Just going to shoot from the heart right now. I hope this story inspires you to see people differently who see you differently. A colleague in ministry passed away early this morning. Brother Rhoad was a pastor for a great many years. I would like to say he was a close friend, but we never went golfing or grabbed a coffee together. He was 85 when he went to be with the Lord today. We would see each other at church camp, or at ministerial gatherings. He was always cordial, even bubbly as he would say, How are you, brother Gould? He was Pennsylvania Dutch, and that came across in his accent. When he prayed, his verbal pattern could be distracting. But you had a sense that God knew exactly what he was saying, even if you didnt. And you knew that God was going to work in his behalf. Brother Rhoad and I did not see eye to eye on everything. I was a relatively young District Youth President when I met him. I organized teen retreats and camps for youth from across the state. And at times I would bring in a band that he didnt think was appropriate. They played that rock music, you know. I remember when he called me at home late on a Saturday night. I had sent out a brochure to all of the pastors about an upcoming event. And he noticed that the band played Christian Rock music. We chatted for about a half hour as he shared his concerns over the style. He was conservative. Perhaps ultra conservative in my book. But I will say this... he was also involved. In fact, I was willing to hear his concerns more than others who may have the same objections in part because he actually took the time to speak to me. He told me to my face what was on his mind. I knew others had similar issues, but only because my District Superintendent would tell me that he received calls or emails from them. They had my contact info, but they didnt bring their issue to me. Not only would brother Rhoad tell me his concerns, he also came out to youth camp every year, at least for one day. This is more than many other pastors would do. He would bring a van load of kids to leave for the week, and he would join us for our worship service. During that time, as the band was playing a ramped up worship set, brother Rhoad would sway back and forth with a smile on his face and his eyes toward Heaven. I have always believed he turned his hearing aid down, but regardless, he didnt make a scene or walk out. I would then ask him to come up and offer a prayer before the message. He would take a couple of minutes to explain to the teens how important it is to serve Jesus with their whole life. Then he would pray his prayer. He would inevitably end up kind of moaning and whimpering while he prayed. I knew most of the kids were struggling to understand him, but at the end, they would give a rousing applause as if David Nasser had just finished speaking. They knew there were many miles between them and brother Rhoad in many ways, but I think they appreciated his fire and willingness to join them on their turf. Brother Rhoad raised a fine family of God-fearing and serving people. I know them. But he also took on the ministry of loving his community. He is a legend in Fentress County, Tennessee. I think they even named a day for him. He would visit the jails and hospitals as if peoples souls depended on it... because he knew they did. I say we didnt really hang out. But if we had grabbed coffee together, I would have known that our time was only a priority until his phone rang. If he got word that someone was near death, or a young man in jail was wanting to talk, brother Rhoad would have smiled at me and said, Well Brother Gould, someone needs prayer. Im going to have to go. And off he would shuffle. I can only imagine how many people are with their Savior today because brother Rhoad took his life of ministry seriously. Likely hundreds, if not thousands. He had story after story of such occasions. And when he would tell the story of a person set free, he would work through it and end with the biggest smile across his whole face as he said, And then they gave their heart to the Lord, followed by a chipmunk style laugh and a cry of joy. Nothing made him happier than seeing people come to Jesus at critical times in their life. Brother Rhoad performed dozens of funerals a year... literally. I think he would average more than one a week. And Id say most of those he personally prayed with to receive Christ. What a legacy! Sure, he believed that women should wear dresses rather than pants. Yes, he believed that you should read the King James Version of the Bible. Nope, he would not have approved of the music of Casting Crowns. But as far as I know, he never let these personal convictions get in the way of the ultimate mission, which is reaching a lost world with the message of redemption. In the end, I need to remember the reality. It isnt a (clothing, language, music, etc.) style that wins people to Christ. It is personally reaching out to them as Christ did to me. I look forward to seeing brother Rhoad in Heaven. In the meantime, I need to be about the work he was, in making sure I dont get there by myself, but with as many souls as possible.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 13:22:57 +0000
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