I sat in the same pew I did 50 years ago and the memories came flooding back. With Johnny, Gwen, Billy, Barbara, Donald, Dennis, Dean and the rest easily slouched down in the pew behind. Janice, Diane, Mary Ann and I would peek over the top to watch them as the good old gospel songs were sung and we all waited for Preacher Mac to call his "Syrup Soppers" to the front to listen to our special Bible story and sing our special songs. There was not a child in that church that did not know that Jesus loved every one of us and we were His. He made his children a part of the church, keeping the families worshipping together.
Preacher Mac didn't wait to teach us, but he grasp our little minds early with love and caring and showed us that we belonged to Jesus. We were left with no doubt that Jesus had claimed us, would protect us, and guide us through life. We felt the security of Jesus' love.
Through Preacher Mac's stories we learned the Bible from front to back, from God's great creations to his son returning to gather us all up unto the heavens at the end of time. We were taught not only the words of the Bible, but how it applies to our lives today. He taught us fear out of reverance and the joy found in living our lives for Christ Jesus.
Preacher Mac was a special man. He could reprimand from the pulpit without offending, yet each and every offender knew he was being admonished, leavingmany wondering how did he find out about that. He had a Bible verse for every occurrance and didn't just share the verse, but could explain exactly how it applied to each of us and our situations. He knew his people and he knew his Bible.
Our little church flourished under his ministry. No one missed church on Sunday and if we did Preacher Mac would visit or call before services on Sunday night. During his ministry we had more "dinners on the ground" than any other time, because everyone wanted to eat with the preacher.
Preacher Mac taught us to give thanks when God'a sun comes up in the morning giving us another day to His moon rising at night signaling the time for rest from our labors. God created it all for our benefit and enjoyment that we might glorify Him. Preacher Mac belived and taught that we should pray continually asking God to guide our thoughts, steps and actions. If it would not be pleasing to God, leave it alone.
There are many scholarly pastors in the world, but few great teachers. Preacher Mac was touched by God and it was evident in the way he lived his life and preached the Gospel. I thank God for sending him to our little Church and enriching all the lives of those that had the honor of knowing him. This little "Syrup Sopper" remembers.
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