Even in the worst of times we should do as Ellie, working right along Pastor Jim and others to rebuild their church after Hurruicane Ian. Ellie took the time to thank Pastor Jim during Pastor Appreciation Month.
Dear Pastor Jim,
Dave and I once belonged to a church searching for a new pastor to fill its pulpit. An interim preacher cautioned the congregation not to expect a man who had both pastor and preacher skills. “It is a rare man,” he professed, “who has both the mind and studious nature to be a preacher, and the servant’s heart to be a pastor. They’ll either be one or the other, but rarely both.”
We can profess this to be true. After traveling throughout this country, we are grateful we found that rare man!
Pastor Jim, your love of Scriptural Biblical Truth is evident throughout your Sunday School classes and sermons. You have sparked many a thought and illustration for my New Creations Ministries blog, and for that, I thank you.
Our LORD has also used you to inspire resurgence in our community’s youth culture. It’s uncommon to find a church whose youth outnumber the elderly. Due to your trustworthy, practical, and motivating teachings to a thirsty generation, you have managed to do so.
The love for your congregation is also clearly evident. You greet each person with a genuine smile, remembering and addressing any concern from the week before. Your servant’s heart is seen through your assistance in any humble deed. We’ve noticed you sweeping floors or bussing dirty plates so others can continue their conversation with visiting guests.
The love for your congregation is only exceeded by the joy you express for your lovely, supportive wife. As a proud father and grandfather, you are a fortunate man indeed. “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children like olive shoots surrounding your table.” (Psalm 128:3)
There is no coincidence with God. We are exceedingly grateful for His leading my husband and me to Riverview Heights Missionary Baptist Church. You have restored our closeness to a home-based church. We only pray that during this Pastor Appreciation Month, you’ll understand how much we appreciate you.
In Christian Love,
Ellie Marrandette
Jim Harris has pastored Riverview Heights Missionary Baptist Church in Wauchula, FL for over 26 years. Jim also teaches Theology, Philosophy, Literature, Comparative Religions, and Ministerial Practicalities at Emmaus Baptist College in Brandon, FL. He received his Masters in Divinity from Luther Rice University in Lithonia, GA in 2013. Jim is married to his beautiful wife, Stacy. Together they enjoy the presence of their 4 children, and 4 grandchildren.
Ellie Marrandette is a monthly writer for Christian Grandfather Magazine. We appreciate her encouragement for all us to eat well as God intended. Find more of her health and nutrition articles on her blog.
Feature photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Wonderful sentiments and powerful testimony about a man who lovingly shepherds his flock. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Craig! I read a quote somewhere that said, Pastor Appreciation Month should be every month!
I quite agree!
Thank you Craig for your encouraging comment. Pastor Jim is truly an incredible pastor who humbly serves the LORD. No fancy entertainment, no spotlights on big bands, just confidence in solid biblical preaching and teaching with joyful enthusiasm. We have a church base here that feasts on God’s Word at every service. That’s hard to find in this day and age. I know we will rise from the flood with God’s Grace, Mercy, and Direction. Something Good will come from our sorrow.