden produce to many in his neighborhood. He donated land for the building of a school in his hometown. I was with him several times when he called on those who were sick and he would pray for them before we left. I believe he tried to attend the funeral of all those who died in Leighton, especially those who were members where he attended church. The most impressive thing I recall is one Sunday when we were in church he was called upon to pray. He got down on his knees to offer the prayer. As I recall he wore blue cotton pants that had buttons to connect his suspenders. He wore the newest as his Sunday pants and the older ones as work pants. I believe everyone in town knew him and they definitely knew he was a Christian man. One of his sons was a minister. Also my grandfather, Robert Lee Bond, had a son who was a minister. I have traced my family heritage from both sides of my family and can name 23 ministers in all going back to the 1700’s. It was fairly difficult to narrow down to one person as I could have chosen several men for NFWBC to be my hero including all the pastors I have sat under since Dr. Morgan and Sunday School teachers I’ve sat under. Praise God for all these. There’s a song that says “All my heroes have been Cowboys,” thankfully I can say “All my heroes have been Christians.” ENOCH BOND My Main Hero in my faith has been: Jack Renfro. We were blessed with loving parents who were our first heroes of the faith. While growing up, I asked Jack many questions, such as how could he ice skate so fast, water ski, juggle, build things, and say all the books of the Bible without missing one! Among my many questions, though, there was never one asking If he had faith because his belief was apparent. Jack’s faith has been constant and rock solid through all phases and situations of life. It is easy for others to quickly learn that Jack honors God. He is respected for that among diverse groups of people. The words in Psalm 112 could describe Jack. Verse 5 even says, “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Through his giving spirit, concern, helpfulness, and complete business integrity, Jack’s faith is lived out day by day. He is our tower of strength to us because God is his tower of strength. LINDA RENFRO The Main Heroes in my faith has been: Ralph and Nadine Smith. My parents, Ralph and Nadine Smith (now deceased) were my first and life long Christian hero’s in my life. They brought my brothers and I to church and always tithed to the very end of their lives. I raised my kids the same way. JUDY MORRIS The Main Hero in my faith has been: Patricia Cochran. My personal hero has been Patricia Cochran. Mrs. Cochran was my high school choir director and music minister. She knew what I was capable of and had more faith in me than I had in myself. Her life exemplified Christ in a way that made me want to strive for the same thing. Through observing her actions I learned how to accept others regardless of their skills. I learned to encourage others and inspire them to reach the potential of their God-given gifts, how not to complain when circumstances were not great, how to extend grace, mercy and compassion on others, and learned the meaning of unconditional love. She inspired me to live a life worthy of Christ’s calling, and to this day I long to honor her memory in my own walk of faith. TINA MAJEWSKY The main hero in my faith has been: Uriah (The Hittite). Uriah was a doer, he did what his role in life was, he put God first and everything else second (12), 22 Samuel 11:11 “The Ark, and Israel, and Judah and the servants of the Lord are in tents encamped in the fields. I will not go to my house and forsake my Lord’s work.” As Uriah said to King David, so I say to North Fort Worth Baptist Church, we should never put time with family above time for God. The main hero in my faith has been Dale Townsend, Hero Extraordinaire. She was part of the package when her daughter and I exchanged our “I do’s” in 1972. Loyalists on both side of the aisle privately questioned the wisdom of a Yankee and a Southern Belle committing to a life together. Would such regional mixing be additionally impacted by a meddling mother-in-law? Enter DALE TOWNSEND. Busted wide open very early on were myths about such creatures being hazardous to the health of new marriages. Ours was a magnificent relationship characterized by mutual love and respect. Cancer suspended the relationship in 1999, but only until such time as we reunite in Heaven. God’s masterful touch on the life of this special lady was readily apparent to everyone with whom she interacted. With a refreshing display of positive enthusiasm, she endorsed undertakings being considered by friends and family which were frequently viewed by skeptics as too risky. No matter the impact on her own life, Ms. TOWNSEND was always available to meet the needs of others. The assistance was unconditional. I personally view her greatest gift as that of being a great listener. She was genuinely interested in what others had to say, regardless of the topic. She was equally content being a “sounding board” when needed or provider of sound advice when the situation called for it. A review of her life reveals no acts of bravery on foreign soil or occasions where assistance was given to burning building victims. She was ordinary in the sense of not being a recognized public figure or someone blessed in a major way financially. While commendable, did these efforts bordering on sainthood rise to the level of heroism? Absolutely! Even if only occasionally and for short periods of time, average folks benefited from the presence in their lives of this gift from above. They were able to be rescued from the