One of God's True Servants

I met Sue Wicker somewhere around 1985, and soon thereafter she and her husband started attending Benevolence, where I was pastor. It didn’t take me long to realize that God had sent us one of His true servants. Benevolence was an incredible church and lots was happening. Sue found her niche and was soon doing what she does best–serving the Body of Christ. She probably should have been an interior decorator, as she certainly has the gift, and I have watched her use it for many years. When we would host a retreat, Sue did the decorating, helped with the cooking, and served our guests, as one would expect to be served at a five star hotel. She has the uncanny ability to take virtually nothing and make something beautiful out of it. All it takes in one look around our facility at GCF and you can see her handiwork. She sees the need and meets it. No fuss, no fanfare, just servanthood.

Sue is kind–very kind, and she is patient–very, very patient. She is gentle, as gentle as a lamb. Sue never seems to notice when others mistreat her; she never holds a grudge, and, thus, she is quick to forgive. She is certainly not arrogant. She never brags–never. Sue never seeks to have her own way; instead, she defers to others.

An excellent wife, who can find? Obviously, Luke did!

The first time I ever laid eyes on Dudley Bluhm was the Wednesday night He showed up at one of our Bible studies. I really don’t think he had a clue as to what was in front of him. Actually, I should rephrase that and say, “I really don’t think he had a clue as to who was in front of him.” Yes, there were a few “bumpy” places on the road that led him to Debbie, but from what I can see it was more-than-worth it. Why, she swept him off his feet and had him dressed in proper wedding attire before he could bat an eye. I know because I was there and witnessed the entire ceremony. Everyone was a bit nervous because they met on “Kissmeonthelips.com” or whatever the name of the dating site was. Most had simply forgotten the fact that God arranges meetings such as this one however He pleases, without regard to the opinions of His children, which is a good thing! Anyway, Dudley & Debbie have been a part of this part of the Body of Christ for quite a few years now, and believe me, that have blessed each of us in far more ways that I can count. I think God even lost count! As everyone knows, Dudley & Debbie are gracious, hospitable, generous, loving, caring, kind, servants of Jesus. Everywhere they go, they exude His love. I am truly honored to be their pastor–highly honored, actually.

This picture of the Whiteheads was taken in September of 2009. As you can see, they were enjoying themselves. When I became pastor of what was then Word Covenant Church (September 1995), now Grace Christian Fellowship, the Whiteheads were already members. In fact, Ralph was on the committee that officially called me. Little did I know concerning what was ahead, but I must say that the Whiteheads have been loyal supporters of this church and of me for many years. Data was in the catering business in a big way, even catering for the Governor of Georgia. Only God knows how many wedding cakes she baked and decorated (if He keeps up with things like that). To be sure, she was one busy, successful lady. Rest assured that this part of the Body of Christ greatly benefited from her cooking! Ralph was a contractor, Whitehead Brothers Construction Company, and he was in this business in a huge way. He built 17 of the churches on Macon, several bank buildings, many schools, the DOT building on Riverside Drive (his last major project), and only God knows how many houses (if He keeps up with that kind of thing). One of the main reasons we enjoy our present sanctuary is the manual labor and expertise he provided during its construction. Ralph & Data are two of the most generous people I have ever known, and that generosity has certainly been made evident during their years as members of GCF. Today I honor them, as I know you do, as well.