This is something I've been thinking a lot about this week. It is a thread that probably won't mean much to anyone but me, and maybe those who are from Michigan and know the people of whom I am mentioning here...
Bro. Albert Abbey was pastor and founder of South Flint Tabernacle in Flint, Michigan for many years. During that time, South Flint was one of the largest UPCI churches in this state, as well as one of the most respected.
There were a number of associate ministers there, but the one who seemed destined to take over the responsibilities of pastor when Bro. Abbey retired or passed was Bro. Gary Richardson. Sis. Abbey said later that this was indeed Bro. Abbey's desire, as they loved Gary like a son.
Bro. Gary seemed to just have it all, ya know?! I was young at the time...early teens I guess, but I remember his boyish good looks, and my goodness, what a voice!!
He was married to Velda Tatum, and they had three small children.
While traveling on I-69 to preach a revival, a woman came flying off the ramp onto the E-way and Gary was killed. That was March 3, 1969.
That tragic event stunned us all...my parents let me out of school that day to attend the funeral. But more than being stunned by his untimely death, it allowed for changes in the lives of many...changes which have had far reaching effects.
I have wondered this week, just what would our lives have been like had Bro. Gary lived?!
When Bro. Abbey passed, Bro. Herbert Ervin became pastor for a time. Through events not of his making, he resigned and has since pastored other churches. Bro. Arthur Pruitt was pastor (for an even shorter period).
The church which had once been the state's largest (5 or 600 at least), by this time had dwindled down to 90 souls.
And then God sent a man from California...Bro. NJ Wilson. When he resigned 6 years later, the church was well over 700 in membership. He was followed by Bro. Robert Henson, who remains as pastor.
Had Gary lived, none of this would have happened. Bro. W never would have come here...there would have been no need. Those who left and went to CA, wouldn't have.
And what about me?! I was living in TX when he came here. Unsaved and not
thinking about Jesus, my ONLY reason for visiting SFT was a friend told me I should come out and hear this great man of God. She was on me so about it, I finally relented, and thank the Lord I did!!
Would I have ever gotten saved had he not come here?! Perhaps, but one never knows. As I said, Church was the LAST thing on my mind... I don't know.
And what of Bro. Ervin?! He seemed content to be an associate minister...would he have ever pastored otherwise?!
To cap all of this off, his son, Elvin, married Gary's widow, Velda.
All of these changes because one man passed from this life.
And now this week, another man has passed...Bro. Elvin Ervin.
Wow, the memories...before I moved to TX, Elvin and Velda worked SO hard trying to mentor my rebellious life. The hours they spent with me are precious memories that will remain with me forever.
He helped Velda raise her children and they called him "Dad.." they had a child together as well.
Elvin was a good man.
We knew this was coming...Sunday they said that it wouldn't be much longer, but it just really threw me to hear the words, "Elvin passed away..."
Praise the Lord for a life well spent, preaching, pastoring, and mentoring. As the song goes, "I am a life that was changed...I am SO glad you gave!!"
The difference one life can make, and the difference one death can make...
And so glad for AFF so I can ramble on and not worry my family with my ramblings...
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