A PUBLICATION OFStrengthened To Do All Things (and Other Duties As Assigned): Observe the Godly service of Dawn Haney ... One of the threads that helps knit together our fellowship

FAITH • HOPE • LOVEFAITH • HOPE • LOVE

A PUBLICATION OFA PUBLICATION OF

2020 LEGACY PUBLICATION • ISSUE 32

As this third edition of “Legacy” neared completion the hymn “What Is A Church”* came to mind. It’s based on the scripture “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a priesthood” ( 1 Peter 2:5 ESV). A refrain in the lyrics captures the heart of FBCSA and the purpose of “Legacy:

The church is not a building,The church is not a steeple,The church is not a resting place, The church is a people!

We know the faith, hope and love of our members past and present are the true building blocks. We can see how God’s steadfast love has guided our Church body for over 150 years.

We’re thankful for the response and encouragement for “Legacy”. We continue to receive recommended stories of FBCSA members past and present for future publications. But, we believe we have only scratched the surface. There are many stories yet to be told. Please, don’t forget to submit your recommendations for future stories. Keep in mind the closing lines of “What Is A Church”:

And when the people gather,there’s singing and there’s praying,There’s laughing and there’s crying sometimes, All of it saying...I count if I am ninety,Or nine, or just a baby;...

*Richard Avery and Donald Marsh

- FBCSA Legacy Board

Message From Editorial Board

2020 LEGACY PUBLICATION • ISSUE 3 3

Legacy PublicationIssue 3 • September 2020

515 McCullough Ave.San Antonio, TX 78215

210.226.0363

fbcsa.org/legacy

CONTENT

Strengthened To Do All Things (and Other Duties As Assigned): Observe the Godly service of Dawn Haney Serving God - From Cotton Fields to Lofty Clouds:Observe the Godly service of Rex Shannon From Salesman to Greeter(s): Observe the Godly service of Joe & Sandy Etheridge

Teaching The Word of God:Observe the Godly service of Jean Nystrand Poem: In The ValleyA poem by Dan Panter

Pray First: LegacySuggestions with a general prayer prompt related to the article in some way.

125

138

1411

CONTRIBUTORS

WRITERS:Susan Spoon

Ken CoffeeCindy Muir

PHOTOS:David Wickersham

Mikel Allen

A M E S S AG E F R O M

Pastor Larry Soape

- Living & Leaving A Godly Legacy -

It began in 1861. First Baptist Church of San Antonio was formed with 13 charter members, joining together to worship God and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, 158 years later, God is still at work in this place. Over the years, men and women have served faithfully in a myriad of ministries and roles. Many of their stories will never be known.

One of the threads that helps knit together our fellowship of believers are the stories of how lives have been changed through their relationship with Christ and how, they have in turn, changed the lives of others.

As you read this issue of Legacy, pay attention to the common thread of service to others that is so evident in the lives of these members. God has placed each member of First Baptist Church here with a purpose. We are here according to His plan. Enjoy reading about how He has used these faithful servants and reflect on His gracious love for First Baptist Church over these past 158 years!

(and Other Duties as Assigned)

Interviewed and Written Interviewed and Written by Susan Spoonby Susan Spoon

STRENGTHENEDSTRENGTHENEDTO DO ALL THINGSTO DO ALL THINGS


Dawn Haney’s “official” title is Dawn Haney’s “official” title is Administrative Assistant to the Pastor...Administrative Assistant to the Pastor...five little words that don’t really five little words that don’t really convey the myriad of tasks she tackles convey the myriad of tasks she tackles each week! In addition to supporting each week! In addition to supporting two pastors for the past 18 months, two pastors for the past 18 months, she handles the needs of three she handles the needs of three committees (personnel, bereavement, committees (personnel, bereavement, denominational relations), the deacon denominational relations), the deacon ministry, the TV prayer ministry, and ministry, the TV prayer ministry, and the baptism committee—including the baptism committee—including washing towels and robes after use. washing towels and robes after use. To understand how she manages it all To understand how she manages it all so serenely, you need to understand so serenely, you need to understand her story.her story.

Dawn’s life verse is Philippians 4:13: “I Dawn’s life verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him whocan do all things through Him whostrengthens me.” She’s been calling strengthens me.” She’s been calling upon the Lord’s strength all her life. upon the Lord’s strength all her life. Born Dawn Mayton in Corpus Christi, Born Dawn Mayton in Corpus Christi, she was in the cradle roll at Morgan she was in the cradle roll at Morgan Avenue Baptist Church. “My dad didn’t Avenue Baptist Church. “My dad didn’t take us to church. My mom was the take us to church. My mom was the Primary 3 coordinator (third graders), Primary 3 coordinator (third graders), and I was at the church every time the and I was at the church every time the doors opened.” A baby boy named Vic doors opened.” A baby boy named Vic Haney was also enrolled, and the two Haney was also enrolled, and the two of them would experience church life of them would experience church life

together as toddlers, preschoolers, together as toddlers, preschoolers, children, youth, and young adults. children, youth, and young adults. Dawn became the church organist Dawn became the church organist at age 14.at age 14.

The next year, her family’s life was The next year, her family’s life was changed completely when her father changed completely when her father died unexpectedly. “I was 15 and died unexpectedly. “I was 15 and my sister was 10. Mom went back to my sister was 10. Mom went back to work, so I took care of the house and work, so I took care of the house and the cooking. We had only one car, so the cooking. We had only one car, so I would drive downtown to pick up I would drive downtown to pick up Mom at work. I never thought of it as Mom at work. I never thought of it as tedium—it was what I was expected tedium—it was what I was expected to do because of the circumstances. to do because of the circumstances. It was a joy to help Mom; she It was a joy to help Mom; she

worked hard at Lichtenstein worked hard at Lichtenstein Department Store in the ready-Department Store in the ready-to-wear department. She to-wear department. She was a master seamstress and was a master seamstress and also sewed at home. I went also sewed at home. I went to college at Del Mar Junior to college at Del Mar Junior College for two years, living College for two years, living at home and attending our at home and attending our church.” Not the typical high church.” Not the typical high school/college experience, school/college experience, but God gave her strength.but God gave her strength.

In 1965, Dawn was engaged to In 1965, Dawn was engaged to Vic; he attended Southwestern Vic; he attended Southwestern Baptist Seminary and she went Baptist Seminary and she went to North Texas State University to North Texas State University in September. “In December, I in September. “In December, I found out Mom had cancer, so found out Mom had cancer, so I moved home at the semester I moved home at the semester break. Vic and I were to be break. Vic and I were to be married in June; we moved it married in June; we moved it up to April so Mom could be up to April so Mom could be there, but she died in February. there, but she died in February. Vic wanted us to go ahead and Vic wanted us to go ahead and marry and be together in Fort marry and be together in Fort Worth. But I had a 15-year-Worth. But I had a 15-year-old sister at home without old sister at home without

parents. I had to get my sister settled parents. I had to get my sister settled and deal with the estate. Our next-and deal with the estate. Our next-door neighbor offered to look after door neighbor offered to look after her until she finished high school. her until she finished high school. So we married in April at Morgan So we married in April at Morgan Avenue in 1966. My sister went on Avenue in 1966. My sister went on to Sam Houston State University, but to Sam Houston State University, but home was where we were. She spent home was where we were. She spent holidays and summers with us. That holidays and summers with us. That was a joy for me. It was the Lord giving was a joy for me. It was the Lord giving me a spiritual foundation, teaching me a spiritual foundation, teaching me to trust Him, directing me to grow me to trust Him, directing me to grow up. I was 20, married, and responsible up. I was 20, married, and responsible

for a 15-year-old girl. We had some for a 15-year-old girl. We had some issues, because I wasn’t her mom...issues, because I wasn’t her mom...but I was all she had. She’s one of the but I was all she had. She’s one of the joys of my life.” Not the typical college/joys of my life.” Not the typical college/newlywed experience. But God gave newlywed experience. But God gave her strength.her strength.

