By Willie Ann Johnson

I bring you greetings from Union Springs Baptist Church as we celebrated Pastor Terrell and Sister Toni’s fifth anniversary on Sunday, June 22. The church has grown by leaps and bounds both spiritually and numerically under their leadership and guidance over these past few years. By the grace of God, this growth can only continue! We have been led to build “a place of worship, a House of Prayer that more of the saints can come in and recharge…to go out into the world with good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” In other words, we are bursting at the seams and we need a larger facility.
Wednesday night’s Bible study was a continuation of our study of “A Personal Relationship with God through Prayer.” Having a strong and constant prayer life if the key to achieving that personal relationship. Whether things are going great or not so great, we must always seek his face. The Lord has victory over everything! What a great God we serve! Pastor Terrell tells us that we are to be happy in the Lord no matter what we are going through. Seek God’s face, delight yourself in Him and think on those things which are lovely because our goal is to get our great reward which is the gift of salvation! Also, all members of USBC have been challenged to learn the Sinner’s Prayer, which comes from Romans, chapter 10, verse’s 9 and 10. We all should be able to witness to and lead someone to Christ.
Prophet Fredrick Collins brought the message for Sunday’s morning service. His message was that no man can serve two masters. Amos chapter 3, verse 3 states, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” The Lord will not answer your needs if you are serving someone or some other thing. Even if life is rough and rocky, still serve the Lord. We must agree with the word of God. He is able to do it all.
I am so pleased to report that Prophet now has his Doctorate’s degree in Divinity. What an accomplishment! He is always traveling, yet he always finds a way to carve out time for the Spring! Over the past few months, he has been in great demand to preach revivals in California. The Springs wishes him safe travel as he returns to California to spread the Gospel.
The afternoon service was totally dedicated to Pastor Terrell and Sister Toni. The Rev. Royce Tillman of Second Saint Paul Baptist church gave the sermon which was the “Lord is Our Shield.” Satan is bringing adversity to us daily and we need to learn how to fight back. We go to church to get our training. As we prepare by learning and using God’s word, we can wage an offensive battle instead of a defensive one. When it is time to fight, the Lord will meet us and bring us strength. In other words, He will be our shield.
In closing, Pastor T and Sister Toni, you were heaven sent to USBC by the grace of God. The number five means grace and during the past five years, the Springs has received nothing but God’s grace and blessings under your covering. Sunday’s celebration was our way of showing you just how much we really love you. I pray that God will continue to order your steps in His word. Glory Be To God.

T. Adrienne Terrell