Brother Al, you are one of the elders at Bear Creek Baptist Church, and you have been an example to others in righteousness and integrity for many years now. So we’d like to ask you a few questions to glean from your wisdom and experience. Here are seven questions we have for you.

What are some miracles that God has done in your life; things that you always remember?

As far as personal miracles in my life my first thought is of those many supernatural events recorded in God’s Word – the 10 plagues in Egypt, leading up to the exodus of the Hebrews and their crossing of the Red Sea on dry ground, Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Jesus’ many healings and even raising several from the dead, His walking on water, just to name a few. In comparison, I have had no such miracles in my life, but I don’t want to discount the everyday miracles that occur due to God’s supernatural act of creation and His supernatural power to maintain and sustain that creation, of which I am a beneficiary, and for that, most grateful. I also recognize that life is very fragile and precarious and unpredictable, and we are all just one mishap away from a catastrophic injury or death. While I have no specific instance of God’s miraculous protective intervention, I am aware of and thankful for God’s unseen hand of protection on my life.

What are some of the things you’re most grateful for?

First and foremost is that God sought me out to have a relationship with Him, and then my wife and daughters, other family, church family and friends, and the beauty of God’s creation.

What do you pray about most?

The things I pray about most is being grateful for so many blessings, intercessory prayer for those hurting and in need (to include undeniable, supernatural, divine intervention type of physical healing) and for persecuted Christians around the world.

What is one thing you’d love to have more of?

The kind of faith that withstands persecution.

Who are your role models?

My role models include those Christians living in areas hostile to the Gospel and yet unyielding in their faith. I am humbled by the hardships they endure for their faith and the willingness they have to forgive their persecutors. I would encourage every Christian to read their stories. Closer to home, Brother Nick is my role model. He is a tireless and faithful worker for the Lord’s kingdom. Mahatma Ghandi reportedly stated, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” If he had met Brother Nick, he would no longer be able to use that excuse, for Pastor Nick is the real deal, and his life is reflective of his faith.

What is your favorite Bible verse? And what does it mean to you?

My favorite bible verse is this: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

This verse is my favorite because it speaks to the certainty of my salvation. Prior to trusting in Christ alone for my salvation, I was under the mistaken belief that I could never know for certain whether I had eternal life, since I was trusting more in my good works than faith in Christ for salvation. When trusting in Christ alone, I know that I have eternal life, because Christ paid the penalty for my sins and my salvation is not dependent on my good works. This verse confirms that truth and offers a great deal of assurance.

What is your favorite song?

It is hard to choose one favorite song because there are numerous praise and worship songs that are honoring to the Lord and uplifting to my soul. However, “Waymaker” speaks of the unseen work of God and reminds me that God IS a miracle worker, even when I don’t’ feel God working or I don’t see God working. This song encourages me because it reminds me that God never stops working. And He is working to accomplish His purpose for my life.