THURSDAY, APRIL 11 - 17, 2013
12A The Tennessee Tribune
Religion
Practicing Patience: Hope and Healing Through the Ministry of Presence Message by Rev. Jason Curry, Phd. of Fisk Memorial Chapel
Rev. Jason Curry, Ph.D.
I have found that there are many times along our Christian journey when words are unable to adequately express our true feelings as well as the power of God’s presence in the
healing process. When people are enduring intense periods of physical, emotional and psychological suffering, the physical presence of a member of the body of Christ is often able to help them overcome these difficult times. When Job lost members of his family, he surrounded himself with his friends (e.g., Bildad, Zophar and Eliphaz – see Job 2:11 When Lazarus died, someone asked Jesus to be present so that he could bring comfort and clarification to the situation at hand (see John 11:31-44). Listening to the problems of people who are suffering, takes great patience. When people ask me about my work in the Chapel, I tell them that I preach, teach,
counsel and write. Then I go on to tell them that counseling is by far the most exhausting aspect of my ministry. Patience is a virtue, and the depressed, confused, stressed-out, crisisoriented people who are in need of our ministries are also in great need of our patience. I often hear stories from people who needed a listening ear as opposed to a preached sermon. Indeed, the powerful words that often emanate from inspiring passages of scripture often help people through challenging times. However, the actual presence of someone who knows the Lord and loves the Lord often gives hope to people and provide them with help in the healing process.
Celebration for Rev. Michael W. Williams
Reverend Michael W. Williams
NASHVILLE, TN — Members and friends of St. Eli will celebrate the third Anniversary of Elder Michael W. Williams on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at the 11:00 a.m. featuring Elder John Haynes, Burns Tabernacle PB Church as well as the afternoon service at 3:00 p.m. featuring Elder Marcus Duke, New Day Community Church and Elder Gary Patterson, Clifton Ave UPB Church. Elder William was called to St. Eli Primitive Baptist Church in April 2010 after the death of its pastor for many years. Reverend Williams was licensed by Rev. James Trotter at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on February 24, 1980. He attended American Baptist
Theological Seminary until he joined the United States Air Force He served his country for 24 years until he choose to retire. While in the Air Force he continued his college education. While serving his country he was privileged to use his gift of teaching and preaching in many parts of America and aboard. On October 24, 1991 he was ordained under the leadership of Reverend Kirby Frank, pastor of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Melbourne, Florida. After moving back to Nashville, TN he joined the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Herbert T. Brown. He served as Adult Sunday School Teacher, Associate Minister and Superintendent of Sunday School. Elder Williams is happily married to his first love Sister Linda J. Williams for six and a half years. Their marriage was featured in the Tennessee Tribune’s Contempora Magazine. Together they have three children, LaToya (Lorenzo), Robyn and Vance. They also have three grandchildren, McKenzie, Zion and Michaela. Elder Williams has a testimony that men, women, boys and girls need to hear about the goodness of God. He proudly stands among those who are willing to admit that they are the least of men whom God had mercy upon; and saved from the slavery of sin and brought into his marvelous light. Elder Williams has proven to be an effective Teacher, Preacher and Counselor. He is a strong and empathetic leader; he has chosen to follow Jesus and he is dedicated to the call of serving the Lord. To all our families, friends and fellow laborers in Christ, we invite and thank you for celebrating with us.
Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines patience as “the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient.” It defines patient as the act or process of “bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint.” The intense challenges of life sometime cause Christians to make hasty decisions, to become callous to protect our feelings and to promote programs which negatively impact our ability to be present with people. In order to fulfill the great Christian mandate placed before us to “love of neighbor as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31),” we must continue to work hard to display patience with those who do and do not love the Lord. Displaying patience
with people of all walks of life is often difficult and challenging work; however, the Apostle Paul identifies longsuffering as a necessary component of the Christian life. As beneficiaries of God’s blessings, though His mercy, God has definitely demonstrated patience with us. Therefore, let of find the time and embrace our Christian inclination to display patience to those who may or may not have offended us. For me, the refrain of a great hymn of the Church still stands true: “Oh, how I love Jesus, because he first loved me.”
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