During seminary, Vic accepted the During seminary, Vic accepted the call to pastor Cresson Baptist Church call to pastor Cresson Baptist Church outside Fort Worth. “A sweet, precious outside Fort Worth. “A sweet, precious experience! One Saturday morning, experience! One Saturday morning, we got a telephone call from Vic’s we got a telephone call from Vic’s mom. She asked if we were interested mom. She asked if we were interested in adopting a child privately in Corpus in adopting a child privately in Corpus Christi. This came out of the blue, but Christi. This came out of the blue, but both of us said yes. We didn’t know both of us said yes. We didn’t know anything about the baby, whether boy anything about the baby, whether boy or girl. And we had to wait a week, or girl. And we had to wait a week, because we were having a revival at because we were having a revival at the church. That gave me time to quit the church. That gave me time to quit my full-time job. My office and the my full-time job. My office and the church gave me baby showers, and church gave me baby showers, and by Friday, our nursery was complete. by Friday, our nursery was complete. On Monday, we went to Corpus and On Monday, we went to Corpus and got our nine-day-old daughter.” got our nine-day-old daughter.” Dawn found herself a brand-new Dawn found herself a brand-new mom with a week’s notice! “I had no mom with a week’s notice! “I had no idea what to do with a baby!” But God idea what to do with a baby!” But God strengthened her.strengthened her.

When their daughter Lisa was six When their daughter Lisa was six months old, the Haneys were called months old, the Haneys were called to FBC Three Rivers for two years, to FBC Three Rivers for two years, where their second child Leslie was where their second child Leslie was born. When Leslie was about three, born. When Leslie was about three, she needed major surgery. “They were she needed major surgery. “They were scary days. I prayed God would show scary days. I prayed God would show the doctor what was going on. And the doctor what was going on. And that we’d recover financially. During that we’d recover financially. During her surgery, I sat and crocheted in her surgery, I sat and crocheted in her room for three hours. I was calm her room for three hours. I was calm and peaceful. I’d left it with God, and and peaceful. I’d left it with God, and there was no reason for me to take it there was no reason for me to take it back! All the experience I’d had with back! All the experience I’d had with Dad and Mom and my sister gave me a Dad and Mom and my sister gave me a good foundation. Leslie is God’s first.” good foundation. Leslie is God’s first.” Leslie has been fine ever since. And Leslie has been fine ever since. And God strengthened Dawn throughout God strengthened Dawn throughout the ordeal.the ordeal.

In 1987, Dawn was working as In 1987, Dawn was working as secretary to the personnel director at secretary to the personnel director at Schertz-Cibolo- Universal City School Schertz-Cibolo- Universal City School District. One of the ministers at FBCSA District. One of the ministers at FBCSA called her multiple times to come called her multiple times to come work for him, but she was reluctant work for him, but she was reluctant

“Dawn maintained a positive, “can “Dawn maintained a positive, “can do” spirit in all circumstances. Her do” spirit in all circumstances. Her godly attitude and smile set the godly attitude and smile set the tone in the office. She never failed tone in the office. She never failed to display her understanding of to display her understanding of how a Christian should handle how a Christian should handle life’s challenges. She spent her life life’s challenges. She spent her life as a pastor’s wife and understood as a pastor’s wife and understood the peculiarities of both pastors the peculiarities of both pastors and people, helping me minister. and people, helping me minister. She related exceptionally well to She related exceptionally well to the people who called or wanted the people who called or wanted to see the pastor. She helped me to see the pastor. She helped me clarify my thoughts as I sought to clarify my thoughts as I sought to communicate. Dawn set the communicate. Dawn set the standard for a pastor’s secretary standard for a pastor’s secretary and she set it high!”and she set it high!”

-Harry Lucenay-Harry Lucenay


to leave a job she loved, five minutes to leave a job she loved, five minutes from home, to make a daily 23-mile from home, to make a daily 23-mile drive on I-35. She went to an interview, drive on I-35. She went to an interview, planning to put an end to the calls—planning to put an end to the calls—and ended up accepting the job. She and ended up accepting the job. She began working here in the fall of 1987...began working here in the fall of 1987...six weeks before the rancorous church six weeks before the rancorous church split. Dawn worked for the minister split. Dawn worked for the minister of recreation, then added the singles of recreation, then added the singles minister and eventually the business minister and eventually the business administrator. After a year, when the administrator. After a year, when the church called Harry Lucenay as pastor, church called Harry Lucenay as pastor, she also helped him. Three months she also helped him. Three months later, Harry asked her to be his full-later, Harry asked her to be his full-time admin assistant, and she agreed.time admin assistant, and she agreed.

Dawn and Vic began a new Dawn and Vic began a new congregation, Parkway Baptist Church, congregation, Parkway Baptist Church, in Cibolo in 1988. For three of the in Cibolo in 1988. For three of the 15 years of service in that church, 15 years of service in that church, Dawn drove home every Wednesday Dawn drove home every Wednesday

after working at FBCSA and finished after working at FBCSA and finished preparing a meal for 90 to 100 people preparing a meal for 90 to 100 people in her kitchen, to be served in their in her kitchen, to be served in their home. Eventually a building was home. Eventually a building was built, and Dawn contributed to the built, and Dawn contributed to the purchase of the platform furniture purchase of the platform furniture by collecting all the recycling from by collecting all the recycling from FBCSA and redeeming it for cash. FBCSA and redeeming it for cash. God was her strength!God was her strength!

Throughout her career, Dawn has Throughout her career, Dawn has ministered to many people. Co-worker ministered to many people. Co-worker Julie Jones, admin assistant for FBCSA Julie Jones, admin assistant for FBCSA Youth/Logos/Ministry Coordination/Youth/Logos/Ministry Coordination/Recreation, says: “When I was hired, Recreation, says: “When I was hired,

Dawn took this new AA and helped Dawn took this new AA and helped me walk through the tasks I needed to me walk through the tasks I needed to accomplish. She is a fount of wisdom, accomplish. She is a fount of wisdom, grace, and humility. Dawn is my grace, and humility. Dawn is my daughter Suzi’s spiritual mother. Suzi daughter Suzi’s spiritual mother. Suzi was going through a difficult time was going through a difficult time and was in touch with Dawn. Over the and was in touch with Dawn. Over the course of those talks/ emails, Dawn course of those talks/ emails, Dawn presented the Gospel to her and led presented the Gospel to her and led her to a relationship with Christ. For her to a relationship with Christ. For that, I’ll be eternally grateful. I love her that, I’ll be eternally grateful. I love her like one of my sisters!”like one of my sisters!”

