THE ORDINATION OF CLAY MASON
Please be part of us for the ordination service of Clay Mason on Sunday, December 22, at 6:00PM.
For the final three years, Clay has served as our Interim Minister to School College students, and he additionally helps lead our Internationals and Senior Grownup ministries. Clay has not solely faithfully served in these areas, however feels referred to as to the pastoral ministry. He has expressed his need to have that decision acknowledged and affirmed by his church by ordination.
Under you will discover Clay’s testimony and name to ministry. Make plans to come back out and help him on the December 22.
THE PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF CLAY MASON
I used to be raised in a Christian dwelling by two loving dad and mom. I got here to Christ at about age eight and was baptized by Dr. C. Roy Angel at Central Baptist Church in Miami. I attended church, Sunday Faculty, and Coaching Union so long as I lived at dwelling, however I don’t recall being overly non secular, whilst a younger grownup. Even whereas claiming to be a Christian, I rebelled and moved away from what I had been taught at each dwelling and church.
After highschool, I began school however didn’t end as a result of it was tough for me. I then joined the Navy to keep away from the draft however continued my rebellious methods. By means of all of it, the Lord continued to observe over me. For instance, I wished to be a army pilot greater than something. As a consequence of my lack of a school diploma, solely the Military would permit a switch so I might attend flight faculty. The evening earlier than I used to be to switch, the usPueblo, a Naval vessel, was captured by the North Koreans thus stopping my switch. This was simply earlier than the USA received concerned within the Vietnam Battle.
After separating from the Navy, I returned dwelling to complete my training and begin working. My first job was with the Florida Division of Regulation Enforcement. After working for a number of years I lastly obtained my school diploma.
The Lord continued defending me whereas working in regulation enforcement. After a profitable sting operation that ought to have resulted in my loss of life, you’d suppose that I might start to take my religion extra severe, however I didn’t. My first marriage resulted in divorce leaving me alone, depressed, and suicidal. But the Lord continued to attract me to Him.
I began attending church once more and I bear in mind a turning level. We had a visiting artist, Andrew, singing for our youth one Sunday. The songs he sang pierced my coronary heart and soul and I bear in mind sobbing resulting from my brokenness. With the assistance and steerage of Dr. Robert McMillian and Mark Wilbanks, I rededicated my life to Christ. Since then, He gave me a second probability at marriage with a godly spouse, three extra implausible kids, and the chance to serve him.
CALL TO MINISTRY
In November 2008, I used to be employed by the Florida Supreme Court docket’s Marshall’s Workplace. I had obtained two promotions and an equal variety of commendations in simply over a 12 months. So, it was fairly a shock to me when one Wednesday afternoon my providers had been now not wanted. To say I used to be crushed can be a gross understatement. I had by no means been terminated from any job.
At the moment, Clint Purvis had introduced that he was transitioning from Minister to School College students to Minister to FSU Athletes beginning January 2009. This transfer would go away a emptiness in our school ministry right here at FBCTLH.
Only a couple weeks after my termination, Dr. Doug Dortch referred to as and requested if I might have an interest within the Interim Minister to School Scholar’s place whereas a search was made for a everlasting alternative for Clint.
After a lot prayer, I willingly accepted the invitation to serve in January 2009 till Zach Allen got here on board in January 2010. In November 2016, Josh Corridor reached out to me and requested if I might take into account filling in for six months to a 12 months. I’m now into my third 12 months as an interim and have added Internationals and Senior Adults to my ministry tasks. Pastor Gary has requested if, after a everlasting School Minister is named, I might keep on in a everlasting capability to Minister to Internationals and Senior Adults.
My love for and need to serve God was positive and after 30 plus years of ministering to varsity college students, I’ve seen the Lord’s hand on my life. Isaiah 55:eight says “For My ideas will not be our ideas, nor are your methods My methods, declares the Lord.” Little question God has been in management and now I need to reply His name on my life and to be set aside for gospel ministry.
— Clay Mason
