Shelby County Today

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46

November 13, 2023 - In the late forties, we moved to East Center (Texas) just two fences and a pasture from Mama, our Preacher/Grandmother Sister Oleatha Richards. Mama and Paw Paw lived next to The Pentecostal Church that she pastored. My brother Bill and I were eleven and nine years old and loved singing together. Mama asked us one day to sing in her church and we practiced on the only song we knew well, 'You Are My Sunshine.'

When we began our song that morning, Mama and the whole congregation looked shocked as we sang our song. Afterwards, she asked us to sing a 'church song' next time. A lot of people were signing that song in the forties. Louisiana Governor Jimmy Davis had written and recorded it in 1940 and it became his theme song.

In 1990 Pam and I moved back to East Texas where I became Pastor of The First Baptist Church of Shelbyville, Texas. Church member Joe Higginbottom asked us to go to Nacogdoches to hear Ex-Louisiana Governor Jimmy Davis sing. “He’s in his nineties and is still singing,” Joe said. When the 95-year-old singer was introduced that night, he walked slowly on the stage with the help of his young wife and began singing his theme-song, 'You Are My Sunshine.'

Jimmy did a much better job singing that night than Bill and I had in the forties, but the more I think about it, the more I believe the song could be both secular and spiritual… and Jimmy Davis thought so, too. After all, who brings light to our lives and “makes us happy all day long?”

All Christians know the answer.

November 11, 2023 - A prayer gathering for Kevin Windham, Shelby County Sheriff and pastor of Patroon Baptist Church, was held on the Downtown Historic Square in front of the 1885 Historic Jail which is now the Chamber office on Saturday, November 11. Bro. Kevin Windham under went a double transplant surgery on August 22 and has been working on recovery.

Bro. Chris Collins with McClelland Community Church gave a welcome to everyone attending. He commented this is not only a time for prayer for Windham but is also a time of praise because God has already gotten him through the transplant surgery and on the road to recovery.

Darla McDaniel then gave an opening invocation giving thanks and prays over all who come to the prayer vigil for Kevin Windham. She asked that the prayers given tonight were not only for the Windham family but for all those who are sick and needing God’s touch.

The youth then led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and Jeff Windham led everyone in singing the hymn ‘He Touched Me.’

Bro. Collins invited Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom to the podium representing first responders. Chief Byndom spoke a prayer asking God not to move a mountain but to give Kevin the strength to climb that mountain. He prayed for Windham’s strength and health to recovery.

Next, everyone was asked to light their candles and Easton Steptoe representing the youth group of Patroon Baptist Church spoke about the light as a symbol representing the Light of God and His presence here tonight.

Following the candle lighting, special prayers were offered by Keith Putman, Bro. Billy Windham of New Harmony MBC, Jeff Windham, and Tom Jenkins. All prayed for Bro. Kevin Windham’s health to be restored and for God to be with Windham and his family during this journey. Following the prayers, Jeff Windham once again led everyone in song singing Amazing Grace.

Bro. Chris Collins once again prayed and asked Gary Hackler to say the closing prayer. Darla McDaniel ended the vigil by once again thanking everyone for coming out to lift up Bro. Kevin Windham and his family in prayer.

November 9, 2023 - Sometimes there is a better way to do things than “the way we’ve always done it.” Oftentimes the forward progress of the people of God is thwarted and stopped by the ignorance of the very ones who should be taking the lead in promoting the church. Before we are automatically in opposition to a new way of doing things or a new program, we need to make sure we know what we are talking about. This is well illustrated by the man who was a member of the leadership of a particular group of God’s people who came late to a meeting.

As he walked in the meeting room, there was a discussion taking place. As soon as he sat down he blurted out, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but whatever it is, I am against it.” One of the men informed him that they were discussing the possibility of buying a new chandelier for the church building.

Well, when the late arrival found this out, he said, “Well, I haven’t changed my mind a bit. In the first place, we don’t have anyone here who can spell chandelier to order it. In the second place, if we get one, we don’t have anyone who knows how to play a chandelier.  Finally, in the third place, what we really need in this building is more light anyway.”

So, before you speak in opposition to a new program or idea, make sure you have your facts together.

It’s something to think about... tbp

Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com

November 7, 2023 - Pastor Dorene Hill and the Carroll Chapel CME Church Family are hosting its Annual Harvest Drive Program on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 3pm.

Guest Speaker will be Rev. Karl Moore and The Johnson Chapel C.M.E. Church of Nacogdoches, Texas. Everyone is invited.