It was my privilege to serve Second Baptist Church of Baytown, Texas back in the 1960s and 70s. It was some of the most exciting years of my ministry as God did a wonderful work in the church. I don't remember that we were did a lot of "programs". I just remember God making wonderful changes in the lives of many individuals.
It's been seven years since I was last in Baytown; we were there for the wedding of Pamela Brewer. We went down a couple of weeks ago for the funeral of one of the "saints" of the church, Corrine Craig. I use the term "saint" very sparingly, and it fits Corrine so well. Corrine and her deceased husband Curtis were the parents of seven children, some born in Missouri and some born in Texas.
Curtis and Corrine had arrived in Baytown in the late 1940s seeking a job. They were very poor; they lived in a little apartment alongside the railroad track. Their son Bob, who preached his mother's funeral message, told of the time when a lady from the local Baptist church stopped at their house. She had to slow down for the drive over the railroad track, and she looked out the car window to see a little girl playing in the yard. The lady asked Corrine if she could come by and pick up the little girl (Robin) and take her to Sunday School. That is what happened, and because of the visit, the entire family accepted Christ, became believers, and have served the Lord faithfully over the years.
Wow, what a story!
Maybe we need to drive around a little and look at the fields that are white unto harvest.
Corrine's funeral was a wonderful celebration. Her life reflected Jesus. She was a wonderful inspiration. I remember her energy and enthusiasm during my years in Baytown. Those who have come behind her have found her faithful.
We have lots of friends in Baytown, and we'll probably be headed down that way for other funerals in the future. That's what the Christian life is all about; we are going to celebrate God's wonderful work in the lives of his people.
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