I recently took a trip with our Sr. Adult church group to visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. On our way there we, drove by so many places that has impacted my life spiritually. I saw Stoney Mountain off in the distance, close to Mountain Home, N.C. where my Papaw had his farm. He was a humble but strong man of faith. I still have his Bible, full of notes he had written and tear stains, where he had prayed for me and the rest of his family everyday. We drove by the Hendersonville N.C. exit, my hometown, which was a great place to grow up. I also thought about First Baptist Church there, I was in the youth group and then later served on staff . I thought about Mud Creek Church where we served for ten years before moving to Tennessee. I thought about Fruitland Baptist Bible College where I taught during that time. So many great memories of people and wonderful experiences of growing as a Christian and as a pastor. As we drove closer toward Charlotte, we went by the city of Shelby which is near Gardner-Webb University where I went to college. My mind was flooded with so many memories of the faculty and students there who helped, encouraged, and shaped me in so many ways. I thought about Linda’s granddaddy, whose farm was near there. He and his family have been such a blessing to me. I also thought about all our friends we have made in our  24 years at First Baptist Church in Sevierville, Tennessee. 

While we were visiting the Billy Graham Library, I noticed a lot of it was about those people who impacted and encouraged him and his faith through the years. I saw this interesting quote he said about hs life and ministry: “This ministry has always been a Team effort…a band of brothers and sisters committed to Christ and to our ministry, whose support, advice, counsel, and prayers through the years have made it all possible, without their loyalty and dedication little could have been accomplished.” Amen! Although I’m not an evangelist like Billy Graham, I can say the same thing about my team of friends through the years who helped me do what I do and have helped me grow in my faith. I’m so very grateful for all of them. 

Everyone needs a Faith Team, who is on your team? Be thankful  for all they have done and continue to do for you.