We all need a little help along the way. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I have needed help from others on my journey. None of us can do it alone. For me there have been people who have come in and out of my life to encourage or inspire me in some way to keep running this race.
Romans 1:11-12 says, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith."
They are my personal heroes of the faith. When I think about it, these are the people who immediately come to mind:
M.O. Sweat
My grandfather was the first one I recall looking up to and had a deep respect for. He was an old-time preacher man but he genuinely cared for his family and for people. Unfortunately, he passed away several years ago but his impact is still on my life today. I still have a video clip of when he once talked about how proud he was of me for sticking with God. That has encouraged me many times.
Bruce Scotton
My father was a preacher and would often schedule for evangelists to come to our church. Bruce was an African-American evangelist who came to our church in Villa Rica, Georgia for a revival. This was the first time I recall receiving salvation. When we had other evangelists in our home, I was always invisible but Bruce included me. I remember fondly playing a handheld electronic football game with him. He wasn't just a preacher but he was a real person to me.
Eddie Smith
In one of the first churches my dad was appointed as pastor where we actually had young people close to my age, Eddie was the main one of the group and was a leader. I looked up to Eddie and he always someone you could talk to.
Bubba Cardin
I first met Bubba when he was my counselor in church summer camp. He had an amazing way of teaching and making the Bible come alive. The first impression he made was his version of the song “He’s Alive” which he played on his banjo.
Gary Lewis
One of my fellow preachers kids I first met in summer camp and other church events. We always had fun and always had a good laugh - many times at ourselves. He has become an inspiring minister.
Jay Thornton
Another fellow preachers kid I grew up with. At church camp we loved playing basketball and we also shared our love for our high school football teams. Jay is currently a pastor and just an overall great guy to know.
Gerald Green
Became my pastor. He was always a friend and came along to encourage me when I was going through some difficult times with my family. He even went to high school football games with me.
Lanis Lewis
Also a preachers kid (Gary’s brother) who I also met in church camp. He always fun to be around and one of the best preachers I have known. His sermons have always inspired and challenged me to be a better person.
Although I don’t interact with these regularly, I have been in contact with some throughout the years thanks to social media. The amazing thing is that when I do, it’s almost like we have never been apart. I also know that if I ever needed them they would support me in anyway they could. Their prayers and encouragement have helped me more than they will ever know. They are truly my heroes of the faith. I have been a better man because I have known them.
M.O. Sweat
My grandfather was the first one I recall looking up to and had a deep respect for. He was an old-time preacher man but he genuinely cared for his family and for people. Unfortunately, he passed away several years ago but his impact is still on my life today. I still have a video clip of when he once talked about how proud he was of me for sticking with God. That has encouraged me many times.
Bruce Scotton
My father was a preacher and would often schedule for evangelists to come to our church. Bruce was an African-American evangelist who came to our church in Villa Rica, Georgia for a revival. This was the first time I recall receiving salvation. When we had other evangelists in our home, I was always invisible but Bruce included me. I remember fondly playing a handheld electronic football game with him. He wasn't just a preacher but he was a real person to me.
Eddie Smith
In one of the first churches my dad was appointed as pastor where we actually had young people close to my age, Eddie was the main one of the group and was a leader. I looked up to Eddie and he always someone you could talk to.
Bubba Cardin
I first met Bubba when he was my counselor in church summer camp. He had an amazing way of teaching and making the Bible come alive. The first impression he made was his version of the song “He’s Alive” which he played on his banjo.
Gary Lewis
One of my fellow preachers kids I first met in summer camp and other church events. We always had fun and always had a good laugh - many times at ourselves. He has become an inspiring minister.
Jay Thornton
Another fellow preachers kid I grew up with. At church camp we loved playing basketball and we also shared our love for our high school football teams. Jay is currently a pastor and just an overall great guy to know.
Gerald Green
Became my pastor. He was always a friend and came along to encourage me when I was going through some difficult times with my family. He even went to high school football games with me.
Lanis Lewis
Also a preachers kid (Gary’s brother) who I also met in church camp. He always fun to be around and one of the best preachers I have known. His sermons have always inspired and challenged me to be a better person.
Although I don’t interact with these regularly, I have been in contact with some throughout the years thanks to social media. The amazing thing is that when I do, it’s almost like we have never been apart. I also know that if I ever needed them they would support me in anyway they could. Their prayers and encouragement have helped me more than they will ever know. They are truly my heroes of the faith. I have been a better man because I have known them.
