Thank you for remembering and honoring the quality people that were so instrumental to the foundation of First Bible Church. I miss each of these people also. They were like family to many of us. I was one of the folks that voted unanimously for you and Lori to come. What a blessing to have years of history together. I don’t know what I would have done without you and Lori over the last 40 years. Thank you for your faithful Shepherding, teaching and love to us all.
Wow, I was starting to worry that you were going to announce that you were leaving! I can’t imagine First Bible Church without you! Keep going till the end my dear brother!! Sure would like to live nearby.
Bobby and I are so blessed to be counted in the eager eighty who were here to vote for Steve Bateman to be our shepherd! We loved our young pastor from day one And remember that you started out strong and you are still going strong! I still have notes in my Bible from those first sermons and have to admit I have noted when you repeated parts of them and they were just as relevant and interesting! You and Lori are part of our families - and you cant ever not be family, you know! You were here for the long haul and so have we been, Praise the Lord!
Perhaps ironically Bethanne and I have been in attendance at the fewest of your sermons Steve, less than ten, but as supported missionaries from First Bible we've been blessed over and over by the flock you've pastored through the official work trips to encourage us, the unofficial visits from FBC members and the constant flow of encouraging words, prayers, and just amazing love. Perhaps we could be counted as part of the Eager Eighty-Two as we too prayed that God would raise up a man and a couple like you and Lori and First Bible. We're glad God has planted you there and that your roots are deeply there.
God called me back to Him and I am so grateful that it was to FBC. I love all the wonderful people I have come to know there and I love your sermons! May God continue to bless First Bible Church and you. Thank you.
The great eight has created a ripple effect that can be felt all over the world. My family and I are blessed to be a part of First Bible. We appreciate and love our church! Thank you Anthony
And how great is His faithfulness!! In 1982, the Lord led Larry and me to a tiny First Bible Church on Carridale. Little did we know how He would use that church through the lean years and in 1992, after the eighteen months without a pastor and so much searching to find the one God would send, I remember Larry coming home after a search committee meeting one night very excited. He said, I think we’ve found him!!! And so it happened by God’s providence you, Lori, Josh and Joy came to Decatur with Larry and Joe Grogan driving a big U-Haul pulling your blue Chevy truck behind.
How sweet are those sermons you have preached at the funerals of those eight, knowing where they are; yet sad because we miss them!
Now, almost 33 years since those early days, all I can say is how much we love you and your family!!! And as we still lose those who go before, we have the assurance and hope we’ll see them again and how much we thank you for how you’ve helped us grow spiritually and love our Lord more through your leadership!!! Praise His name for letting you stay in Decatur, AL!!!
Thank you for remembering and honoring the quality people that were so instrumental to the foundation of First Bible Church. I miss each of these people also. They were like family to many of us. I was one of the folks that voted unanimously for you and Lori to come. What a blessing to have years of history together. I don’t know what I would have done without you and Lori over the last 40 years. Thank you for your faithful Shepherding, teaching and love to us all.
And Lori and I are so thankful for YOU Karen!
Jesus has changed a lot of lives through FBC mine included. I am so grateful.
To God be the Glory forever.
Great things He hath done!
Wow, I was starting to worry that you were going to announce that you were leaving! I can’t imagine First Bible Church without you! Keep going till the end my dear brother!! Sure would like to live nearby.
I still have a lot to do!
Bobby and I are so blessed to be counted in the eager eighty who were here to vote for Steve Bateman to be our shepherd! We loved our young pastor from day one And remember that you started out strong and you are still going strong! I still have notes in my Bible from those first sermons and have to admit I have noted when you repeated parts of them and they were just as relevant and interesting! You and Lori are part of our families - and you cant ever not be family, you know! You were here for the long haul and so have we been, Praise the Lord!
We love you Syble!
Treasures for the heart.
Perhaps ironically Bethanne and I have been in attendance at the fewest of your sermons Steve, less than ten, but as supported missionaries from First Bible we've been blessed over and over by the flock you've pastored through the official work trips to encourage us, the unofficial visits from FBC members and the constant flow of encouraging words, prayers, and just amazing love. Perhaps we could be counted as part of the Eager Eighty-Two as we too prayed that God would raise up a man and a couple like you and Lori and First Bible. We're glad God has planted you there and that your roots are deeply there.
God called me back to Him and I am so grateful that it was to FBC. I love all the wonderful people I have come to know there and I love your sermons! May God continue to bless First Bible Church and you. Thank you.
Kathy and I were late to the game but have found acceptance and love in this place. Thank you to those precious souls that endeavored to percevfere.
The great eight has created a ripple effect that can be felt all over the world. My family and I are blessed to be a part of First Bible. We appreciate and love our church! Thank you Anthony
And how great is His faithfulness!! In 1982, the Lord led Larry and me to a tiny First Bible Church on Carridale. Little did we know how He would use that church through the lean years and in 1992, after the eighteen months without a pastor and so much searching to find the one God would send, I remember Larry coming home after a search committee meeting one night very excited. He said, I think we’ve found him!!! And so it happened by God’s providence you, Lori, Josh and Joy came to Decatur with Larry and Joe Grogan driving a big U-Haul pulling your blue Chevy truck behind.
How sweet are those sermons you have preached at the funerals of those eight, knowing where they are; yet sad because we miss them!
Now, almost 33 years since those early days, all I can say is how much we love you and your family!!! And as we still lose those who go before, we have the assurance and hope we’ll see them again and how much we thank you for how you’ve helped us grow spiritually and love our Lord more through your leadership!!! Praise His name for letting you stay in Decatur, AL!!!
We love you Nancy!