In 1988, Dawn met Joanne Sisk, who In 1988, Dawn met Joanne Sisk, who managed the Metro House Apartments managed the Metro House Apartments owned by FBCSA. Joanne regularly owned by FBCSA. Joanne regularly came into the office to meet with Glen came into the office to meet with Glen Cameron, the business administrator, Cameron, the business administrator, and brought her daughter. Melody was and brought her daughter. Melody was around ten years old and had Down’s around ten years old and had Down’s Syndrome. Then Joanne became ill Syndrome. Then Joanne became ill and needed an oxygen tank for several and needed an oxygen tank for several months. “When Joanne became unable months. “When Joanne became unable to care for Melody, she stayed with to care for Melody, she stayed with us,” Dawn recalls. “When Joanne died, us,” Dawn recalls. “When Joanne died, Melody lived with us for six months Melody lived with us for six months while Glen searched for a group home while Glen searched for a group home for her. We’d been told that the waiting for her. We’d been told that the waiting list was seven to ten years. So it was list was seven to ten years. So it was a God-thing that one came open in a God-thing that one came open in just six months.” Melody will be 40 on just six months.” Melody will be 40 on her birthday in July. She is still happy her birthday in July. She is still happy and well- adjusted in the same home and well- adjusted in the same home with six girls. She works full-time with six girls. She works full-time at The Unicorn Center, a vocational at The Unicorn Center, a vocational training and job placement agency for training and job placement agency for adults with intellectual development adults with intellectual development disabilities. Dawn said, “I’m considered disabilities. Dawn said, “I’m considered an ‘advocate’/family member and have an ‘advocate’/family member and have custody of her bank account.” But their custody of her bank account.” But their relationship is much more than that. relationship is much more than that. Melody spends her Thanksgiving and Melody spends her Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with the Haneys Christmas holidays with the Haneys each year.each year.

When Harry Lucenay left FBCSA in When Harry Lucenay left FBCSA in 1994, Dawn worked for interim pastor 1994, Dawn worked for interim pastor Milton Cunningham for 15 months. Her Milton Cunningham for 15 months. Her first meeting with Don Guthrie was on first meeting with Don Guthrie was on the phone. “I said, ‘Hello?’ and he said, the phone. “I said, ‘Hello?’ and he said, ‘Is this Dawn?’ ‘Yes, sir.’ His next words ‘Is this Dawn?’ ‘Yes, sir.’ His next words still ring in my ears: ‘I’m Don Guthrie, still ring in my ears: ‘I’m Don Guthrie, and I’m looking forward to being your and I’m looking forward to being your friend.’ I still hear it in my head. When friend.’ I still hear it in my head. When we met, I saw he was kind, considerate, we met, I saw he was kind, considerate, thoughtful, tender, loving...all those thoughtful, tender, loving...all those

things that Don Guthrie is, he was from things that Don Guthrie is, he was from the beginning and is to this day. I gave the beginning and is to this day. I gave him the choice of having a different him the choice of having a different secretary, but he wanted to keep me.”secretary, but he wanted to keep me.”

Dawn recalls, “The time came for us to Dawn recalls, “The time came for us to leave Parkway Baptist in 2003. After we leave Parkway Baptist in 2003. After we left, we went to FBC Universal City for 7 or left, we went to FBC Universal City for 7 or 8 years. Vic was on staff for a while. Then 8 years. Vic was on staff for a while. Then we realized I was happy (at FBCSA), knew we realized I was happy (at FBCSA), knew the church, knew the worship. I was a the church, knew the worship. I was a member for all intents and purposes; member for all intents and purposes; Vic just joined me. So we became official Vic just joined me. So we became official members in 2013. The reaction we got members in 2013. The reaction we got was, ‘It’s about time—what took you so was, ‘It’s about time—what took you so long!’ It was the right thing for us to do, long!’ It was the right thing for us to do, and we’ve been very happy.”and we’ve been very happy.” In 2007, Don Guthrie was diagnosed In 2007, Don Guthrie was diagnosed with cancer. “Like everybody else, I didn’t with cancer. “Like everybody else, I didn’t know if we’d get to keep him or not. I just know if we’d get to keep him or not. I just hurt. Then I had to take calls and try to hurt. Then I had to take calls and try to answer questions I didn’t have answers answer questions I didn’t have answers for. It was hard to see my boss have to go for. It was hard to see my boss have to go through that—see him struggle but keep through that—see him struggle but keep working. Some days he was so tired, so working. Some days he was so tired, so sick. He would say, ‘I’m going to lie down sick. He would say, ‘I’m going to lie down for a bit.’ It grew me up, knowing no for a bit.’ It grew me up, knowing no matter what he was going through, God matter what he was going through, God was still first and he pushed through it. was still first and he pushed through it. It was amazing to watch and made me It was amazing to watch and made me love him even more. He was exactly like love him even more. He was exactly like

“Dawn is a rock. Stable. “Dawn is a rock. Stable. Faithful. Generous with her Faithful. Generous with her time and her loyalty. For 30 time and her loyalty. For 30 years, every phone call, every years, every phone call, every visitor, every member of visitor, every member of the FBCSA staff has felt the the FBCSA staff has felt the influence of her prayerful, influence of her prayerful, careful life. We are better careful life. We are better because the Lord sent Dawn because the Lord sent Dawn Haney to us!”Haney to us!”

-Don Guthrie-Don Guthrie

“Dawn Haney is an “Dawn Haney is an extraordinary individual. In extraordinary individual. In just a short time, I have been just a short time, I have been amazed at how she constantly amazed at how she constantly tends to her family, herself, and tends to her family, herself, and our office with the greatest our office with the greatest care. Dawn’s comforting care. Dawn’s comforting presence helps us all to know presence helps us all to know that everything is going to turn that everything is going to turn out for the good because for out for the good because for one, our God is good, but also one, our God is good, but also because Dawn is His humble because Dawn is His humble servant. I cannot thank God servant. I cannot thank God enough for Dawn Haney and all enough for Dawn Haney and all the ways she makes life smooth the ways she makes life smooth for the rest of us.” for the rest of us.”

-Chris Johnson-Chris Johnson


he always was. People have asked me, he always was. People have asked me, ‘What’s he like outside of church?’ And I ‘What’s he like outside of church?’ And I tell them he’s the same guy he is inside tell them he’s the same guy he is inside church and behind the pulpit! The whole church and behind the pulpit! The whole Guthrie family was amazing (during his Guthrie family was amazing (during his diagnosis and treatment). They pulled diagnosis and treatment). They pulled together—there was never any panic, together—there was never any panic, any anger, none of that. Instead, it was, any anger, none of that. Instead, it was, ‘Okay, God, bump in the road, here we ‘Okay, God, bump in the road, here we go.’ Watching them was lovely for me.” go.’ Watching them was lovely for me.” Don has been cancer-free for ten years.Don has been cancer-free for ten years.

