As most of you know, I have been involved with death since I was a mere child and could barely see over the embalming table; consequently, I have attended many funeral services--far more than most. I really wish I had kept a journal, for the sole purpose of making a record of everything I have witnessed in this profession. Believe me, I have seen much!
Today, I attended the funeral of Pastor Rannie Gaultney, and in doing so I saw something that I had never before seen, at least not in the way I saw it today. In September of 1979, I was ordained into the gospel ministry at Horeb (can you believe it?) Baptist Church in Talbot County, Georgia. Interestingly, Rannie was the pastor of Horeb at that time and, consequently, he not only served on my ordination counsel, but he also played a major role in the service itself. As you might imagine, he holds a special place in my heart.
This is what I saw (in a different way than I have ever seen it before) and it really touched my heart: a congregation grieving the sudden loss of their pastor. Watching the tears fall from their eyes; listening to their broken hearts; realizing their sense of helplessness; hearing their deep-seated hope for their tomorrows; and listening to their expressions of confusion and pain really gripped my heart.
Right now they are in shock and justly so, but tomorrow will come and decisions will have to be made, not the least of which is who will be the next pastor. Rannnie founded this church in 1983, and has served as its pastor since then; consequently, this will be new ground for them to travel. They will need our prayers and love and support.
Rannie said on many occasions that he would never retire from preaching because he believed that when God was finished with him, He would retire him, and his words proved to be prophetic. Rannie went to sleep the other night and the next time his eyes opened, he was in Heaven--the place He has longed to see for more years than a few. This is good--very good! Wonderful! Par Excellent!
Let us not forget, however, that there is a small group of people in Taylor County whose pastor is no longer among them and they miss him, and they will miss him tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day. Somehow, God designed it that way, or so it seems.
I am privileged to have known Rannie and to have been his friend, but I am even more privileged to be your pastor.
Pensive,
Mac
1 comment:
Mac,
We are more privileged that God has ordained and planned that you would be our pastor. I'm amazed at the events that have brought me to this place and I'm in awe that God would for His good pleasure allow me to know you and to be a part of the body at GCF. May the precious Holy Spirit be your comfort and hope and peace in your grief. I only hope that it might be God's good pleasure to allow my life to be poured out in service to him and that the one who preaches my funeral service would be able to say the things you have about your dear friend Rannie. I look forward to meeting him in glory. We will miss you all tomorrow. See you on Wed.
Love,
Debbie
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