Meet the new leader for our Association's Evangelism Team. He is doing all the groundwork to have this ready to officially become part of our Association's structure separate from our Missions Team in our next Annual Meeting.
Judson Strawbridge, Pastor, First Baptist Church Marlin
I was 25 when I felt God moving in my heart. I got this strange feeling that the Lord wanted me to preach the gospel. I cannot tell you how that thought got into my heart and into my mind, because I was not a people person and I did not like talking to groups of people. I never considered myself to be a preacher or any kind of a public speaker. Listen, the idea of standing up in front of people and speaking terrified me, as a matter of fact, I would get tongue-tied and stutter when I tried speaking in public. Yet, the Lord kept putting that thought into my heart and into my mind. I began to ask “Lord, do you want me to preach?” Then I asked are you sure, because Lord I am no public speaker. Then after a while, it was more than a question—it was a passionate thought: “Lord, I think that you want me to preach.” And then, after it became more of a thought, it became a desire and conviction, and I began to pray: “Lord, if you don’t want me to preach, then let me know.” And then, it finally became a decision. Lord where you Go, I will go. When you call, I will obey. It was March 17th, 2004 when I walked the aisle of that small country church and surrendered my life to ministry. I have now been serving the Lord for 14 years.
God has called each and every one of us to go and preach the gospel to all the World. He tells us in Matthew 28:18-20, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
We desire to go and evangelize the world for Christ.
Pastor Judd
Note: Our Association is currently forming new Leadership Teams on which members of our Association churches may serve. If you are interested in service to help promote evangelism, please contact Pastor Judd. Pastor Judd