Congratulations Bro. Garland Moore

Western Association's Garland Moore was elected 1st Vice President of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico at the Convention's annual meeting, Oct. 28-29. Working as closely as I do with Garland, I can see in him what others do. He exemplifies my favorite Bible verse, Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

I didn't have the opportunity to nominate Bro. Garland; but, had I done so, this is what I would have said:

"Mr. President. I wish to nominate for 1st Vice President Bro. Garland Moore. It has been said that one cannot lead others where he himself has not yet gone. Effective leaders have done and are doing what they call others to do. If this is true, than Garland Moore is definitely an effective leader, faithfully performing the most crucial tasks of a pastor.

"Garland is a pastor, faithfully serving the Immanuel Baptist Church. He is an evangelist. I've seen him linger at an intersection to witness with a highway worker. He is a missionary, having traveled oversees and across our nation to bring Christ to others. He is a church planter, leading his church in sponsoring two church-type missions as well as the Community Outreach Center in Grants. And he is a proven disciplemaker. Two men discipled under his ministry pastor those two church plants, while another serves in the local Truck Stop ministry, and many serve the Outreach Center. Most of all, he is a prayer warrior. I love to pray with Garland. It's obvious that, even as the prayer begins, this isn't the first time he's met with God today.

"When I consider all that any pastor need be, I see these qualities. And the fact that Garland so humbly displays them suggests to me that he is an appropriate role model and leader for our Convention. Thank you."

I certainly do not want to embarrass my brother; but, we can all learn from his testimony. So, to my friend and partner in ministry I say "Congratulations!" To the rest of us, let's consider the outcome of the way of life shown and imitate the faith propelling it, that our Lord would be glorified in all we do.

To His Glory!
Bro. Jim