A Worthy Model
I will never forget the first time I met Jim Hatley. He walked into my office and introduced himself as the new Director of Missions for our Association. He was wearing blue jeans and boots – not drug-store cowboy boots, but work boots. He was on his way to deliver boxes of Bibles to Pastors – in his pick-up truck. Not only had I never seen a Director of Missions in blue jeans, I’d never known one who drove a truck. He could work in an office, but he was much more comfortable working out of an office. I was green-as-a-gourd, fresh-out-of-seminary, running out of Seminary momentum and struggling. An instant partnership was formed that day. He taught me that “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Eccl. 9:10). I will preach his funeral later today. Fifty-two years in the ministry – always working hard, always mentoring younger ministers, always a worthy model. What have you modeled today for some younger person?
Join me in intercession for these global concerns:
• Pray for advocates who meet this week to consult on ministry in metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada including 2010 Olympic ministries.
• Pray for the 31 Days of Prayer for Eastern Hungary project that begins this week and continues through May.
• Pray for churches or groups to adopt and pray for a London Borough, thus effecting change over all the Greater London Area.
• Pray for volunteers from Tennessee who will be distributing scripture in Macau this week.
April 27th, 2009 at 6:39 am
I also enjoy reading and am touched by the Monday Morning Memos. Thank you Dr. Crawford!
Beth Brown
Tennessee
April 27th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Thanks for the tribute to a fellow DOM, Dan. BTW, I’ve been recommending you (and Cal Miller’s) “Prayer-Walking” book everywhere. The best there is.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Dan,
Thank you for all you are doing for our family. It means so much for us to hear how our daddy helped others besides us.
April 27th, 2009 at 10:23 am
May the Lord use you to bring hope to all who gather …
April 27th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Wow.
April 27th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Dan,
Thanks for this encourament. Struggling after my “retirement” I needed to remember that the primary purpose was to be there mentoring by if nothing else my persistance. Many of those young men now are indignant that “a good guy” would be let go. I saw this as God’s hand at work and chose to stay steady and calm, accepting His will. That so impressed my superiors they could not believe it. Knowing the real man in Roy I too am amazed but such is the grace of God.
So I left knowing I was a good witness to the last. Thanks for bringing God’s work in my life. I DO NOT deserve it but by His grace alone He pours out His mercies on me. Bless His Holy Name…Bless His Holy model for us to see and do…
April 27th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Dan, thank you for you words and challenge! Might I add that you may put yourself in the same category as Jim. Many young pastors, this one included have gained great wisdom from you. Thank you for your faithfulness to training up young men in the way they should go!
April 27th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Dan: I, too, enjoyed working with Jim Hatley. We hailed from the same town in Missouri and I did not know until last evening that he had died. I prayed for Imogene and the family today. I know that he was a great servant of God.I am grateful that you brought the message. Joda