strongholds of loneliness, indecisiveness, and other concerns that slap us around at various times in our lives. As much as the objects of her care and compassion, she always viewed herself as the beneficiary of such acts of servant hood. True heroes of this type are uniquely wired with the ultimate power source being divinely provided. This is much more than a tribute to a remarkable lady whose presence impacted the lives of so many. It is rather the sincerest thank you possible to God who allowed us to be blessed so greatly. DAVE FRIANT A Hero in My Eyes When I think of a hero, it does not always bring to mind someone who performed a feat of bravery or self denial. It is not always someone who rushes into a fire to save a baby or someone who pushes another person out of the way of a speeding car. It is not necessarily a member of the military who would carry to safety a comrade who lies fallen on the battlefield. Even someone who, like a member of the secret service who would risk their lives to save the life of the leader of our country might not be at the top of my list of someone whom I would always consider a hero. To me, a hero would be that individual who lives every day of their life in such an exemplary manner as to always consider the feelings, needs and well being of others; someone who would never speak a word for which they would feel remorse or at some point wish they had displayed better judgment regarding a specific incident. Attributes such as these are found in rare people, those who dwell on the face of the earth for a relatively short period of time in comparison with how long the earth has been inexistence. One such as this cannot be sought out, you have either come upon one of these people or you have not. Really, it is as simple as that. I knew a man such as this. I watched him for years from the time I was a small boy and into manhood when I would have children of my own. I watched him as he would not only do the usual things that a kind person would do; things such as helping someone cross the street, carrying groceries to the car of an elderly woman, tying the shoe of a small child and other things such as these. I witnessed on more than one occasion when this man would give money to panhandlers on the street when he had only a few dollars in his pocket. Often, he would go to a small restaurant and watch others as he ate and then pay for the meal of someone who appeared down on his luck or in need. He would never make a big deal of the things he did for others; never would he take credit or accept praise. He would silently go his way with a smile on his face. He wore the smile of a man who knew he had done something he had not been asked to do, something that was beyond what was not asked but needed by the individual for whom the small deed had been done. I also watched as more than once this man would walk in Montgomery Ward and purchase tires for a vehicle that belonged to someone less fortunate. He would spend his days off work repairing a washing machine or other appliance for someone in town who couldn’t afford a new appliance, always paying for the parts himself. Any time he would go to visit his brother or sisters he would always take them to a restaurant and would always pay the tab. This man wasn’t rich. He didn’t have any more than did anyone else. But to me, he had so much more. He had a spirit, a gift, a demeanor that only God could give. I suppose his family could have had more in the way of “things” if he had been so inclined. But, they had what they needed. They did not live in the nicest home in the nicest neighborhood of town. As a matter of fact, they lived for years in the country and then moved into town, but he purchased a lot on the edge of the city limits in the small town in which they lived. As for the man’s family, every summer, he would go to the bank and talk to “his friend” and get the money for a vacation for his family. During the summer, the family would take a vacation, always driving and never somewhere exotic as it might be thought. Instead, it would be to somewhere educational for the family; to Tombstone, Arizona to view the OK Corral of western times only read about in books, to New York City, where the family would enjoy the view from the Empire State Building and climbed the steps of the Statue of Liberty all the way to the torch (which is no longer allowed), to Washington D.C. to view the monuments of past presidents and the Smithsonian Institute as well as to take a tour of the White House. The wheat fields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Harpers Ferry, two battle sights of the civil war were visited on more than one occasion which allowed him to expound on his knowledge of history. To exhibit more of his consideration, the vacations would be for the entire family and all meals would be eaten at restaurants so his wife would not have to cook or make sandwiches. Before his children were out of school, he had ensured that each of tem had visited thirty-six of the original forty-eight states. The kindness, generosity and overall general concern for others displayed by this man lifted him in my eyes to a status that was far above other men I had known. I observed as this man watched his sons grow and go through the trials that all boys must endure. During times when his sons suffered the agonies of defeat and exhilaration of success in various school activities he always had words of encouragement that would lift them out of the seemingly despairing moments of their young lives. If there is one particular thing I will always remember about this man that lifts him in my eyes to the status of a hero, it was the time when I experienced a bitter