Rech receives MLK award

Rech receives MLK award

Times reporter, local pastor recognized at Christian Coalition gathering

news@theeveningtimes.com

Life can be full of surprises and I sure got a nice one on Dr. King’s birthday holiday this year. Part of my astonishment was that I was too busy to see it coming. As the pastor of New Hope Baptist Mission in the Lakeshore trailer park, I was busy playing host the Crittenden County Christian Coalition’s (CCCC) fifth annual MLK Holiday celebration. And wearing two hats as I usually do, was all set to take video, photos and notes to write an article about the morning events which included handing out awards named after two civil rights movement heroes Dr. King and Rosa Parks.

After a pair of sermons that honored the occasion the awards presentation came. Berry Brown of West Memphis received accolades for her lifetime commitment to civil rights. Sitting there as a reporter, I relished the opportunity to report the uplifting story.

Then Rev. Adam Davis, the CCCC treasurer stood to say a piece about the nominee for the MLK distinguished service award.

“I can’t think of a person more deserving than this gentleman that I am about to present,” said Davis, “I met him about five years ago and was greatly impressed by that meeting. I can appreciate why God sent him here for what he has done for this community.”

Well, I thought to myself, the coalition is five years old so probably a founding member. I began to think about getting behind the camera and where to line up the best photo.

“He moved here 17 years ago from Kansas,” said Davis.

I was astonished. Davis was talking about me. I had moved here in 1999 and was part of the housing and population boom in Marion when I took a job as a department manager at Family Dollar Distribution. Three years later I entered the ministry.

I really had just opened the church on Monday morning for the celebration because the group had asked. I thought I’d be greeting people on behalf of the congregation and simply reporting the event for the paper. I never saw this award coming.

“He didn’t start preaching until he got here, so there is something,” said Davis, “the Lord wanted him here. He has had a great impact in this area and helped make Crittenden County a better place to live.”

I’ve seen God bless others. I sit on the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council as community representative from the county, and participate in the West Memphis and Marion Ministerial Fellowship. Through the CRDC I’ve helped with some tough circumstances with emergency energy assistance. I’ve seen lives transformed as a teacher at the 8th Street Mission for Jesus Christ, and off and on for ten years on the board of Hope House Ministries. I habitually street preach or travel house to house sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ one on one.

I’ve seen salvation dawn in people’s eyes. There is no greater joy.

“Most of all he is a very fine pastor of a mixed congregation right here,” said Davis.

Pastor J.L. Blackledge of Lake Grove Baptist Church in Jericho had a spontaneous interruption.

He had been watching me too. Another surprise.

“He is deserving, he moved here, got involved, and never hesitated to cross those certain lines,” said Blackledge.

Well, I am astonished with the recognition of this redeemed sinner. On MLK Day what can a preacher say?

Racism is a sin. The Bible says we are one blood through the man Adam. I grew up believing that. We are all equal, each one bearing God’s image.

My parents exposed me to the plight of Hispanic migrant farm workers as I grew up in Colorado. Our family visited migrant camps and ministered with necessities. Some of my parochial grade school friends were bi-lingual and I started learning Spanish.

The ministry left an indelible mark on my heart.

Now, two Hispanic congregations have been born from English as a second language classes at the trailer park church.

Hispanics are the fastest growing and largest minority community across the United States.

The other thing that this pastor/reporter must exhort is for you to do the good works of loving and serving on others. Don’t be the person that passes the wounded man on the road.

Christians, don’t just contribute to good causes.

Personally respond to your salvation in Christ. Witness to others. Love and serve others.

Thank you for the award CCCC. I was touched. I remain both surprised and honored to get an award named for the Rev. Dr.

King.

By John Rech