Last night was truly a tremendous night as leaders and friends from all over America came together for a surprise birthday party and time of honor for my 91 year old grandfather Roy Stockstill. He is the founder of Bethany World Prayer Center, faithful minister of the Gospel for over 60 years, and loving husband for 63 years. WOW! What a legacy he has created for our family!

In a day where scandal and reproach on our Lord Jesus name are not only common, but sadly expected, it is a great privilege and joy to watch the life of an average man born in Picayune, MS (as the 7th of 10 children) become a legend of faith. He lived a life of honesty, humility, and holiness before God and birthed many thousands and tens of thousands into the Gospel of Jesus Christ both locally and worldwide. HIs life and legacy will be remembered by so many incredible memories and sayings when he is gone and in all of this there is not one mark against him as a man of God, husband, or pastor. This doesn’t mean he was perfect, or that to be a great man of faith you have to be perfect, but it does mean that you can make it all the way from salvation to eternity without blowing it or compromising the name of Jesus. This does mean that you can love one woman your whole life and never dabble in the desires of the flesh or fall prey to the lure of greed and pride.

As I write this blog to primarily young people, I want to say to you and any believer reading that a life like Brother Roy’s is proof that we can be like Christ and live our whole life in integrity. It proves that we do not have to be like the world but can be changed into a new creation that is circumcised at heart from the sin nature that constantly seeks our destruction. It proves that a man can be filled with God’s Spirit for every day of His existence in Christ and sing, shout, dance, preach, weep, laugh, and love with all the grace that Christ has given us. It proves that if you will stay in love with Jesus for your whole walk with Him that countless lives WILL be affected and Jesus will receive great glory from your life. Finally, it proves that you can receive great honor in your memory and be received into your heavenly reward with many crowns to cast at Jesus’ feet.

I pray today that you will be stirred in your heart to press on till you reach the mark of the high calling set before you. It is a high calling! Don’t worry about fame or money, but instead, be filled with God’s Spirit every day afresh and watch how He will raise you up and honor you before the watching world.
Psa. 31:19 How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You. You lavish it upon those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world.