Let the Work Begin
The congregation assembled, ready for worship. The choir sang, and the deacons prayed. Then, Pastor stood with a surprising but stirring announcement. The Lord had given him the vision to share with the congregation. It was time to rebuild a sanctuary. The assembly agreed, and the fundraising was underway. Several contractors placed bids and presented their designs for the new structure. But unfortunately, raising funds for the most reasonable offer was unachievable to reach the project demand, which put a hold on the plans.
Years passed, but there was still hope in the assembly. The vision remained. Pledges poured in, and the faith was firm, believing God would bring what He had promised to pass.
In late 2013, we received a call from the bank that was great news. An architect affiliated with the bank proposed a design for renovations of the current structure. A meeting was held with the Pastor and officers to review the proposal. The plan was acceptable and brought to the congregation for a unanimous decision. The vote was in, the contractor set, and codes passed, and just as the work was to start, our beloved contractor suffered a heart attack and would be unable to work for three to five months. The church prayed for our project and, most of all, our contractor. God heard our prayer, and in mid-year 2015, the renovations were in progress. It was time to box up church supplies, store furniture, and equipment, and discard rubble.
On Sunday, July 19, 2015, we held our first-morning worship offsite at John Early Middle School until December 15, 2015, and combined services with our sister church, Greater Revelation Baptist Church, until February 7, 2016.
Through struggles and trials, faith and hope remained, and God brought forth the vision of our Pastor from years ago. On February 14, 2016, we held our first worship service in our new structure, which included additional seating; a new pulpit, a choir stand, a baptismal room, Pastor’s office, a finance room, a fellowship hall, classrooms, and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
The blessings are upon our church family, and what an honor for Pastor and First Lady Armstrong, in their seasoned years, to see this vision come to pass. To God be the glory for all He has done!
Amen!
SHARE YOUR GIFTS & TALENTS... (James 1:17)
Ada Pearl Terry is a native of Moscow, TN, and a Fayette Ware High School graduate. At age twenty, Ada married the love of her life, Lonnie Lee Terry, age 24, and through this union, one child was born, Veleka Terry Shaw. Ada is a proud grandmother of three, William, Velencia, and Xavion Shaw. She and Lonnie were happily married for 41 years before his passing on June 19, 2020. On July 1, 2023, she commemorated their wedding anniversary at his gravesite, cherishing the most profound memories.
She is retired but delights in working to assist her daughter in her leisure time. She was a highly esteemed Leggett and Platt Incorporated employee until the company closed. She served 16 years as a Frontend Machine Operator, the only woman to hold this position, and received a 10-year Service Award Plaque during her tenure with the company.
In 2008, Ada was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. Upon hearing the news, she recalls proclaiming aloud to the physician, "I'm not worried; God's got me." She expressed that the physician was stunned at her response, but her faith is continuing firm as she has been cancer-free for over ten years and claiming her healing! She gains strength by meditating on her favorite scripture, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You" (Psalms 56:3).
Ada is compassionate about helping and spending valuable time with older adults. She acknowledges her closest friends are Senior Citizens, and she relishes their company grasping the wisdom and knowledge shared. You would find her in the kitchen as a child, whipping up soul food recipes alongside her grandmother and aunties. As an adult, these teachings have followed her as she enjoys preparing home-cooked meals and pastries for family, church, and friends.
Some of her fondest memories are of her and Lonnie traveling to their hometown, shopping, and dining at Shoney's salad bar. As time allows, she travels to the Country Pantry in Guthrie, Kentucky, to purchase old-time products such as spices, country fresh milk, barnyard eggs, cheese, and sausages. Ada considers herself plain Jane, but that's a trait to be cherished nowadays.
Ada is a faithful member of the Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, currently serving as a member of the Usher's Board and Kitchen Committee ministry. In past years, she was a member of the Missionary Society workers. We are delighted and thankful for such a committed soul to serve in our ministry.
Displayed below are some highlights of our spotlight champion.
Easter Sunday Youth in Training
On April 9, 2023, Young people worked together to create the Easter message, "JESUS IS ALIVE."
CPR Training
Defense Safety Training
On May 19, 2023, Lead Officers completed IARRM Training provided by "Defend Systems," Brink Fidler, Founder and President. The training was intense and thorough, creating an impactful state of awareness and stability. Visit info@defendsystems.com
Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church
Email: stmattrealdealta@gmail.com
Website: www.stmatthewrealdeal.org
Location: 2412 Osage Street, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: (615) 329-0173
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewmbrealdeal
