A Tribute to the Senior Adults at Council Road
by Willie Keys
I maybe a little biased but I believe that senior adults are one of the cornerstones of Council Road Baptist Church. They consist of a group of elderly men and women who are members of Council Road Baptist Church. I would like to challenge you to take a few minutes out of your time, when it’s convenient for you to start up conversations with one or some of these senior adults. It is my opinion, after your conversations with them, you will come away from your interactions with them, being better for it. Here is what I see in these wonderful people walking the throughfares of our church:
They are compassionate people who understand the toils and strife that comes with living in this fallen world. They understand the need to provide a compassionate ear to listen to others issues and concerns, leaving them with the realization and confidence that they are not alone in their life struggles. When there are deaths and tragedies within the church, they are in the forefront providing assistance to the families and their needs (i.e. kind words, cards, meals, or simple a statement “we are here for you”).
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” A powerful verse, Psalm 55:22 touches on how you don't have to go it alone when times are tough. Instead, turn to the Lord who will 'sustain' you and help you get through it.
Our senior adults have a wealth of experience, wisdom and possess a strong desire to share all their experiences acquired during their life’s journeys. They are willing to assist others with avoiding some of the pitfalls of life. They can provide you with some of the survival tools to weather the personal storms that come with living in this fallen world. It’s never about the storms but about who’s with you to help you endure the storms that are always lurking to wreak havoc in your personal life.
Our senior adults are very charitable people willing to give their time, talents and funds in support of the church’s local, national and international ministries. They are always available to make a positive difference in others life. Our senior adults are some of the most dependable people in our church, supporting whatever the need. In any undertaking, what is a constant with these wonderful people is their positive attitude and their steadfast faith in God. Their goal is to continue making Council Road Baptist Church beacon of light in the local neighborhoods, Oklahoma City and our mission work around the world.
Listed are some of the church’s missions the dedicated senior adults are involved with and are a vital part to the success of these missions: Whiz Kids, Hands for Mission, Easter Family Day, Christmas at the Cube, Youth Ministry, Connection Class Teachers and Directors, Children’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Sunday morning door greeters and Bereavement Team Ministry and the CUBE desk greeters.
They are a loving group of people who are kind and deliberate in their actions to make others feel welcome to our church and especially to their connection classes. They continue to surprise me in their abilities to use their talents in vast amounts of areas to support Council Road Baptist Church Vision and Mission.
John 13:34-35 NIV 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In conclusion: God blesses me every day by giving me the opportunity and honor to serve him and to work with such a wonderful group of senior adults. I believe they are the best in the State of Oklahoma. If I could bottle all the love, joy, peace, gentleness, faithfulness and caring hearts the senior adults display: I would sprinkle those fruits of the spirits over this city and the world. This world would certainly be a better place. God bless them all.
Author Bio: My name is Willie Keys; I am the minister for the Senior Adults at Council Road Baptist Church. I have been given the blessing of being gracefully broken and being molded in the image of Jesus Christ on a daily basis. I pray that each day a part of me dies and Jesus grows in me where that part of me has died. I am truly honored to be associated with these wonderful senior adults of Council Road Baptist Church.