During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. -- Acts 16:9-10Centuries ago, the Apostle Paul heard the call of a man of Macedonia asking for help. Two months ago, at Mount Hermon, we heard something of a similar call. It did not come through a dream, however, but through an email. A man of Southeast Asia said, “Come and help us” and immediately we responded.
That “man of Southeast Asia” was none other than our church’s own native son, a wonderful Christian brother we all know affectionately as “Woody”. I’ve known Woody for over twenty years. We first met back in 1985. I had just arrived in Danville—still wet behind the ears—as the new pastor of Melville Avenue Baptist Church. Our local Baptist association was hosting an event called Evangelistic Focus ’85 which was being held—of all places—at Mount Hermon Baptist Church. I met Woody that week and learned that he had a popular contemporary vocal trio that sang in churches throughout the area. A few weeks later, that trio—Woody, Dale Hilliard and Eddie Cassada—came and sang for us at Melville Avenue. (They were great, by the way, and I still have fond memories of that concert.)
In 1988, after 3 ½ years in Danville, Sandy and I moved on to my second pastorate in rural Northeastern North Carolina. Sometime thereafter, we learned that Woody had relocated to the Norfolk/ Virginia Beach area (about an hour from our new home) and had set up his optometry practice there. I think he also was attending seminary at the time. Anyway, Sandy and I went to Dr. Woody’s office, received our eye exams, and were fitted for glasses/ contact lenses. That was about 1989 or 1990, and it was the last time we saw Woody.
Now, let’s fast forward to September 2006. I’m coming to Danville in view of a call as the prospective new pastor of Mount Hermon Baptist Church. Interestingly, as the providence of God would have it, Woody—now serving overseas—is at the tail end of a furlough in the States. In fact, his family has already returned to their home in Southeast Asia, but—because of illness—Woody found it necessary to stay in Danville just a bit longer. So, as the Lord would have it, Woody was there for my big weekend at Mount Hermon. And, as only God could orchestrate it, the two of us got to sit side by side at the same table during the Keenagers Luncheon. (He, Sandy and I were the youngsters in attendance.)
It was wonderful to renew our old acquaintance from years gone by. Over lunch that day, I talked with Woody about my vision for the church—to become a global missions outreach center—as well as one of the big reasons that Mount Hermon had become interested in me—my local church experience in establishing direct, hands-on missions partnerships. I told Woody that, were I to come to Mount Hermon, and as Mount Hermon subsequently began to explore partnership opportunities in global missions, it was a “no-brainer” that we would start out by prayerfully considering how we could assist him. Then I told him, “I don’t want us to come just for the sake of coming, but if you really need us—if there’s something we can do—please don’t hesitate to let us know. We want to come and help you. And, as your home church, we need to do that.” Woody was pleased. And both of us hoped that someday this vision would become a reality.
Four months later, when Woody’s call came, it was one of urgency. Another group had planned to come and do VBS for the MKs during their parents’ annual retreat. But something unexpected arose that caused that group to cancel. A substitute team was needed on very short notice.
Believing this was a divine invitation, I quickly presented the challenge to our church. Within a matter of days, several people had responded. And, almost immediately, God provided all the funding. Ultimately, six persons were able to make the trip. Passports were secured, reservations were made, tickets were purchased, materials were ordered, lessons were prepared, vaccinations were received (ouch!) and—within just a few weeks—our team was all set to go. Wow! Half a dozen Mount Hermon members were dropping everything and going halfway around the world with only two months notice!
Interestingly, when Woody and I had our original conversation back in September, I thought it probably would be a couple of years before we would be able to get anything going. But God clearly had other things in mind, jumpstarting us right into this partnership without any further delay. This truly is an historic endeavor for our church, taking us to a whole new level of mission involvement. Although I’m not going personally, I’m absolutely thrilled for those that are. We have a great team that I believe have been uniquely chosen for this important opportunity. Thanks for going, Ryan, Sandy, Gary, Lydia, Patti and Marie. We’re proud of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless and Godspeed!
Pastor Danny
It was wonderful to renew our old acquaintance from years gone by. Over lunch that day, I talked with Woody about my vision for the church—to become a global missions outreach center—as well as one of the big reasons that Mount Hermon had become interested in me—my local church experience in establishing direct, hands-on missions partnerships. I told Woody that, were I to come to Mount Hermon, and as Mount Hermon subsequently began to explore partnership opportunities in global missions, it was a “no-brainer” that we would start out by prayerfully considering how we could assist him. Then I told him, “I don’t want us to come just for the sake of coming, but if you really need us—if there’s something we can do—please don’t hesitate to let us know. We want to come and help you. And, as your home church, we need to do that.” Woody was pleased. And both of us hoped that someday this vision would become a reality.
Four months later, when Woody’s call came, it was one of urgency. Another group had planned to come and do VBS for the MKs during their parents’ annual retreat. But something unexpected arose that caused that group to cancel. A substitute team was needed on very short notice.
Believing this was a divine invitation, I quickly presented the challenge to our church. Within a matter of days, several people had responded. And, almost immediately, God provided all the funding. Ultimately, six persons were able to make the trip. Passports were secured, reservations were made, tickets were purchased, materials were ordered, lessons were prepared, vaccinations were received (ouch!) and—within just a few weeks—our team was all set to go. Wow! Half a dozen Mount Hermon members were dropping everything and going halfway around the world with only two months notice!
Interestingly, when Woody and I had our original conversation back in September, I thought it probably would be a couple of years before we would be able to get anything going. But God clearly had other things in mind, jumpstarting us right into this partnership without any further delay. This truly is an historic endeavor for our church, taking us to a whole new level of mission involvement. Although I’m not going personally, I’m absolutely thrilled for those that are. We have a great team that I believe have been uniquely chosen for this important opportunity. Thanks for going, Ryan, Sandy, Gary, Lydia, Patti and Marie. We’re proud of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless and Godspeed!
Pastor Danny
