By Willie Ann Johnson

I bring you greetings from Union Springs Baptist Church, which is under the Holy Ghost filled guidance of Pastor Robert Terrell Jr. Wednesday night’s Bible study consisted of finalizing the plans for Youth Day and Youth Week. Youth Day will be held on the second Sunday in June. Our youth will lead the devotion service and members of the Atlanta Transitional Center Choir will bring the message. This group targets at risk youth and the church is excited to hear about their experiences and words of encouragement. All are welcomed to come and share with us, as we will be blessed by this program.
And speaking of youth, the USBC youth are spectacular! Several graduated on Friday and I would like to recognize them. Robert L. (Trey) Terrell, III, Pastor Terrell’s son, was one and he received a Phi Beta Sigma award along with scholarships from Union Springs Baptist Church and Springfield Baptist Church. Lucindia L. Monday was Salutatorian for Putnam County High. Wow what an honor! She also received several thousand dollars’ of scholarships from NAACP, Kiwanis Club, Oscar Lancaster and New Life Outreach Center awards. Not only is she brilliant but she also has the spirit of the Lord in her. Another Putnam County graduate Terraisha D. Pope received over $51,000.00 in scholarship money from the Army. Go Army!
Our other Morgan County graduates are Cornelius P. Bailey, Marquis D. Brown and Edith M. Cost. Other Putnam County graduates are Rashanda D. Lovejoy, Deizman J. Dennis and D’zavius Williams. Another honor brought to my attention was a math achievement award presented to Andrew Binion who attends Porterdale Elementary. Next year I anticipate even more honors. Marnez Walker, who was the school governor for Morgan County High, will be the Senior Class President for the next school term. Our church youth are so blessed and unique here at USBC. Young people let the world follow you as you follow Jesus!
Sunday’s message was, “Delight Thyself in the Lord.” Psalm 37, verse 4, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart” is a very well known and often quoted scripture yet most focus on the second part of the verse. Pastor Terrell emphasized to us that we are to delight or take great pleasure in the Lord first! Also, the delight or pleasure in the Lord should be with us at all times and not just at church. As you delight yourself constantly your gratification comes when He gives you “the desires of thine heart.” Our pastor instructs us to find delight wherever God leads us even if it is not in a pleasant situation. The way we handle our circumstances and the way we honor God determines the way that He will give to us His promises. The following verse, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” is another command and promise verse. When you learn the better way take it. All of our life’s instructions are in the Bible and we must follow the Word.
Another quick note to the youth is to remember your responsibilities as you step into adulthood. Keep Christ first and the rest will follow. And do this, register to vote. Many have worked and fought hard for the right to vote and you need to use it. Our very own, John Clements is running for County Commissioner in Putnam County. John is the father-in-law of Pastor Terrell and he is married to the lovely Margaret Clements. Nothing beats the leadership of a godly man. At the upcoming Dairy Festival stop by John Clement’s booth and find out what he is about. I am sure you will see the delight of the Lord in him.
In closing, Evangelist Stokes’ name was omitted by mistake in last week’s article. She brought the words of inspiration for the Nursing Home Ministry on last Saturday. Your faith and dedication is never overlooked. Expect more from me in the future. Glory be to God.

Submitted by T.
Adrienne Terrell