OUR PASTOR
He steps up to the pulpit it seems without a friend,
And painstakingly delivers his sermon from beginning to end!
Like a veteran artist taking a brush in his hand,
He paints a "true to life" picture of the frailties of man!
Our pastor preaches with love in his heart though he often seems stern,
As he takes the "gospel plow" and gives our "fallow ground" a turn!
He is more than just a pastor! He is a friend and Brother too!
If we follow in his footsteps we will surely "make it through!"
This man is not a "hireling" but a shepherd of his sheep!
He has often prayed and asked God our tender souls to keep!
It is very obvious he has our well being at heart,
As he digs into God's word some "Nugget" to impart!
Our pastor is there when our babies are born and helps us bury our dead.
He visits us in the hospital and performs when we are wed!
He is available when we need counseling and our hearts are filled with doubt!
He points us all to Jesus, Who will help us "work things out!"
Our pastor is a fine example for our children and someone they can admire!
He is also easy to talk to if they so desire!
He stresses "family values!" A fine example is he!
He teaches us to love our family and treat them tenderly!
Our pastor has a burden for sinners for he was once a sinner too.
And Friend, his greatest desire is to see someone "pray through!"
"This man is too old fashioned," some modern folks would say.
But, my Friend, he just believes in adhering to "the straight and narrow way!"
Our pastor loves good fellowship and he is a faithful friend!
His door is always open with a welcome to come in!
By Robert F. Dotson © 1998
SISTER JANE
I don't believe I have ever seen a kinder person in my life,
Than Sister Jane Sutherland, our pastor's wife!
She has a meek and quiet spirit, is very soft spoken,
And has a tender heart that is easily broken.
She is a dedicated servant to Jesus, her Lord and Master,
And she is truly a credit to Brother Bennie, our pastor!
"She sure is a praying woman," I have heard Brother Bennie say!
When Sister Jane feels the urge, she just "steals away!"
Quite often she leads us in a "grand old gospel song,"
And we all join together and sing along!
Sister Jane's love for the "bus kids" is excelled by none!
Her "labor of love" is a job well done!
Before church service is o'er,
She takes her position back at the door!
Sister Jane's friendly smile is always the same,
And she makes you feel so glad you came!
She treats the church folk's kids just like her own,
And they all love and respect her even after they're grown!
Sister Jane is a fine example of good Holiness living!
You won't find anyone who is more loving or giving!
If you need a good role model for those kids you must train,
We have one among us! Her name is Sister Jane!
From the days of her youth, Sister Jane has served the Lord!
So, when she gets up to Heaven, great will be her reward!
Sister Jane has stood by Brother Bennie through the storms of life!
Friend, that's what it means to be a good Holiness wife!
Robert F. Dotson © 1998
When we received the news,
That Sister Della Hughes,
Had gone on to be with the Lord
, For her family I felt bad.
But, I couldn’t feel sad,
For she will receive a great reward!
You see, Jesus went to prepare,
Her a mansion over there,
In that city John saw coming down!
And as a part of Christ’s bride,
She will stand by His side,
In a beautiful robe and crown!
I’m so glad we met,
I shall never forget,
How sister Della was always the same.
As through this life she trod,
Her mind was on serving God.
She had no thought of worldly fame
Life dealt Sister Della some severe blows.
But, God in Heaven knows,
With His help she made it through!
She was able to stand,
By holding to His hand.
The Holy Ghost was her Comforter too!
She was proud of Brother Bennie, her son,
And the work he has done,
Winning souls for Jesus our Lord
. And one day soon again they’ll meet,
On Heaven’s beautiful golden street,
And share that Heavenly reward!
Robert F. Dotson © 2000
Troubles and trials are all around.
But a shelter I have found!
Where peace and love can still be found,
In my Father’s house!
The far country has lost its hold on me.
From its lures I’ve been set free!
I’m as happy as I can be,
In my Father’s house!
I shall never stray no more.
I’ve found the joy I had before!
Many blessings lay in store,
In my Father’s house!
By His Spirit I am led!
At God’s table I am fed!
There is never lack of bread,
In my Father’s house!
When it comes my time to go,
In my robe as white as snow,
I’ll join my friends from long ago,
In my Father’s house!
Oh, what a beautiful place!
Heartaches are gone without a trace!
I’ll meet Jesus face to face,
In my Father’s house!
Robert F. Dotson © 1998
They are various ages and sizes.
They are full of surprises!
They are apt to try your patience, it's true.
But without Brother Winkler and Brother Rice,
To treat them nice,
What would our bus kids do?
Thank God for Brother Glenn,
Who joyfully welcomes them in,
And Brother Henry who helps them toe the line!
Brother Carl driving the church bus,
Is a definite plus,
Toward letting the gospel light shine!
The two Brother Davids and Brother Todd,
Do an important work for God,
When they bring the children in on the van!
Then at church there are several others,
Of our Sisters and Brothers,
Who perfectly fit into the Master's plan!
Once they are in a Sunday School class,
The children might be inclined to sass.
Or they may sit as still as a mouse!
What is most important, you know,
Is that with love we show,
They are welcome in their Father's house!
For all too soon the years will have flown,
And they will be grown.
