STORIES LEADING TO 40: With help from her brother-in-law James Niven, Rhonda secured a job at a local bank in Opelika and I got a part-time job serving lemonade, cherry and vanilla cokes, and other sundry things at Toomers Corner. We werent at Auburn but a quarter as our paths changed dramatically when God affirmed my call to preach while attending the Opelika Church of God. We repacted our stuff in a U-Haul and attempted to enroll at Lee College but things didnt turn out like we thought (cant make a go with empty recruitment promises - but thats another story). We moved to Pelham and served as Childrens Pastors at the Pelham Church of God under Rhondas brother, Donald.Bradleys leadership. While we served at Pelham, Rhondas mother, Alma Bradley, who served the Church of God for over 40 years as a teacher, pastor, and evangelist (Id put her above some of her male contemporaries), made a decision that would eventually impact our lives. Sister Alma said she enjoyed teaching at Childersburg Church of God but said she felt led to reopen a closed work - Saginaw Church of God (outside Alabaster). She served there a while but gave the work up. One year after Sister Alma reopened the work I received a call from District Pastor Coy Phillips asking me if Id take the church. When I said yes it began a 28 year journey serving in the Church of God. Rhonda stuck with me, helped me, sang, played the piano, served in Childrens Ministries, and did many of the things expected of a good pastors wife - except serve as president of the Womens Ministries. In 28 years we served the following churches: Saginaw, Woodland Hills (Phenix City), Copeland, Midfield, Faith Blvd (Lanette), Fosters Chapel/Faith Covenant, Hunting Ridge (Prattville), Crossroads (Bay Minette), and Winfield. Rhonda, after dragging you across the state of Alabama, I really appreciate your support all the years. You have been a special gift from God and I thank Him and you for you.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 12:33:24 +0000
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