Tribute to Bishop Kenneth D. Beckwith

Bishop Kenneth D. Beckwith

Bishop Kenneth D. Beckwith

July 21, 1931 ~ February 18, 2014

Ozark, Alabama

Loving Pastor, Husband, Father, and Friend

Giving honor to Bishop Beckwith, Pastor and Mentor of our beloved Pastor Ken Foreman. He often speaks of the impact this precious man of God made on his life and ministry from the very outset of his walk with God. When a life makes such a great impression on the life of another - it reaches past the here and now and extends on into eternity. Like ripples on a pond, spread, reaching from impact point to the farthest shores.

We here at New Life Apostolic, never had the privilege of meeting Bishop Beckwith in this life. Yet we have seen and experienced his influence in the care and diligence displayed by our Pastor day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. Thus, we look forward with joy to the day when we will meet him and get to thank him for giving of himself so freely and blessing us so richly.

"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love,

which ye have shewed toward His Name,

in that ye have ministered unto the saints, and do minister.

And we do desire that every one of you

do shew the same diligence to the full assurance

of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful,

but followers of them who through faith and patience

inherit the promises."

(Hebrews 6:10-12)

Who Will Take His Place?

A Tribute to James L Kilgore...
By Rachel Coltharp

There was a man who took notice of sparrows; those that fell to the ground with broken wings. He noticed them, gathered them, bound their wings, and protected them from predators that would have likely made quick work of these wounded creatures. With gentle hands, he wiped the bloodied birds, wrapped the broken bones, and fed them until they mended. Then he gave them the confidence to fly again... and fly we did. Fly we do.

Who will take his place? 
There are two answers...
  

#1 Somebody else.

#2 Me.

It is not arrogance that replies with the second answer. It is what we are called to do; to notice the pain of others, to give sacrificially, to live for something BIGGER than ourselves. To cast every crown, every praise, every accolade at the feet of Jesus. To be Jesus in skin.

Who will take his place?

We will.

Long live the memory of the man who noticed, who was never too busy to shelter, to mend, and to teach us to fly.

_____________________

Editor's Note: Bro. James L. Kilgore pastored in Houston, Texas for many years. Close friend of our Bishop, Charles R. Grisham, Bro. Kilgore was a man of vision and passion, with the heart of a servant. This tribute was written by Rachel Coltharp.