“There are men like the late Bobby Terry, a Sunday school teacher of mine in a local church. He lost his fight with cancer when I was in about the seventh grade. I’ll never forget his enthusiasm for life, his unforgettable, constant smile, and his love of Jesus. Other men like Joe Curtis have a lasting impression on my life too. When I was 6-years-old he was my preacher and as a teenager he was a mentor. I’m 27 now, and Joe Curtis is my friend and I love him. And of course, I cannot forget my close friend Tony Elliott who no longer lives in the area. Thanks for being a mentor and a “big brother” when I needed guidance.”

This was his special tribute to men who have touched his life, and I wanted to share with all of you. Perhaps you know or have heard of these people. If not, you’ve missed something. Thanks for allowing me to share.

For some unknown reason, one Sunday morning she took us to Friendly Lane Baptist Church in Haltom City, Texas to go to Sunday School. I will never forget walking into that classroom. It reminded me a little of my first grade class at school except for the kids were sitting in a circle. The teacher had the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. She introduced herself to me and asked me for my name. She then instructed the kids to sing along, “We’re glad you are here, we’re glad you are here,….” to the tune of Happy Birthday. I can remember feeling as if the Sunday School teacher really loved me.

Shortly after this my Aunt died and we were picked up by a family from the nearby Church of Christ.

Thanks for asking. I will shuffle over to your blog.

Strange but I don’t remember but one of my Sunday School teachers growing up, Pearlene Northam, from Daingerfield. She brought communion to class one time when I was in about 3rd or 4th grade. It made a big impression. I was only in class EVERY Sunday and Wednesday night through college but I can’t say as any of my teachers ever stoked any fires of passion for the Lord up until about 10 years ago when Patty Sikes did a study of Hebrews 11 with the women in Anson. Then I started studying with Beth Moore. And then….I came to Highland about 3 years ago and found the Faithseekers class with David & Charles. I’m glad God has brought me to this place for such a time as this.

The transition of the church’s name is a bit of a mystery to me. I can remember Hudson and Elm. You can always tell the old-timers, ’cause that’s what they call it. But somewhere along the line, the winds of change began to howl and blow through the congregation. The brethren, prone to drifting, eventually made a complete turn and allied themselves with the progressives. Hence the name, Elm and Hudson Church of Christ. Years later, a visitor asked, “By they way, who was Elmer Hudson?” Anyway, email me sometime. We gotta talk.

Just recently I was involved in Ladies’ Bible study of the Patriarchs. Some ladies who had been baptized as adults had never really heard or read these stories before and in wonder at how these were the very scriptures that were fulfilled in Christ. I was amazed, not at my knowledge, but amazed by the realization that the knowlege I had was taught to me in those early years of Bible Class. I owe those dedicated men and women so much.

I pray that children today will have people teaching them the inspired word of God with the same zeal and dedication. I pray that we have teachers today who don’t care if their name is remembered, but that the word of God is remembered.