Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend a little bit of time with Van Hipp.  He and his wife Jane were members of our church many years ago.  He had not been out of Wofford long when he was elected the chairman of the South Carolina republican party. I think that he was the youngest in state history.  This young couple was a great asset to our church.

His career took him away from Spartanburg and during the Bush ’41 administration, he served as an assistant secretary of the army.  I used to see him doing interviews on some of the news talk shows. He then founded a company that provides equipment for the defense department.  He has a deep commitment to the Lord.

As we were talking, he said, “Mike, I tell people all that time that First Baptist North Spartanburg is still the best church that we have ever experienced.”  He certainly did not need to say that.  He has always been very kind.  It did make me think about how we can take for granted the blessings of God.  As individuals and as a church we are constantly being watched.

We should be grateful for what the Lord has done and at the same time look with excitement toward the future.  When we stay faithful we have the chance to impact people that are far outside our local area.  That is not a task that just belongs to a few of us.  It is one in which each of us has a part.  Let us pray that we are up to the task.