Being adults they'll face a world of sin and strife.
So we must teach them well.
So they can avoid hell,
And embrace Jesus and Eternal life!
Robert F. Dotson © 1998
So you want to be a preacher, Son! You’d better think it o’er!
Remember you will be a servant for life, that and nothing more.
You need to forget all the glamour stories you have ever heard,
And have an enormous appetite for praying and reading God’s word!
You must be very certain you are not just hearing "Daddy’s call!"
Have you "prayed through" about it and promised God your all?
Do you love God’s children every one the same?
Can you "take the heat" if it be for Jesus’ name?
Can you suffer persecution if it be for the gospel’s sake?
Will God have the final word in every decision you make?
Have you decided in your heart, "Not my will but Thine be done?"
Will every part of your life be dedicated to God’s Son?
Do you possess a Spirit that is humble and meek,
And also have God’s boldness when it is time for you to speak?
Are you seeking God’s will while searching for a wife?
Remember, she must be someone who also lives a Holy life!
For if she doesn’t love God to the degree that you do,
She will not be a help, but a hindrance to you!
Is being an evangelist somewhere in your plan?
If so, you will have to be a very special man!
For you must swiftly and unselfishly leave your all,
And travel across the land in answer to God’s call!
Do you aspire to be a pastor? It takes a rare breed!
You must live by faith and trust God for your every need!
Do you desire to be the under shepherd over God’s sheep?
If so there will be nights that you won’t get much sleep!
You may have to get up in the morning at two or even three,
When some dear saint says, "Pastor, I need you to pray for me."
But, if there are no questions in your heart, you have passed the test!
So go forth into God’s harvest and give to Him your best!
Robert F. Dotson © 1998
They have an awesome responsibility. They are entrusted with the sowing of seed,
In the hearts and minds of boys and girls. They're well qualified to meet the need!
For their lives have been touched by the Master! So they can touch others as well!
They must reach these young lives for Jesus or the difference is Heaven or Hell!
They may teach them about David slaying Goliath, how evil was overcome by good,
Or tell of the Good Samaritan who loved his neighbor as he should!
The story of Moses is intriguing. For a man who will obey,
Can be a great influence on others and lead them in the right way!
The story of Daniel is inspiring! He was a young man who "stood his ground!"
Yes, in all the kingdom of Babylon no wiser young man could be found!
But the most important story is the one that never grows old!
It's how Jesus came to save them! It's the greatest story ever told!
Teachers, whether you have a nursery class or even a class of teens,
Remember, you may be the only true Christian these kids have ever seen!
Or it may be that teaching an adult class happens to be your lot!
Well, just keep right on praying and studying and "giving it all you've got!"
Folks our church couldn't function without you! You're a very important part!
So, may we say we love and appreciate you from the bottom of our heart!
Who can declare the worth of a Sunday School teacher? These dedicated servants
of God who donate their time week after week are indispensable!
For the most part, theirs is a thankless task. It is performed with love in their
hearts for the little vessels that are placed in their tender care!
The love they exhibit for these children is the only true love some may ever know!
And, though visible results are not always readily seen; the impact made on young
children in Sunday School, could very well be the turning point in their precious lives!
Robert F. Dotson © 1998
I watch him as he walks away,
With his shoulders squared and standing tall.
I cannot find the right words to say,
For I know he must heed his country's call!
His mother and I taught him all the right stuff,
Love of God and love of his fellow man.
We taught him that if life's road gets rough,
We must accept it as God's plan.
I watch him as he walks away,
A boy who has become a man overnight.
Wasn't it only yesterday I watched him play?
And now he must go and fight.
I watch him as he walks away.
I'm as proud as I can be
How often I have heard folks say,
He's "the spittin" image" of me!
I watch him as he walks away.
He's just topped the little hill.
I hope we'll meet again some day.
I pray it is in God's will.
I watch him as he walks away,
With tears streaming down my face,
Knowing there will be many a lonely day,
Around the old home place.
I watch him as he walks away.
Then I place him in God's hands.
Ah, I know He'll not my trust betray!
You see, He loves and understands!
Robert F. Dotson © 2003
Once more I climb aboard memory's train,
And I'm whisked back to days of yore,
Beyond the sorrow and the pain,
Where I quickly find an open door!
Again I step into the past,
Though only for awhile I know.
For memories are not made to last,
Not even the ones we cherish so!
Sweet memories linger in my mind.
But, like a vapor they soon disappear.
Yet each time they visit me I find,
A hidden treasure from yesteryear!
Sometimes I think of days gone by,
When life was whimsical and carefree!
Then, suddenly I become the young lad that was I,
And wonder how this can be.
For without a worry on my mind,
I walk barefoot down a country road,
And chuckle with childish glee to find,
In my pocket a friendly toad!
Later, resting upon my shoulder,
I'll carry a fishing pole.
And then alone or with someone older,
I head for my favorite fishing hole!
I love walking barefoot to the creek to wade,
With the grass like velvet beneath my feet!
And much later I find a pleasant shade,
A welcome refuge from the heat!
Ah, the world was all mine back then!
No mountain was too tall!
But, now I must board memory's train again,
For I hear the present call!
Robert F. Dotson © 2003