God continued to give Dawn God continued to give Dawn opportunities to serve. About two opportunities to serve. About two years ago, late one Friday afternoon, years ago, late one Friday afternoon, Dawn had a phone call from a man in Dawn had a phone call from a man in California. “I almost didn’t answer the California. “I almost didn’t answer the call, but God nudged me to pick it up. call, but God nudged me to pick it up. His daughter lived in San Antonio, and His daughter lived in San Antonio, and he hadn’t been able to reach her by he hadn’t been able to reach her by phone for six weeks. He was frantic.” phone for six weeks. He was frantic.” Dawn agreed to call the girl and see Dawn agreed to call the girl and see it she would answer. But instead, she it she would answer. But instead, she texted. “I explained who I was and texted. “I explained who I was and urged her to call her dad. I said, ‘If you urged her to call her dad. I said, ‘If you need anything, call me. I’ll be praying need anything, call me. I’ll be praying for you and glad to be your friend.’ That for you and glad to be your friend.’ That goes back to Don Guthrie, and it meant goes back to Don Guthrie, and it meant the world to me. It wasn’t 30 seconds the world to me. It wasn’t 30 seconds before I got a text back. I thought, before I got a text back. I thought, ‘Okaaay, Lord.’ She had married a man ‘Okaaay, Lord.’ She had married a man and moved here, and he turned out and moved here, and he turned out to be a user and abuser. He abused to be a user and abuser. He abused their very young daughter—a horrible their very young daughter—a horrible situation. I met her once for lunch —a situation. I met her once for lunch —a beautiful girl, a Christian, just scared to beautiful girl, a Christian, just scared to death. She was getting her master’s in death. She was getting her master’s in social work and having to live all this at social work and having to live all this at the same time. Eventually, she filed suit the same time. Eventually, she filed suit against her husband, but she felt so against her husband, but she felt so uncomfortable being in San Antonio—uncomfortable being in San Antonio—his sister and family would beat on her his sister and family would beat on her door at all hours. I texted her after I door at all hours. I texted her after I didn’t hear from her in a while, and she didn’t hear from her in a while, and she told me she’d moved back to California told me she’d moved back to California with her dad. She asked if I thought with her dad. She asked if I thought that was okay. Of course, I said that was that was okay. Of course, I said that was exactly what she should have done. exactly what she should have done. She sees her mom regularly, helps her She sees her mom regularly, helps her dad who’s partially paralyzed, has a dad who’s partially paralyzed, has a good job, church, and friends. I take no good job, church, and friends. I take no credit for it—it was all God. But I got credit for it—it was all God. But I got to be part of it because I answered the to be part of it because I answered the phone when I didn’t really want to.” phone when I didn’t really want to.” God strengthened Dawn’s resolve to God strengthened Dawn’s resolve to follow through in faith.follow through in faith.

Dawn has been in the center of the Dawn has been in the center of the unique pastoral transition of FBCSA unique pastoral transition of FBCSA for the last 18 months. “Don’s love for for the last 18 months. “Don’s love for our church and his brilliant transition our church and his brilliant transition plan have made it all possible. Not plan have made it all possible. Not that it’s been easy! When he told me that it’s been easy! When he told me I blubbered like a baby. It took me a I blubbered like a baby. It took me a year to be able to say the word retire year to be able to say the word retire and look at him without losing it.” As and look at him without losing it.” As the months have gone by, God has the months have gone by, God has strengthened her in facing the change. strengthened her in facing the change. “I’m very comfortable with the two “I’m very comfortable with the two of them. Chris is like Don in so many of them. Chris is like Don in so many ways, yet so different. He’s strong, he’s ways, yet so different. He’s strong, he’s assertive, but he’s kind and gentle. He assertive, but he’s kind and gentle. He has that same empathy and love for has that same empathy and love for people. It’s been a joy to work with people. It’s been a joy to work with both of them.” God has strengthened both of them.” God has strengthened Dawn through her time assisting two Dawn through her time assisting two full-time pastors.full-time pastors.

Concerning Don and Holly’s new life, she Concerning Don and Holly’s new life, she is thrilled for them. “He knows the Lord is thrilled for them. “He knows the Lord has something for them... something has something for them... something different from the last 20 years. He’s different from the last 20 years. He’s excited and ready to tackle that next excited and ready to tackle that next

phase. When I asked Holly ‘How’s your phase. When I asked Holly ‘How’s your house?’ she said, ‘I’m ready to be there.’ house?’ she said, ‘I’m ready to be there.’ I’ve been there when you step out of I’ve been there when you step out of the role of pastor’s wife, you have to the role of pastor’s wife, you have to figure out who you are. I was a pastor’s figure out who you are. I was a pastor’s wife for 30 years; I was Lisa’s mom or wife for 30 years; I was Lisa’s mom or Leslie’s mom, or a grandmother. I had Leslie’s mom, or a grandmother. I had to figure out who I was in my new to figure out who I was in my new situation. Holly will be doing that, too. situation. Holly will be doing that, too. They’ve said their biggest challenge They’ve said their biggest challenge will be finding a church. Who in Texas will be finding a church. Who in Texas doesn’t know Don Guthrie? Can he doesn’t know Don Guthrie? Can he just slide in and not intimidate the just slide in and not intimidate the pastor? He’s hoping he can teach a SS pastor? He’s hoping he can teach a SS class, but otherwise just be a church class, but otherwise just be a church member. And he’s looking forward member. And he’s looking forward to that!” As usual, Dawn continues to that!” As usual, Dawn continues to pray for and think first of others. to pray for and think first of others. The book of Philippians is characterized The book of Philippians is characterized by and filled with the word joy. So is by and filled with the word joy. So is Dawn Haney’s testimony. Just as God Dawn Haney’s testimony. Just as God has strengthened her to do all the has strengthened her to do all the things required of her, He has given things required of her, He has given her joy in Him (Nehemiah 8:10). We her joy in Him (Nehemiah 8:10). We are grateful for Dawn’s joy-filled are grateful for Dawn’s joy-filled service to FBCSA!service to FBCSA!

Vic & Dawn HaneyVic & Dawn Haney


You may have met Rex Shannon at You may have met Rex Shannon at the door of the covered entrance to the door of the covered entrance to First Baptist Church of San Antonio, First Baptist Church of San Antonio, extending his hand to shake yours extending his hand to shake yours and welcoming you into the church. and welcoming you into the church. At almost 98 years old, he continues At almost 98 years old, he continues to serve God as he has since 1934—to serve God as he has since 1934—with his whole heart!with his whole heart!

Rex’s parents brought their family Rex’s parents brought their family (there were 9 children) (there were 9 children) to west Texas in 1930 to west Texas in 1930 and lived on a farm and lived on a farm near Clarendon. Devout near Clarendon. Devout Baptists, they taught their Baptists, they taught their children to pray, study the children to pray, study the Bible, and attend church Bible, and attend church faithfully. At age 13, faithfully. At age 13, during a revival meeting, during a revival meeting, Rex accepted Christ Rex accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as his Lord and Savior and was immediately and was immediately baptized. Rex became baptized. Rex became more active in the church more active in the church where he was taught where he was taught to share the Gospel to share the Gospel and his faith publicly. and his faith publicly.

