We were still living on Folly Mountain. I was going on 6‑years of age and the year was 1939. The picture I have of the class showed 13 pupils in Grades 1-10. The school teacher was from the Tatamagouche area, and she was going to be boarding with us.
I turned my TV on the other morning to YouTube to listen to some of the old fashioned Gospel hymns and they were singing, The Church in the Wildwood and The Old Country Church. It took me back to Folly Mountain where we had a church and where services were held every Sunday afternoon. Usually the church was full. Father and mother sang in the choir and I can still remember my father coming out of the choir to take up the offering.
Recently, I was on the phone talking to a good friend in Ontario, and he mentioned our days at the Western Fair in London, Ontario. While it was fresh on my mind, I felt I should write about it.
The year was 1969, in the early Fall, September. I was pastoring a Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada church in Ridgetown, Ontario. I had been there almost 5 years and the Western Fair in London was coming up. The Lord had laid on my heart that we should have some youth outreach at the Fair (they are better known as Exhibitions in the Maritimes). I had inquired as to what was required to obtain a booth at the Fair and was told it would cost $120.00.
When I was attending Eastern Pentecostal Bible College in Peterborough, Ontario, every Friday we had a special speaker at our Chapel service. One Friday, our speaker was a pastor of a church in Pembroke, Ontario, who had previously been president of this college when I was in my first year. The title of his message that day was “When Is a Man or Woman a Failure?” He kept repeating this until the end of his thirty minute sermon. Finally, he gave the answer – “When they quit trying”.
Pastoral visitation is a very important part of any ministry. As I grow older I realize more than ever how very important it is and it’s more than just a conversation, scripture and a prayer. Sometimes it is buying peppermints, oranges and even special German sausage (although this might involve some driving to get it).
Just when I think I have no more stories, another memory comes back to me.
A few days ago, Donna and I were at the dentist. Donna had an appointment with the dentist, while I sat in the waiting room and read. Everyone else in the room were on their phones – nobody talks anymore, not even a “hello”.