Eleventh Article in 90 Days of Praise Series

As is always the case in life, we have good days and bad days, mountain tops and valleys of despair.   The same is true in a church family.   Stones River has celebrated some wonderful days of ministry as she has been blessed through the leadership of some great men of God.   In 1970, sadness griped the heart of our people as Reverend Raymond Napier, our pastor, was found dead in his study on Wednesday, just prior to prayer meeting, the result of an apparent stroke.

We have known heartache as well as difficult and trying moments throughout our history.   One of those defining moments came in 1970, as Sewart Air Force Base was closed.   We were in the midst of building the Kagy educational building, and in a matter of weeks the church membership declined by 82%, leaving only a handful of people to bear the financial burden of this new construction..   Yet, we never faltered nor waned, knowing that God was in full control of this ministry.

Yet, among some of the sad and difficult events she has endured, was the tragic death of an interim pastor, Brother Grover Kagy, who died in an automobile accident while mnistering to this dear church in 1974.   It is in his honor and memory that our old education building, constructed in 1976, is named.

We owe what we are today to some strong and dedicated individuals who believed God's promise, and would not give up on the vision He had given this church in 1952.  As your pastor for over 14 years, I can tell you without fear or trepidation, that no matter what the future should hold we will march onto victory because God is leading us every step of the way.   To God be all praise, glory and honor.
~ Brother Ross ~