From elementary school From elementary school through his high school graduation in through his high school graduation in 1939, Rex was educated in Clarendon, 1939, Rex was educated in Clarendon, Texas. Unfortunately, he did not have Texas. Unfortunately, he did not have enough money to go to college after enough money to go to college after high school. Instead, he worked high school. Instead, he worked on his father’s farm until he was on his father’s farm until he was able to enroll in Draughon Business able to enroll in Draughon Business

College in 1940. There, he studied College in 1940. There, he studied accounting, shorthand, typing, and accounting, shorthand, typing, and other business classes. After Business other business classes. After Business College, Rex worked at a jewelry College, Rex worked at a jewelry store, but God had other plans for store, but God had other plans for him. Rex prayed for God’s guidance him. Rex prayed for God’s guidance and he began to feel the Spirit of God and he began to feel the Spirit of God nudge him in a different direction. nudge him in a different direction. Soon the nudge turned into a call to Soon the nudge turned into a call to action. Some of his friends from his action. Some of his friends from his

home church, First Baptist Church of home church, First Baptist Church of Lubbock, told Rex a man was coming Lubbock, told Rex a man was coming through Lubbock looking for people through Lubbock looking for people to help build airplanes for military to help build airplanes for military use. However, the school was in Los use. However, the school was in Los Angeles and Rex didn’t have the Angeles and Rex didn’t have the money to attend, let alone for the money to attend, let alone for the

added expense of travel, room, and added expense of travel, room, and board. Rex clearly remembers, “The board. Rex clearly remembers, “The Lord made provision for that. On a Lord made provision for that. On a visit to the farm outside Plainview, visit to the farm outside Plainview, I asked Dad if he could lend me I asked Dad if he could lend me the money, but he couldn’t, which the money, but he couldn’t, which I understood. So I hitchhiked from I understood. So I hitchhiked from Plainview to Lubbock (as I often did) Plainview to Lubbock (as I often did) to go back to work with jewelry. An to go back to work with jewelry. An elderly gentleman picked me up, elderly gentleman picked me up,

and we visited during the and we visited during the 30-minute drive. He’d been 30-minute drive. He’d been the mayor of Plainview the mayor of Plainview and was on his way to the and was on his way to the Rio Grande Valley, where Rio Grande Valley, where he had interest in a citrus he had interest in a citrus orchard. When he dropped orchard. When he dropped me off, he said he’d be back me off, he said he’d be back in Plainview in about two in Plainview in about two weeks and to give him a weeks and to give him a call. The Lord induced him call. The Lord induced him to lend me money to get to lend me money to get to California, pay for my to California, pay for my room and training. I couldn’t room and training. I couldn’t believe that was happening! believe that was happening! I took him at his word and I took him at his word and his word was good. At 21, I his word was good. At 21, I found myself in Los Angeles, found myself in Los Angeles, California.” Rex’s prayers California.” Rex’s prayers

for guidance were clearly answered. for guidance were clearly answered. God was faithful and exceedingly God was faithful and exceedingly abundant in providing for Rex as well.abundant in providing for Rex as well.

Toward the end of his six weeks of Toward the end of his six weeks of training, the Japanese attacked Pearl training, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States entered Harbor and the United States entered

Interviewed by Joanie MuenzlerInterviewed by Joanie MuenzlerWritten by Susan SpoonWritten by Susan Spoon

FROM COTTON FIELDS TO LOFTY CLOUDSFROM COTTON FIELDS TO LOFTY CLOUDS

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World War II. A month later, Douglas World War II. A month later, Douglas Aircraft in Los Angeles hired Rex at 90 Aircraft in Los Angeles hired Rex at 90 cents an hour. He could finally buy a cents an hour. He could finally buy a used car...but he chose to enlist in the used car...but he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps, hoping to pilot a U.S. Army Air Corps, hoping to pilot a plane instead. He went to basic training plane instead. He went to basic training in Lubbock and then air training in in Lubbock and then air training in California. He began in single-engine California. He began in single-engine planes with open-air cockpits, learning planes with open-air cockpits, learning to recover from dizzying downward to recover from dizzying downward spirals from as high as 10,000 feet. spirals from as high as 10,000 feet. After advancing to twin-engine planes, After advancing to twin-engine planes, he was ordered to Buckley Air Force he was ordered to Buckley Air Force Base in Denver for Aircraft Armament Base in Denver for Aircraft Armament School in 1943. “God has blessed me School in 1943. “God has blessed me beyond measure. As a boy in the 1920s beyond measure. As a boy in the 1920s and ‘30s, working on a cotton farm, I and ‘30s, working on a cotton farm, I would look up at airplanes flying over...would look up at airplanes flying over...never dreaming I’d ever pilot them!”never dreaming I’d ever pilot them!”

In February of 1944, Rex was In February of 1944, Rex was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Despite his desire to go to England Despite his desire to go to England to fly B-17 Bombers, Rex was instead to fly B-17 Bombers, Rex was instead assigned to Carlsbad, New Mexico, as assigned to Carlsbad, New Mexico, as a trainer. He instructed bombardier a trainer. He instructed bombardier trainees for combat by flying over their trainees for combat by flying over their targets on which they dropped sand targets on which they dropped sand bombs. Their planes had no radio, no bombs. Their planes had no radio, no contact with the ground, so Rex did a contact with the ground, so Rex did a lot of praying during these dangerous lot of praying during these dangerous exercises. When the war ended in 1945, exercises. When the war ended in 1945, Rex had 500 hours in his logbook. The Rex had 500 hours in his logbook. The G. I. Bill provided him college tuition G. I. Bill provided him college tuition

plus $75 a month, so he enrolled in plus $75 a month, so he enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Austin and earned a degree in social sciences earned a degree in social sciences (including clinical psychology) in (including clinical psychology) in 1951. Throughout those years, he 1951. Throughout those years, he faithfully attended a Baptist church faithfully attended a Baptist church and remained in the reserves. He also and remained in the reserves. He also worked part-time in the insurance worked part-time in the insurance business selling affordable polio business selling affordable polio policies and dabbled in real estate.policies and dabbled in real estate.

During the Korean War, the Air Force During the Korean War, the Air Force was looking for college graduates, and was looking for college graduates, and in 1952, two months after graduation, in 1952, two months after graduation, Rex was recalled to active duty...Rex was recalled to active duty...piloting planes at last. “I had prayed piloting planes at last. “I had prayed about this—I’d stayed in the reserves about this—I’d stayed in the reserves so that if we got into another conflict, so that if we got into another conflict, I wouldn’t have to start all over. When I wouldn’t have to start all over. When the recall came, I figured I’d be on my the recall came, I figured I’d be on my way to Korea and see active duty.” way to Korea and see active duty.” However, that’s not what happened. However, that’s not what happened. “I went back to Lubbock (Reese AFB) “I went back to Lubbock (Reese AFB) and was an instructor pilot. But it was and was an instructor pilot. But it was a real blessing—my parents lived in a real blessing—my parents lived in Plainview, and it was easy to spend time Plainview, and it was easy to spend time with them. While I was there, my father with them. While I was there, my father passed away, and I was able to help my passed away, and I was able to help my mother with all the adjustments. The mother with all the adjustments. The Lord gave us that time together that I Lord gave us that time together that I wouldn’t have had if I’d gone to Korea!”wouldn’t have had if I’d gone to Korea!”Later, Rex was based for six years in Later, Rex was based for six years in Great Falls, Montana—not known Great Falls, Montana—not known for its idyllic weather. And every for its idyllic weather. And every

mission involved a hazardous mid-mission involved a hazardous mid-air operation. Even in dense cloud air operation. Even in dense cloud cover and at night, he flew tanker cover and at night, he flew tanker planes directly over bombers while his planes directly over bombers while his assistant dropped the refueling hose assistant dropped the refueling hose to connect with the bombers’ tanks. to connect with the bombers’ tanks. Rex continued to feel God’s steady Rex continued to feel God’s steady hand of protection throughout those hand of protection throughout those treacherous operations.treacherous operations.

