As Nehemiah - So Go I

As Nehemiah - So Go I 

For Nehemiah the change would be dramatic. He served as a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes and enjoyed all the finer things of life in his day. Presenting the wine to the king Nehemiah had a close acquaintance with the hierarchy and was included even when the king was sitting with his wife (Nehemiah 2:6). Although a servant he would receive a better position in life than the common man. He could be content to bask in the comforts of his world but something troubled him. News from Jerusalem: "The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3).

It had been eleven years since Ezra had made the journey to Jerusalem to build the Temple. There was still work to be done in building the city and restoring the work of God’s people to the place chosen by the Lord. Nehemiah could look around at his position in life and enjoy the blessings of a wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord in Shushan the citadel of the king. But what he saw in Jerusalem was a greater opportunity to help the people rebuild the walls. Gaining permission from the king to go to Jerusalem, Nehemiah made the journey to Jerusalem and with God’s help was able to rebuild the walls in 52 days.

I must say in the beginning that I am no Nehemiah. The faith of this great warrior of God is one of the powerful stories of holy writ. Yet there remains a kinship of spirit in realizing the blessings enjoyed in a work such as with the Trenton Church of Christ and an opportunity that presents itself in another place. As of August 1, Karen and I plan to move to Valdosta, Georgia to begin working with the North Valdosta Church of Christ. Numbering about 25, these saints of God need some help building the walls of the kingdom of Christ in Valdosta. Numerous opportunities exist and the possibilities are white for harvest. I came to Trenton the first time in 1981 and returned a second time in 1994. The last 19 years in Trenton has been a focal point of our lives. There are many, many memories that will always guide our lives and friendships that will last throughout the ages. Yet an opportunity to build some walls is where the Lord wants us to be.

The principle of church growth is illustrated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:5-7: “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” It is not about me and it is not about men; it is about God and His will and His work.

Our feelings are mixed with the precious times we have enjoyed here yet the anticipation of the new challenges we will share in Valdosta. Trenton could have been our home until our golden years I guess. But the church is at peace, resting on a solid foundation and with much work left to do. Our leaving is simply the choice of looking beyond the horizon for opportunities the Lord has blessed us with. To all those who have supported us over the years we thank you with words unspoken. We ask for your prayers and encouragement as we make our move. My son, Everritt, will carry on the work in Trenton and will be blessed to be part of these wonderful people we call family at the Trenton Church of Christ. And what a great place to live – Gilchrist County!