A Mighty Cedar has Fallen

On April 29, at approximately 5:00 a.m., one of the greatest fundamentalists that has ever lived went home to be with the Lord. Of course, I am referring to Dr. Lee Roberson. I do not know of any man who has ever had more influence on preachers than Dr. Roberson. Though I did not have the privilege of going to Tennessee Temple University, I have had many opportunities to fellowship with this giant of the faith. Dr. Roberson has preached for me on several occasions; and even before I became the pastor of PBC, I was introduced to him through my pastor, Dr. Charles Wright.

For many years, I heard Brother Wright tell me story after story about Dr. Roberson. Bro. Wright graduated from TTU and later worked for Dr. Roberson at the school. I will be forever grateful for the influence that my pastor had on me that was directly drawn from his pastor, Dr. Roberson.

One of the highlights of my ministry was last year when my wife and I took Dr. Roberson out to lunch. We had such a wonderful time together. At that time Dr. Roberson's short-term memory was failing, but his long-term memory was superb. He remembered people who were saved 40 years ago and what they were wearing coming down the aisle, but he could not remember that he had preached for me just 3 days before. He was still so gracious, and still so in charge. It was very evident that the power and grace of God were all on him.

I remember where I was when Bro. Roloff died, and when Dr. Sightler died, and then Dr. Hyles, and just recently Dr. Tom Malone, and now Dr. Roberson. Who will take their places? Who will continue to stand for right? Who will carry the torch? I want to do my best to continue on in the footsteps of these great men, standing for truth and right.

Yes, a mighty cedar has fallen, and heaven is a sweeter place now. I don't want to compromise! I want to keep on keeping on, carrying this old King James Bible, preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ! I am certainly no Lee Roberson or Lester Roloff, but what little influence I have I want to be faithful in using it for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Excitement is in the Air!

We have a lot going on this weekend here at PBC. Chad and Marsha Schearer are here with us for a big part of what's happening. Chad is one of the leading outfitters (hunter & guide) in the world. He has hunted and led hunts in many parts of the world. In fact, he is just getting back from hunting in Hawaii and next week is going to Africa on a big game hunt. God has opened some unbelievable doors for this man. Can you believe that he was invited to fly fish in some of the ponds at Disney World? If we tried that, we would be locked under the jail. Not only did he fish there, it was videoed for television while he did it. Chad is a United States eastern champion elk caller and, once, a world champion. Chad has a weekly TV show on Sports South, and is often on ESPN. In fact, whenever the Braves are in a rain delay, they usually play his show in its place. Chad is a great Christian and spoke in chapel to our young men while his wife, Marsha, spoke to our young ladies. One young person was saved and many raised their hands to make decisions to better serve Christ.

On Saturday afternoon, Chad will speak at our first "Big Game" supper held here in our gymnasium. I am looking forward to hearing him speak. Most of the deer I have killed in my life were by accident. I want to learn how the pros do it.

Then on Sunday the Ambassador College ensemble will be here with us. They will be preaching and singing in the morning services at Peoples. Dr. Ron Comfort (founder of the college) is one of my favorite preachers, and I have no doubt that he will send a fine group to represent the college.

As I said, there is much going on this weekend. Our goal is to bring honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. Why not come and be a part of a ministry that is moving forward for God!