One of Rex’s younger sisters married in One of Rex’s younger sisters married in December 1952, and at her wedding, December 1952, and at her wedding, he met his future bride, Doris. Like Rex, he met his future bride, Doris. Like Rex, she was a strong believer and even led she was a strong believer and even led the youth at FBC Lubbock. They were the youth at FBC Lubbock. They were both 32 years old, and both had felt both 32 years old, and both had felt they might never be married. But God they might never be married. But God knew better, and their own wedding knew better, and their own wedding was a year later. In 1958, while was a year later. In 1958, while stationed at Great Falls, Rex served as a stationed at Great Falls, Rex served as a supply preacher at a nearby church. He supply preacher at a nearby church. He and Doris served faithfully as Sunday and Doris served faithfully as Sunday school teachers to children and youth school teachers to children and youth in all the churches they attended. in all the churches they attended. Doris embraced her husband’s Air Doris embraced her husband’s Air Force career—even though it meant Force career—even though it meant raising their three children (daughters raising their three children (daughters Susan Knighten and Shirley Miller, and Susan Knighten and Shirley Miller, and son Kelly Shannon) and managing the son Kelly Shannon) and managing the household while he served all over the household while he served all over the world. After Montana, Rex was based world. After Montana, Rex was based in Stephenville, Newfoundland, for a in Stephenville, Newfoundland, for a year and a half, and then moved to San year and a half, and then moved to San Antonio in 1965. In his third war, Rex Antonio in 1965. In his third war, Rex

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flew C-124 cargo planes several times flew C-124 cargo planes several times to Vietnam, delivering Huey helicopters to Vietnam, delivering Huey helicopters into war zones while under enemy fire. into war zones while under enemy fire. “I finally logged some combat time! If “I finally logged some combat time! If those Vietcong shot at me, they missed those Vietcong shot at me, they missed me, and I give God credit for that.”me, and I give God credit for that.” After a 20-year military career, Rex After a 20-year military career, Rex retired at age 48. He began a real retired at age 48. He began a real estate agency and spent the next 30 estate agency and spent the next 30 years using that social science degree, years using that social science degree, piloting people through the process piloting people through the process of selling and purchasing homes. The of selling and purchasing homes. The development of macular degeneration development of macular degeneration in his mid-80s ended his work in that in his mid-80s ended his work in that profession. After undergoing treatment profession. After undergoing treatment in 1987 and 2009, he still had to give up in 1987 and 2009, he still had to give up driving. He can read with a magnifying driving. He can read with a magnifying glass and a reading machine. “It’s a great glass and a reading machine. “It’s a great blessing— without that machine, I can’t blessing— without that machine, I can’t read or write. Even with it, everything I read or write. Even with it, everything I do now takes me twice as long and a do now takes me twice as long and a lot of effort. I like reading our Sunday lot of effort. I like reading our Sunday school quarterly and the Bible. When school quarterly and the Bible. When I was younger, I memorized verses, but I was younger, I memorized verses, but

this last February I caught the flu and this last February I caught the flu and it hurt my memory. I love Psalm 51. it hurt my memory. I love Psalm 51. There are so many great writings in There are so many great writings in the Psalms.”the Psalms.” Rex became a deacon at FBCSA Rex became a deacon at FBCSA in 2001 and eventually was named a in 2001 and eventually was named a Life Deacon. He lost his beloved Doris Life Deacon. He lost his beloved Doris in 2007, after walking side-by-side in in 2007, after walking side-by-side in her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Rex continues to serve. He takes his Rex continues to serve. He takes his deacon responsibilities seriously. deacon responsibilities seriously. He visits those who are ill or unable He visits those who are ill or unable to go to church. Until very recently, to go to church. Until very recently, he cared for the lawn of an elderly he cared for the lawn of an elderly widowed neighbor. With typical widowed neighbor. With typical pilot precision, he maintains his own pilot precision, he maintains his own

grounds beautifully and recently grounds beautifully and recently was awarded the “Yard of the Month” was awarded the “Yard of the Month” prize. He has a sharp mind, a great prize. He has a sharp mind, a great sense of humor, and a deep love for sense of humor, and a deep love for the Lord.the Lord. Rex’s sphere of influence has Rex’s sphere of influence has expanded far beyond the family farm expanded far beyond the family farm of his youth. Many still witness God’s of his youth. Many still witness God’s illuminated faithfulness, strength, illuminated faithfulness, strength, and abounding joy through Rex’s and abounding joy through Rex’s obedient servitude. He still helps with obedient servitude. He still helps with Wednesday night meals once a month Wednesday night meals once a month and attends his Area Fellowship. and attends his Area Fellowship. Rex even uses his limitations as Rex even uses his limitations as opportunities to share the Gospel. He opportunities to share the Gospel. He occasionally uses a taxi service to take occasionally uses a taxi service to take him where he needs to go—a whole him where he needs to go—a whole new mission field! He unashamedly new mission field! He unashamedly witnesses to his cab drivers and has led witnesses to his cab drivers and has led more than one to a saving faith in Christ. more than one to a saving faith in Christ. “I just praise God! It’s time for me to “I just praise God! It’s time for me to go, but He doesn’t see it that way. go, but He doesn’t see it that way. I want to stay well and help people I want to stay well and help people as much as I can.”as much as I can.”

“I love Psalm 51. There are so many great writings in the Psalms.”

- R E X S H A N N O N -


1962 was a good year for First Baptist 1962 was a good year for First Baptist Church, if for no other reason than Church, if for no other reason than it is the year Joseph and Sandra it is the year Joseph and Sandra Etheridge became members. Joe and Etheridge became members. Joe and Sandy, as they are most commonly Sandy, as they are most commonly called, moved to San Antonio in called, moved to San Antonio in their thirteenth year of marriage their thirteenth year of marriage and accepted Dr. Charles Bowles’ and accepted Dr. Charles Bowles’ invitation to come to First Baptist.invitation to come to First Baptist.

Today, Joe and Sandy are well known Today, Joe and Sandy are well known as the official greeters for the church. as the official greeters for the church. Almost everyone who visits, as well Almost everyone who visits, as well as a vast number of members, have as a vast number of members, have felt the firm, warm handshake of felt the firm, warm handshake of this venerable couple. Sunday after this venerable couple. Sunday after Sunday, Joe and Sandy are “on the job” Sunday, Joe and Sandy are “on the job” shaking hands and warmly welcoming shaking hands and warmly welcoming attendees to the 11:00 A.M. worship attendees to the 11:00 A.M. worship service. As a new member eight years service. As a new member eight years ago, needing the support of this ago, needing the support of this church family, Ginny Flanders stated church family, Ginny Flanders stated that it took a while to feel at home. that it took a while to feel at home. Sitting in our beautiful sanctuary, Sitting in our beautiful sanctuary, surrounded by hundreds of people surrounded by hundreds of people who seemed to be friends with one who seemed to be friends with one

another only accentuated another only accentuated her loneliness. John and her loneliness. John and Sandy’s notes and cards Sandy’s notes and cards were so appreciated. were so appreciated. Ginny didn’t recall a Ginny didn’t recall a single service that single service that the Etheridge’s didn’t the Etheridge’s didn’t greet her by name. greet her by name. She states that “Their She states that “Their faithfulness and loving faithfulness and loving spirit mirrored Christ spirit mirrored Christ

to me and honored the Lord to me and honored the Lord repeatedly. Still does.”repeatedly. Still does.”

