One day, early last autumn
New faces appeared on the scene
As a brave and charming young couple
Came to share in our hopes and our dreams.

They brought us their youth and their freshness,
Their faith, their talents, their prayers;
They came with some fear and some brashness
In their need to respond to His cares.

Tom and Janet soon joined us each Sunday.
Took part in our worship and praise,
Of course they brought along Obadiah,
The spirits of children to raise.

The role of a new student pastor,
And wife of the same it is true,
Must call for a great deal of patience
In adapting to me and to you.

But they coped with our weekly surprises,
Went wherever in trust they were led,
Secure in the Master’s dictum
That His servants deserve to be fed.

As a couple they soon were made welcome
In many folk’s homes for a meal,
And we soon learned to know by their comments
That their interest and love was so real.

Tom began to take part in the leading
Of worship in a regular way.
He read scripture, prayers, benedictions,
‘Til one Sunday when Bud went away.

For Tom, this was the moment,
Awaited, and yet dreaded in prayer,
When he would step into the pulpit
To test God’s calling him there.

Through hours of devout preparation,
Through study, and writing and prayer,
Came moments of real hesitation;
Could God really expect him to share

Thoughts of any deep meaning
With all of His people this day.
Then finally came the decision
To truly let God have His way.

To stand there in the pulpit
And speak in the name of the Lord
Required deep and growing communion
As he steeped in the depths of His word.

We’ve seen the results of that growing
As Tom continued his work;
Now we know as he follows His leading
New challenges Tom never will shirk.

We’re thankful for Tom and for Janet.
They’ve made our lives more abundantly rich
And we pray that our God will go with them
Wherever their tent they may pitch.

God bless you then Tom, and you Janet;
As you follow Him no matter where;
Go, knowing that we remember daily
To support you in love, and through prayer.

on behalf of
The Congregation of Avenue Road Baptist Church,
April 12, 1987.