In Pruntytown, West Virginia alongside Route 50 there is a little white church. This church has been a home to me for 23 years. This is where my mother brought me as a new born baby. This is where I came to salvation and was baptized. This is where I started (and ended) my acting career in Christmas plays. This is where learned that Baptists loved to eat. A lot. I have cried, laughed, learned, worshipped, and rejoiced in those red pews within that church. This is where I grew up. This building and these memories have a special place in my heart but none of them compare to the other people who fill those pews. In my time on the race I have seen and experienced the importance of the church family. The purpose and necessity of having brothers and sisters in Christ who are devoted to one another.
These experiences have lead me to spend a lot of time thinking about the church that I was raised in, the values I learned from them, and how grateful I am to call the members of Beulah Baptist my family.
So this blog is for you, my wonderful family of Beulah Baptist Church,
23 years ago as an infant I was held before you all for my baby dedication. As the church you made a promise to come together with my family and raise me according the Word. In that dedication you promised to be examples for me, to pray for me, to be a wise counsel for me and to love me. 23 years later I can confidently say, you have not failed me.
As a child you faithfully taught me in Sunday school and youth group. Through your voices I fell in love with the stories of the bible. Through watching you all I learned the importance of loving and serving others in whatever way I could. You taught me the importance of reading, studying, and memorizing the Word. Through the faithful members of the prayer chain I learned the importance and power of prayer. Through your families I had countless examples of what it looks like to be a godly daughter, sister, and mother. I am positive that I could come up with a thousand others ways you have influenced and taught me but I don’t want to keep you here for too long.
I can’t talk about the way that this church has influenced me without mentioning Richard McDonald. Beulah’s faithful preacher for the first 20 years of my life. Even at a young age I remember sitting in awe of his wisdom and knowledge. He could captivate our church with his passionate sermons. I will forever treasure everything I learned from this incredible man of God.
A few months ago I uploaded new pictures to facebook and the next time I logged on many of you women had liked almost every photo and left a thousand comments. I joked with my team, “I feel like I have 25 grandmas because everytime I post anything I receive so much love from my gran and the women at church.” A few weeks later I video called Gran and she was at the Women’s Spiritual Growth Retreat at the church. She answered and instantly two heads popped in beside her and said “Is that Jada?! Oh! Let’s go outside and talk to her.” It was so comforting and sweet to see those faces from home. I hung up the call and sat in awe, on the verge of tears because I know, without a doubt, that I am so loved. I was thinking about that love and felt God say “That’s how it is meant to be. This is how I created the church to function.”
God created the church with such a beautiful purpose. It is meant to be a family brought together through Christ. A family where love runs deep, encouragement abounds, wisdom and knowledge are shared, and grace overflows. The church is called to raise up disciples and bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. The church is so much more than a building you visit and the hands you shake on Sunday mornings.
When I signed up for the race I was unsure of leaving and terrified at the thought of fundraising and being away from home. I remember the first time I stood in front of you and announced this adventure; after the service I was overwhelmed by the love and support I received. You promised to support me in whatever way you could and wow, you moved mountains to help me. I know that you have been praying for this time away ever since I announced it. You selflessly helped my fundraising journey through donations and serving at fundraising events. I know that I would not be here today if I did not have all of you. I know that just because I’ve been gone for nine months that hasn’t stopped you from encouraging and praying for me. I’m sure you all have been comforting my family while I have been gone. The love and support that you fill my life with means so much.
So while I miss you all, I have to say, it’s your fault I am gone. You inspired and equipped me so well that I couldn’t say no when God’s call came.
So, from the depths of my heart, thank you!
Thank you for..
23 years of love.
23 years of teaching.
23 years of prayer.
23 years of family.
I can’t wait to be with you all again in just three months!
