Remembering on Father’s Day

As I looked through some old files on my computer, I ran across a letter that I had typed up for my Dad over ten years ago.  He was 83 at the time.  He did not know how much longer he would be on this earth so he wanted to send a letter of faith to his family.  I teared up as I read through this sweet letter.  Dad passed away a couple of years ago so I remember and honor him this Father’s Day. 

My new life began at age 31 in 1946 after completing two and a half years in the U. S. Navy in California. After arriving in Memphis, I immediately took my job back at Ford Motor Co. They were very nice as they promised my job would be there when I returned from service. I was a frustrated person and not happy with anything. I stayed there several months and then a friend left and went with Chicago Southern Airlines now, Delta Airlines. He encouraged me to come with him as they needed a payroll clerk. C & S was a new and aggressive company with a future. I worked there a couple of years then on to another job.

Then my life changed. Modelle and I were attending a meeting one evening, and the question was asked, “Have you ever accepted Christ as your personal Savior?” My answer was; I think I have. I’m not sure. I go to church and enjoy my friends and am active in every way. Then he asked, “Would you accept Him as your personal Savior and put your life in His hands and be sure?” My answer was yes. Modelle and I both bowed our heads and asked Jesus Christ to come into our lives and take control. Praise God from that day forward I know He lives within me and the spirit of God guides in all that I do.

When I was young and at home, we always attended church, but I can never remember personally accepting Christ. I was baptized at the age of 10 in Mobile and married a sweet girl in 1939, and we have been happily married for 58 years with 2 sons as ministers. Our life is full of happiness and joy. Our greatest times now are watching our grandchildren play basketball and enjoying life to the fullest.

With this note I am sending you a copy of 1^st John 5 from my Bible. When I accepted Christ, these Scriptures came to life and changed my life and gave me the assurance of my salvation. Praise God!

Marvin Gaye’s Impeccable Timing

I was in an important meeting a couple of days ago with the boss of my boss — i.e. our Sr. Pastor.  Things have been a little stressful around here at Hope — giving down, sanctuary to pay for, attendance up but not as much as we had hoped….  So, in my area of ministry, we are looking for ways to reach more people and encourage folks to go through our new members class.

Just when things were getting warmed up, and I was feeling the full pressure of my pastoral responsibly to grow the church — my phone rang.  Which would not have been a big deal — yes, I should have had it on vibrate but Craig’s phone had sounded off earlier so that was not a big deal.  The issue was that my wife was calling, and I had her customized ring on  —- Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On”.  As Craig figured out what the ring was, he laughed and said, “You know, I think I would answer that!”  Pretty funny.

Downtown in Memphis

What a great opportunity Laurie and I had this weekend. We were able to get away to downtown Memphis and play the tourist. It was a blast. We ate some delicious food — Sauces, The Majestic Grill, Cafe’ 61, Bluff City Bakery. We listened to some music on Beale — Beale Street on a Saturday night? We have NEVER done that. It was packed because of the Music Fest.

Check out some of our pics.

Riding the Tolley Down South Main —- Beale Street Music Festival - Note Mighty Mississippi River

W.C. Handy Statue on Beale —- E & H - Great Burger — Top Floor=Former Brothel - Walls Can’t Talk Thank God!

National Civil Rights Museum Saturday Night on Beale Street

Ted & Matt - Hope Musicians - Playing in Beale

Cool Trolley Shot by Laurie Downtown Memphis Reflection

Atop the Residents Inn

New Director of Multi-National Ministies

I am thrilled to announce that Laurie, my lovely wife, is the new director of Multi-National Ministries here is Memphis. James Kellum, the founder of MNM, retired at the end of December and Laurie received the nod to be the successor. It has been so exciting to see how God has developed Laurie both personally and professionally for this new challenge in her life. Her vision is large and her faith is great.  I expect God to really bless this ministry under her leadership.

Back Home

Wish we were there!! The “there” in this picture is the eastern shore of Kauai. What a beautiful place.

We are back from this great vacation to the reality of Winter in Memphis. We went from 75 and Sunny to 34 and Rain. It is always good to be home but wish we could have transported the weather back with us.

Hawaii Bound

Yes, blogging will cease and vacationing will begin. Can’t wait. Will return in a couple of weeks.

Laurie - Making a Difference

My lovely wife, Laurie, was honored earlier this week at a banquet organized by Memphis Woman Magazine.  She was one of the “50 Women who Make a Difference” in Memphis.  And as you can see from the picture above, I think she is        # 1!!!!

Here is what was listed as her bio in the magazine:

Laurie Graves

Children’s Outreach Coordinator

Multi-National Ministries

 “As the Children’s Outreach Coordinator since 1999, Laurie reaches 350 elementary and middle school aged children annually.  Multi-National Ministries is devoted to serving the immigrant and refugee populations in Memphis by ministering  to their academic, social, and spiritual lives.  These children love “Miss Laurie” and their faces all turn into huge smiles when they arrive for their tutoring sessions, see her at school, or attend the summer camp.”

Nominated by Debbie Compton — Community Volunteer at Multi-National Ministries

Inspiration & Motivation - Seeing the rainbow of refugee/immigrant children from around the world learning to read and develop friendships with their Memphis mentors at my Multi-National Ministries’ Reading Program makes my heart smile.  It’s like a little piece of heaven!

Community Service - Hope Presbyterian Church - Mission team leader

Laurie is married to David Morris, a pastor at Hope Presbyterian Church, and has 3 children: Rachel Graves, (a physical therapist and graduate of Washington University Graduate School), Sarah Graves (a recent graduate of Harding University Graduate School with a Masters of Arts in Counseling) and Jonathan Graves (a senior at the University of Memphis).  The other very special member of her family is Chasity Nguyen, an amazing 11th grader at Hernando High School.