At the writing of this column I find myself at an interesting point. I’m sitting at my desk reflecting on the events of the last 24 hours. It is Sunday afternoon and in a few minutes I’ll be heading to the worship center for the evening service. What makes this time interesting is the bittersweet moment I’m experiencing. Two fellow servants – one a mentor who guided me through my first two years of pasturing; the other a co-laborer with whom I’ve shared ministry over the last 10-12 years. Dr. Tom Owens, director of Missions for the Cimarron Baptist Association went to be with the Lord Saturday afternoon. Tom walked me through my first wedding, first funeral, first baptism and first Lord’s Supper service. His office door at First Baptist Pawnee was always open to me. I spent countless hours sitting and talking with Tom. His wisdom, sense of humor and kindness has continued to shape my ministry. I’ll miss Tom but I’m greatly encouraged by the fact he made it “home” for worship Sunday.
I learned just a few minutes ago my friend Tom Woodson, pastor of Keystone Hills Baptist Church also went to be with the Lord yesterday. Tom was just 47 years old and following a massive stroke on Thursday died Saturday evening about 11:45 pm. Tom and I served together on several committees for Tulsa Association and on the Board of Directors of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Tom’s death shocks me. Partly because it was so sudden and unexpected (I was not aware of any health issues with Tom); and partly because he was my age. I grieve for Tom’s wife and children. I don’t understand why his life would end so suddenly and why such suffering for his family. When I said in the sermon this morning that, “there are times when we cannot see God’s hand and thus we must trust His heart” I wasn’t expecting to have to practice that myself this afternoon! But it is true. And I find great comfort in knowing God can be trust and my friends are both home this evening.
Rod