Joseph, as he really prefers to be Joseph, as he really prefers to be called, is a life-long salesman, which called, is a life-long salesman, which makes him a natural for his chosen makes him a natural for his chosen service in the church. Not only does service in the church. Not only does Joseph have the gift of gab, but he Joseph have the gift of gab, but he understands what it takes to get understands what it takes to get people to do what he would like for people to do what he would like for them to do. In his former life that them to do. In his former life that meant buying his product. In his meant buying his product. In his current life, that means making sure current life, that means making sure people have a positive impression of people have a positive impression of the church he loves.the church he loves.

The couple was motivated to start this The couple was motivated to start this ministry by Randall Cash, a former ministry by Randall Cash, a former Associate Pastor, who told them of Associate Pastor, who told them of a conversation with a lady who said a conversation with a lady who said she had visited the church and not a she had visited the church and not a soul had spoken to her. Joseph and soul had spoken to her. Joseph and Sandra did not take kindly to that and Sandra did not take kindly to that and decided they could do something decided they could do something about it. They had been recruited as about it. They had been recruited as greeters by Christyne Thiele, who was greeters by Christyne Thiele, who was in charge of the greeters for Sunday in charge of the greeters for Sunday

mornings. That task was to basically mornings. That task was to basically greet people as they came through the greet people as they came through the Great Hall. Joseph noticed there were Great Hall. Joseph noticed there were numerous greeters in that location, numerous greeters in that location, so he decided to sashay through the so he decided to sashay through the worship center one Sunday to greet worship center one Sunday to greet people that had not come by his people that had not come by his station. And that was the beginning station. And that was the beginning of a twenty-year ministry of shaking of a twenty-year ministry of shaking hands. He eventually convinced his hands. He eventually convinced his bride that she could do this, also. bride that she could do this, also. So, for more than two decades it has So, for more than two decades it has been the Joe and Sandy team that been the Joe and Sandy team that has greeted multiple thousands of has greeted multiple thousands of people. Every Sunday this couple can people. Every Sunday this couple can be seen walking about the worship be seen walking about the worship center, holding one another’s hands, center, holding one another’s hands, and welcoming everyone they see.and welcoming everyone they see.

Just who are these two? Well, Joseph Just who are these two? Well, Joseph came to the Rio Grande Valley came to the Rio Grande Valley (Edinburgh) from his native Florida in (Edinburgh) from his native Florida in 1949. Sandra was a native of the Rio 1949. Sandra was a native of the Rio Grande Valley. They met in biology Grande Valley. They met in biology class at Edinburgh High School and class at Edinburgh High School and married upon their graduation in married upon their graduation in 1950. And that adds up to 68 happy 1950. And that adds up to 68 happy years of marriage. They moved from years of marriage. They moved from Edinburgh to San Antonio in late Edinburgh to San Antonio in late 1962. It is apparent to anyone who 1962. It is apparent to anyone who watches them that their marriage is watches them that their marriage is truly a happy one.truly a happy one.

Theirs is a legacy of love for the work Theirs is a legacy of love for the work they do in greeting and for their they do in greeting and for their church. When asked if they derive church. When asked if they derive anything for themselves from this anything for themselves from this work, they replied, “Joy. Sheer joy.”work, they replied, “Joy. Sheer joy.”

FFROMROM SSALESMANALESMAN

Greeter(s)to Interviewed and Written By Ken CoffeeInterviewed and Written By Ken Coffee


Interviewed and Written Interviewed and Written by Cindy Muirby Cindy Muir If you have ever visited the Pastor’s If you have ever visited the Pastor’s Class for Sunday School or attended Class for Sunday School or attended the weekly Women’s Bible Study on the weekly Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday mornings at First Baptist Tuesday mornings at First Baptist Church of San Antonio, you know a Church of San Antonio, you know a very gifted teacher: Jean Nystrand. very gifted teacher: Jean Nystrand. Administrative Assistant to the Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, Dawn Haney, describes her Pastor, Dawn Haney, describes her as “an extremely organized and as “an extremely organized and godly woman who has a love for godly woman who has a love for scripture.” How did Jean come to scripture.” How did Jean come to acquire and embrace her leadership acquire and embrace her leadership responsibilities? Although I’ve known responsibilities? Although I’ve known Jean for several years, I didn’t know Jean for several years, I didn’t know about her Bible Study Fellowship about her Bible Study Fellowship background until we recently spoke.background until we recently spoke.

Jean grew up in the Chicago, Illinois Jean grew up in the Chicago, Illinois area and studied at the University area and studied at the University of Illinois in Champaign. She was a of Illinois in Champaign. She was a church organist and a fine pianist church organist and a fine pianist but chose English as her major. While but chose English as her major. While there, she met Dan Nystrand. They there, she met Dan Nystrand. They married, and she left college to start married, and she left college to start a family. Showing her perseverance, a family. Showing her perseverance, she returned to college and finished she returned to college and finished her degree at a branch of Indiana her degree at a branch of Indiana University, where they had moved University, where they had moved after leaving the Chicago area.after leaving the Chicago area.

“God gave me a desire to be involved “God gave me a desire to be involved with activities dealing with the Word of with activities dealing with the Word of God,” she said. Confessing to feeling out God,” she said. Confessing to feeling out of her element in Indiana, she began to of her element in Indiana, she began to find her niche when she was invited to find her niche when she was invited to a local Bible Study Fellowship. For her a local Bible Study Fellowship. For her 29 years there, she began to be trained 29 years there, she began to be trained in stories of the Word and how they fit in stories of the Word and how they fit together. Leadership responsibilities together. Leadership responsibilities

naturally came and before long, she naturally came and before long, she was given the opportunity to take a was given the opportunity to take a major role in Bible Study Fellowship major role in Bible Study Fellowship abroad. She credits Dan as always abroad. She credits Dan as always being very supportive of what God has being very supportive of what God has called her to do and they moved to called her to do and they moved to London, England in 1998. Jean was a London, England in 1998. Jean was a Bible Study Fellowship representative Bible Study Fellowship representative and visited BSF locations throughout and visited BSF locations throughout the United Kingdom.the United Kingdom.

