As a small-town girl growing up in Reeves, Louisiana, I certainly felt the impact of unique individuals graciously positioned in my life. While still very young, there was not much to experience but for our hometown church. In those days of small-town life, a pastor’s family was central. God’s providential plan included a man. He was just what our little town needed. He was the very first pastor to shepherd my family having shared the gospel with my parents and seeing them come to saving faith. He would be responsible for bringing the Bible Memory Association into the lives of many as a primary discipleship tool. And though he would not remain long at the helm of this little church, the impact would be felt for years to come.

There would be an encounter here and an encounter there in the years ahead and all because Bro. Smith was always intentional about remaining involved in our lives.

Fast forward the years when he would repeatedly provide a shepherding presence to my life, as well as the life of my young husband whom he had come to know and to love. Despite the confusion ministry can often bring, we were blessed to have the input of this experienced sheepherder who lovingly served up the wisest advice: through our times together in the work of Camp Pearl, and while my husband pastored, and then finally through the ministry of Biblical Ministries Worldwide. Yet, the personal touches he and Ms. Amy unselfishly begot while wrapping their loving, nurturing arms around two shaky servants of the Lord were the most priceless. Times in their home, eating at their table, finding overnight lodging under their roof, hiking across Atlanta’s airport, and discovering their sweet smiling faces waiting at the other end, and more planned and spontaneous times than I can count, are certainly represented in the race he ran. His race was not easy by a long shot, but he ran it as a fatherly figure who cared for the success of our ministry and our hearts. For those who knew him best, he was a dedicated husband and father but most of all – God’s Servant!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7, ESV