Mates Creek Annual Meeting Report 2003 by Elder Brian Moore Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is with an uplifted spirit and a joyous heart that I give the report of the 37th annual Mates Creek Association Annual meeting. In 1966 the Mates Creek brethren agreed to hold an annual meeting in addition to their annual association meeting, this years meeting marked the 37th annual meeting of the 151 year old association. The 2003 meeting was held with Peter Creek PBC of Phelps, Kentucky. Brethren, the meeting was well attended and the Spirit of our Lord could be felt throughout. Friday evening the church house was full and the following brethren took the stand. Elder John Jacobs introduced the service with a sincere and heartfelt prayer. Elders' J.C. Hagar and Mike Smith followed and were blessed to blow the trumpet in Zion. The singing was wonderful and love flowed from breast to breast. Unable to attend the Saturday morning meeting, I was informed that the hand of our Lord was once again placed about our brethren and they were again lifted up and blessed to sit in a heavenly place. The meeting continued Saturday evening at three nearby sister churches. Services were held at Raccoon Creek, Sulphur Springs and Samaria. The meeting at Sulphur Springs was met with a large congregation and the following Elders took the stand Saturday night. Elder David A. Thacker introduced the service in his own way and manner, brother David was blessed with a humble prayer. Elders Greg Moore, J.C. Hagar and Randall Thornsbury all were blessed to deliver sound uplifting messages. It was very touching to see these dear Elders as they cried loud and spared not. Elder Raymond Stanley dismissed the service and the brethren enjoyed dinner and fellowship with each other up into the night. Sunday morning, brought an unexpected snow and concerns regarding the road conditions, nonetheless, we ventured out on faith and were quite surprised by the turnout. The Peter Creek Church was overflowing with brethren and the folding chairs had to be brought out. The aisles were crowded and nearly impassable, the singing resonated off of the walls in a most glorious manner and shouting could be heard throughout. The arrangements for the day were indeed a difficult task for the deacons on hand as 26 preaching brethren were present. The service was introduced, by Elder Arnold Childress, who was ably blessed with a very humble and uplifting prayer. Following him in the stand were Elders Greg Moore, Mike Smith, and Jerry Brown. The preaching brethren were very well blessed and tears of joy streamed down the faces of many as they fed on the spiritual manna. The conclusion of the service, saw the congregation singing and shouting, as they sang four consecutive songs before dismissal, for a brief moment we were carried away and blessed to look over into that good land, forgetting our problems of this life and being made to rejoice in the promise that cannot fail. Yours in precious hope, Elder Brian Moore |
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