disappointment in my life. I sat beside him, almost to the point of tears because I felt I had disappointed him as my mentor. As we sat together and I told him I was sorry I disappointed him, I will never forget the most wonderful words he could ever have said to me. “Son,” my Dad said, “I have never been disappointed in you and I am not disappointed in you. I am, rather, disappointed for you.” I have carried these words with me for many years and have often shared those same words with my son and my grand-children. As I think of the words that were said to me, I think that is how God feels. Although there may be times when God is disappointed for me, there has never been a time when He has been disappointed in me. STAN EVERETT The main hero is Melody Ann Dennis. The main hero in my faith has been my daughter, Melody Ann Dennis. She was born when I was a young married woman and she had a sensitive and loving quality at a very young age. She became a Christian at age 9 and began to live a committed life at that time. She was an active member of the North Fort Worth Baptist Church Youth Department and was chosen Youth Queen during her senior year of high school. She was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during her high school and college years. Her goal was to become a teacher and she graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington and began her teaching career where she has been a faithful Christian witness and influence to hundreds of students during her career. She is in her 29th year of teaching and coaching, spending the last 12 years at Azle High School where she has continued to live an exemplary Christian life as a single young woman. While training with one of her high school athletes one day, they stopped for a rest off campus and Melody led her to the Lord. Her students always know where she stands when it comes to moral integrity and Christian faith. Most recently, she was able to share with her hairdresser what it means to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Realizing that he seemed under conviction and that he was aware he did not have this relationship, she is praying for his salvation and will use every opportunity to help him along the way. Melody is an active member of the Single Adult Department at NFWBC and her class members also know the depth of her conviction. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful Christian daughter and she has truly been a hero in my walk of faith. Another main hero in my faith has been: Doris Taylor. Doris Taylor, my sister, has always been faithful to serve the Lord, she still teaches the oldest ladies class in First Baptist Church, Altus, Oklahoma. When Beverly and I married and were living in Wichita Falls, she relentlessly encouraged us to go hear her former pastor at First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, Texas, Dr. James Landes. We began to attend and Dr. Landes quietly led Beverly to Christ at a fellowship we attended for the young adult Sunday School. I was saved as a young boy, but had not been baptized, so we were baptized together at the church. It changed our direction and focus of our lives for eternity! God only knows what paths we would have followed if my sister had not patiently kept talking to us about our lives. The main hero in my faith has been Dr. D.L. Lowrie. D.L. Lowrie’s influence and guidance on my life as a young father so many years ago has been monumental. As the family grew in number, he taught and led Beverly and I in so many ways. Our family, one by one, committed their lives to Jesus and were baptized by D.L. Beverly and I are eternally grateful for his example, steadfastness, wisdom and service to our Lord and His people! I am thankful that so many years ago, the Lord led D.L. to this church and strengthened my walk with my Heavenly Father. Sincerely, GENE GRAMLING The main hero in my faith has been: Herb Hollinger. Herb Hollinger has come on the scene and become a major witness. He teaches/trains many people. He offers many a unique way to meet Christians and non-believers, i.e. Tennis training; specific subject training sessions; various counseling opportunities, all with little fanfare. A descriptive verse for him would be, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” If there were one attribute that would make him my hero, it would be his ability to turn everything into a positive situation. I.E., in the current environment of political “spin and double speak,” he will never say anything negative about candidates. His humility and emphasis on others, even at the expense of himself personally, speaks highly of his relationship with Christ. We (NFWBC) are blessed by God to have him here. Let’s pray that he will stay. MAL HASTY The main hero in my faith has been: Trinidad Meza. There’s a gentleman in our church, who has been a consistent, long term witness to me and many others for many, many years. Trinidad Meza has exhibited humility, love of Jesus, love of others, evangelism, caring and a Christlike Spirit through many years of trials. His first wife died many years ago with a long term heart condition. He was, early on, one of the few minorities that humbly assimilated in our church. He was accepted with open arms by most all members/Christians in our church. His service and empathy are sought by many and exhibits Christlikeness to all who observe. Never has he shown a spirit of competitiveness or retaliation. It’s always been acts of love and compassion that reflect to others His love of Jesus. For these many attributes, I present Trinidad as a historical example of God’s many examples of love, grace and forgiveness to all with whom he associates. MAL HASTY |
