Roll call in heaven

On this past week my home church has lost some giants in the ministry. Bro. Ruben Williams, church financial secretary. He was in his late 90's. Not only was he the chruch financial secretary but he was one of the ones who set the foundation of the building. Talking with him a few months back he went down memory lane to when our chruch was a small white framed structure sitting out in a field like on little house on the praire.

His glasses were always dirty. I use to take them off his face and clean them each time I saw him. Glory to God, he does need me or them any more. Bro. Williams has reported for duty in glory.

Rev. Aaron Gathright, a country preacher. I do mean country in every sense of the word. He was one of my mentors when I came into the ministry. I watched him for what to do as well as what not to do. He was a powerful praying man. He had that country drawl to his speech. The first time I heard him pray, he prayed for the "marie" family. After that I would hear him pray for this same family each time he prayed, me being new to the church and all I wondered who the "marie" family was.

One day I asked another preacher who was the "marie" family becasue it seems like they have been sick a lo-o-o-ng time. (I am smiling in remembrance as I write this). "It's not the "marie" family, but the "Breaved" family." I still get a good laugh when I hear him in my heart.

Whenever he preached he would always close by saying, "I got my ticket in my hand!" Well the train has left the station carrying one more passenger...final destitation, Glory. Rev. Aaron Gathright has reported for duty.

Father in heaven I thank you for the memories of these fine two men of God. I thank you for allowing me to sit at the table of brotherhood with them for these past twenty odd years. I know one day roll call will be sounded for me, when that time comes Lord, I don't know if I will be wearing my glasses, but Father it is my prayer that I have my ticket in my hand. AMEN.