Partners in the Mission: Father’s Day, South Jefferson 06/24/2008 a message from Dr. Bill Mackey, executive director Father’s Day was a special celebration at South Jefferson Baptist Church in Louisville. The music, children’s sermon, special recognitions and the message all gave attention to the important role of fathers. The pastor, Thomas (T.J.) Francis, was on vacation with his family that Sunday but he represents young pastors who are proclaiming God’s Word, learning to lead God’s people, and caring for the people of God. It was privilege to worship with this vibrant church. The church’s Sunday school enrollment has balance among all age groups. Seven of the church’s 17 baptisms in 2007 were of people18 years of age or older. The church also has an excellent ministry to youth. Twenty-five middle school youth from the church will participate in “Crossings” at the Cedarmore Conference Center this summer. A teenage girl confessed her faith during the invitation. A friend who is active in the youth ministry accompanied her. In addition to supporting the missions offerings, South Jefferson also gives 10 percent to missions through the Cooperative Program. The church will reach the $1 million mark in cumulative CP gifts in about two years. During the service, the church had a recognition of all fathers in attendance and presented special gifts to the oldest and youngest. I was impressed with the number of men who were present with their families and especially the number of young couples with children. The church also received a special offering for the Donald Coleman Scholarship Fund at Oneida Baptist Institute. Rev. Coleman, a former pastor of the church, was a graduate of Oneida. Becki McBroom, the church’s part-time youth minister gave the children’s sermon. She shared that as part of a family of 10, life was difficult when things were slow on her father’s job. They had a large garden but little cash. But then a visitor pointed out that the catalpa worms in their trees could have value as fishing bait. With large sheets on the ground, they shook the catalpa trees. The worms were then gathered and sold for fishing bait. She said that for her father and her family, these worms were like manna from heaven. During my sermon, one of the illustrations was about J.T. Ward of Whitesburg, who passed away recently. J.T. grew up in Evarts in Harlan County. He had strong convictions about tithing, faithfulness in church attendance, CP and local missions, love of family and support of his pastor. He had invested so much in heaven that it was just a short step to enter into God’s presence. J.T. served as a wonderful role model for all fathers but I am grateful for the ultimate example set by our heavenly Father. May we all strive to be more like him each day! Dr. Mackey's column appears weekly in the Western Recorder. To subscribe to the Western Recorder, call (502) 489-3535.