Bev and Woody Baker
CBF Field Personnel, Ahoskie, N.C.
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." –Proverbs 17:17
Starting a Christian Men’s Job Corps ministry at 64 is daunting. But there is no doubt the Lord is bringing about this opportunity. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has provided the practical help needed. Through CBF’s Global Service Corps, health insurance is available and financial partners can get involved. Field personnel, Anna and LaCount Anderson, provide years of experience in poverty ministry and have been a consistent source of ministry advice. Pat Byrd and her team of women volunteers have 12 years of experience with the Roanoke Chowan Christian Women’s Job Corps. We witnessed their success and knew the program had the potential to expand and be adapted for a Men’s Corps.
Despite these assurances that God was at work, I was daunted by the energy needed to begin a new corps. This was made apparent at the site coordinator training held by the Woman’s Missionary Union. The ministry framework that WMU has designed over the years was very detailed and reassuring. The immense task of building the foundation for the Men’s Corps was laid before me. Where should I start?
It was then that the Lord sent me a friend. Rev. Roy Faison moved into the same office to begin his own chaplaincy ministry. Equipped with the gift of encouragement, Rev. Roy came alongside me to offer a listening ear, a wise observation and a timely pat on the back. He is a consistent presence and was there to assist with setting up a game plan and offering advice when asked.
But what I appreciate most about Rev. Roy is having a brother in Christ to speak words of life into the everyday. Whenever I am expressing my frustration or fear for the next challenge, Rev. Roy has a verse or two to share. We read together, discuss the meaning and the application to the situation. Inevitably, we hear from God. Through our dialogue we are encouraged or get affirmation for a way to proceed in the particular circumstances of the day.
Rev. Roy has been a life-giving friend. His dedication to scripture and unwavering belief that God’s Word holds the truth to guide us through our daily journeys has kept me grounded in Jesus, our life-saver. What a gift a brother in Christ can be in these days of stepping out in faith.
Pray, Practice, Ponder
Who in your life is a spiritual friend? Who arrived in your life at just the right moment, to offer encouragement, wisdom and Christ-like presence?