Father's Day is the most difficult day of the year for many who mourn. This is my first Father's Day without my giant-killer, man-who-can-do-anything "Dad'! And now, we are planning the homegoing celebration of our "Papa". The season of April 10 to June 17 will never be lived the same way again. Two months, two fathers, and our lives are changed forever.
Today, I honor the memory of my father and "Papa"! Strangely, my father was named "Gerald" by his parents in honor of "Papa". They were both preachers of the Gospel. They both have left a hole in our world that can never be filled. There could be volumes of books written to honor their contribution to the Kingdom of God around the world. However, the legacy of the gospel they planted in the souls of our family is perhaps the greatest accomplishment of their 154 cumulative years.
I have fewer earthly fathers today, but I was blessed to have men in my life for 38 years that laid a foundation for eternity. The Apostle Paul said...Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. (1 Corinthians 4:14-16)
The legacy that my father and our Papa left points us to the example of the Gospel. I will live my life to grow in the Apostle's Doctrine that was taught to me. We will build a book of Acts church in DFW Metroplex! The precepts of prayer and passionate evangelism are a priority in my life and will be for the people that I lead. This has been a difficult season for Miquell and me but we are not deterred from our destiny, we are more determined! On Father's Day 2004, I preached for the very first time behind the sacred desk of ALC. That message was "Revival, By Force"! Six years later, that is still our message and mission!
Comments