By Willie Ann Johnson  

I extend my deepest apologies to the loyal readers of the Springs news for the absence of the weekly article for February 3. I take responsibility for the lack thereof and would like to take this time to resubmit that article as well as the current weekly events. I pray that my writing nourish your souls.
On January 31 our very own Mother Willie Ann Johnson retired from Madison Family Medicine after 45 years of service. Both doctors and patients told me that Mother Willie Ann’s shoes will be hard to fill your smile and words of comfort were more potent than the prescribed medication given by the physicians at the office. Mother Johnson we applaud you for your service and may God bless you in your next endeavor. We at the Springs love you.
Our Sunday school lesson for the week of February 3 was titled “Called to Labor” Luke 10: 1-12 and 17-20. Our teacher Deacon Johnny Hubbard let us know that a missionary is one that spread the good news of Christ and bring in a harvest of fellow followers of the Lord. As missionaries we have to weather some storms to be an effective witness for the Lord. Not only are missionaries to be prayerful but doers of the Lord, in other words put some action to the Word.
Pastor Terrell gave a mini sermon to the congregation the baptismal candidates and everyone else that the enemy is going to try to get us all to go back to the things we’ve been delivered from. The enemy tires to put up enticing illusions to make it all look good but we are to hold fast to God’s unchanging hand to bring us out of our trials and tribulations. Let it be known that when you are in attendance at the Springs you will receive the Word no matter how long you are there. Thank you Jesus.
After baptism Pastor Terrell again gave a sermon title “Don’t take direction from someone who’s already lost.” Psalm 1:1 When we are lost we are not to sit in council of someone who is also lost. As we mature the enemy comes in subtle ways. Though he talks we are not to listen. When given advice we are to look at the life of the person giving advice and see where they are going. The ungodly is always saying something that is not right, the lost can only get you lost. As followers of Christ we are to lead sinners. We are to be witnessing to them. Never should we let the scornful talk about fellow followers of Christ. We have to meditate day and night on the Word not just on Sunday. At all times we should speak of the goodness of the Lord. Just as water is the lifeline of any plant the Word is the lifeline of our life. We need to seek the Word always. We must pick ourselves up and do the will of the Lord.
On Saturday, February 16 members of the Nursing Home Ministry were blessed to be able to bring the Word to those who are not able to get out and fellowship. Being in this ministry I’m constantly shown that the church is not a building. When I entered the facility the Holy Spirit met me there. The smiles on the residents’ faces and their active participation showed me that even though some can not get around like myself but that don’t stop the desire to have a closer walk with the Lord. Deacon Aaron Jackson brought the message from I Corinthians 13: 1-3. Deacon Jackson let us know that without love we are nothing. We have to love one another if we want to see Jesus. Words of wisdom were given by me from Psalm 34: 1-8, through we have or had a prayerful person in our life there will come a time when we must know the Lord for ourselves and experience his goodness on a first hand basis. Also in attendance at the Nursing Home were Mothers Willie Ann Johnson, Mary Ann Bailey and Arimatha Smith, Sisters Willie Ann Mathis and Denise Jackson. We all went to visit Brother Ervin Evans in his room and sang Happy Birthday to him and excluding myself the others went to visit Deacon Moses Hill Sr.
This week’s Sunday school lesson was title “Called to be Humble,” Luke 14: 1, 7 – 14. Jesus was in a position where He had to deal with others watching him trying to find fault. Just as life is today people watch Christians for direction, to criticize or see how we respond to tests and trials. Saints should be proud of not prideful. Knowledge puffs us up but love will allow us to know that we know and wait our time. We can’t criticize others when we are not doing right. Jesus let us know that stature is not important to God. We should not get beside ourselves with growth. The Lord knows who can handle what. In our mind we say we can do anything but the desire must always be in our heart. We have to show ourselves trust worthy for the Lord to use us. Serving is more important in God’s kingdom than position.
Pastor Terrell used the same scripture and entitled his sermon “Saw dust in my eyes”. In Pastor Terrell’s teaching we were taught just as Jesus’ case we are in attendance of those who don’t really care for us but we are respected by them. Jesus being who He is was at a feast and saw a man in need of healing. Before breaking the law Jesus asked a question but didn’t receive an answer. Just the touch of Jesus healed the afflicted once again Jesus asked a question and gave the answer himself. Jesus showed that He healed out of humility and to rescue an animal would be to break the law. We should know the law but act out of humanity. Jesus though his teaching showed the leaders that even though they were in a higher position always remember where you came from and who put you there. The Lord has put us where we are not we ourselves. We should not operate in pride. Pride set up in the heart and the heart is where the Lord dwells. For those in a position to call remain humble your blessings comes from the Lord first and people second.
Condolences go out to Johnnie Nell Ross and family.
Please keep the sick and shut-ins in your prayers.
All are welcome to join us on this Sunday for Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. and worship service following Sunday school. Bible Study on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Submitted by Audrey R. Grant
Adopted Goddaughter of
Willie Ann Johnson