San Antonio was to become their San Antonio was to become their home in 2000 when Jean accepted home in 2000 when Jean accepted the position as Executive Director of the position as Executive Director of Bible Study Fellowship. Fellow BSF Bible Study Fellowship. Fellow BSF employees led her and Dan to visit employees led her and Dan to visit FBCSA and they began attending that FBCSA and they began attending that summer. They became involved in summer. They became involved in the Pastor’s Class for Sunday School, the Pastor’s Class for Sunday School, which had recently started and was which had recently started and was taught by Pastor Don Guthrie and R.L. taught by Pastor Don Guthrie and R.L. Herring. When she filled in as teacher Herring. When she filled in as teacher one Sunday, R.L. enthusiastically one Sunday, R.L. enthusiastically asked, “You will teach again?” Jean asked, “You will teach again?” Jean retired from BSF in 2009 and Don retired from BSF in 2009 and Don Guthrie asked if she would take on Guthrie asked if she would take on the job of being one of the full-time the job of being one of the full-time teachers of the Pastor’s Class. She teachers of the Pastor’s Class. She agreed and now the class is taught agreed and now the class is taught by her, Don and new Senior Pastor by her, Don and new Senior Pastor Chris Johnson.Chris Johnson. Jean’s involvement with FBCSA Jean’s involvement with FBCSA continued when Linda Petty and continued when Linda Petty and Anna Kingsbury asked her to teach Anna Kingsbury asked her to teach a weekly Women’s Bible Study on a weekly Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday mornings. That was in Tuesday mornings. That was in 2010 and she has been teaching 2010 and she has been teaching women at FBC ever since. She also women at FBC ever since. She also

brushed up on her musical skills brushed up on her musical skills and that same year she became an and that same year she became an accompanist for Children’s Choirs. accompanist for Children’s Choirs. Jean is currently the pianist for the Jean is currently the pianist for the Young Musicians Choir. Following Young Musicians Choir. Following her retirement in 2009, Jean joined her retirement in 2009, Jean joined the Sanctuary Choir. She especially the Sanctuary Choir. She especially loves singing in the annual Christmas loves singing in the annual Christmas at First concert.at First concert.

Dan Nystrand has been such a Dan Nystrand has been such a wonderful spiritual helpmeet for Jean. wonderful spiritual helpmeet for Jean. He started the immensely popular and He started the immensely popular and beneficial program called “Christianity beneficial program called “Christianity Explored” at FBCSA in 2003 and Explored” at FBCSA in 2003 and has worked with regional leaders, has worked with regional leaders, promoting this course of study. Their promoting this course of study. Their lives will take another sharp turn in lives will take another sharp turn in a year or so when they plan to move a year or so when they plan to move to be closer to the family. All three of to be closer to the family. All three of their children live in northern Indiana their children live in northern Indiana and there are grand-children and even and there are grand-children and even great grand-children for Jean and Dan great grand-children for Jean and Dan to watch grow up.to watch grow up.

We have no doubt that wherever Jean We have no doubt that wherever Jean lands, God will continue to use her lands, God will continue to use her gift of teaching and encouragement. gift of teaching and encouragement. We have been truly blessed to have We have been truly blessed to have God teach His word with so much love God teach His word with so much love through Jean Nystrand.through Jean Nystrand.

In the valley dark and deep In the valley dark and deep Nights are long with little sleep Nights are long with little sleep Pain is a constant friendPain is a constant friendIn the valley without endIn the valley without end

In the valley hope is lostIn the valley hope is lostAll is gone but the cost All is gone but the cost Souls awash with many fears Souls awash with many fears In the valley filled with tearsIn the valley filled with tears

In the valley all aloneIn the valley all aloneWeary pilgrims pray for homeWeary pilgrims pray for homeWords of comfort never spokenWords of comfort never spokenIn the valley where dreams are brokenIn the valley where dreams are broken

In the valley of weakened faithIn the valley of weakened faithMen are crushed with burdens great Men are crushed with burdens great Treasures rich found and stolenTreasures rich found and stolenIn the valley of the fallenIn the valley of the fallen

In the valley does God attendIn the valley does God attendTo the prayers and cries of men? To the prayers and cries of men? Does his hand of gentle graceDoes his hand of gentle graceIn the valley find a place?In the valley find a place?

In the valley of broken menIn the valley of broken menWill their souls live again?Will their souls live again?Does the Maker of day and night Does the Maker of day and night In the valley shine his light?In the valley shine his light?

In the valley where I trodIn the valley where I trodWill I see the face of God? Will I see the face of God? Does he even know my name Does he even know my name In the valley of my shame?In the valley of my shame?

In the valley a voice I hear In the valley a voice I hear Words of love ringing clear Words of love ringing clear Precious child now forgiven Precious child now forgiven In the valley of the livingIn the valley of the living

From the valley free to soar From the valley free to soar Prisoners chain bind no more Prisoners chain bind no more Redemption bought by the Son Redemption bought by the Son With valley behind to him I runWith valley behind to him I run

““All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah!

Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when

we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside

someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for

that person just as God was there for us.” that person just as God was there for us.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 MSG2 Corinthians 1:3-4 MSG

In The ValleyIn The Valley- Dan Panter -- Dan Panter -



Gathered By: Kappie CoffeePray First taken from Seek God for the City 2019. Used with permission.

STRENGTHENED TO DO ALL THINGS (AND OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED)ON BEHALF OF PASTORS AND THEIR FAMILIES –

Pray that pastors and church leaders will be filled with wisdom; that they will

be honored by those they serve; that God will pour His Spirit upon them in

power and humility, giving fresh intimacy with Jesus; for protection from the

plots of the evil one against their families; that deep friendships will grow.

SERVING GOD FROM COTTON FIELDS TO LOFTY CLOUDS:ON BEHALF OF SENIOR ADULTS –

Pray that God’s strength and peace will be poured out on those who are

advanced in years. Pray for them to be honored and cared for so that loneliness

would be banished with lasting friendships and family bonds. Pray for grace

and strength to deal with illness. Pray that their latter years will be significant,

reflecting the glory of God.

PRAYPRAYFIRSTPerhaps after reading these articles your heart felt a need to

respond. We wanted to help by suggesting a general prayer

prompt related to the article in some way.


TEACHING THE WORD OF GOD:ON BEHALF OF MINISTRIES –

Pray that Christian ministries will be founded on God’s truth, anointed by

God’s power and well-supported by God’s people. Pray for those who labor in

specialized ministries to effectively increase the impact of local churches.

FROM SALESMAN TO GREETER(S):ON BEHALF OF THE CHURCH –

Pray for many people to see the Lord and to see Him together. Pray the church

will realize who God is and what He has done with wonder and awe. Pray for

the gospel to be told drawing many to Christ.

IN THE VALLEY:POEM –

Pray that children will hear the gospel and encounter Christ early in life;

that God’s fatherly heart will be revealed to kids who have been wounded

or disappointed by their parents; for family stability; for excellence in

education; for wisdom to be formed in their early years; for safety from

perversion or violence.

LEGACY PUBLICATION STAFF:PRAYERS FOR GUIDANCE –

Pray for the legacy publication staff, that we will be able to continue to focus

on telling the story of the church. Pray that God will guide us to the next round

of stories that he wants to be told and how he wants to be revealed through his

children and their testimonies.


FOUNDATION

LEGACY MAGAZINE PRESENTED TO YOU BY:

fbcsa.org/legacy

Documents

A PUBLICATION OFStrengthened To Do All Things (and Other Duties As Assigned): Observe the Godly service of Dawn Haney ... One of the threads that helps knit together our fellowship