In fifty years of pastoring, one can only be amazed at the faithfulness of God.  When He said: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20c) How comforting it has been to this pastor to know that he has the perpetual presence of the Lord.  We know that in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  There are those that characterize the ministry of Jesus Christ as a “field of suffering:” Our Heavenly Father does not exempt pastors, or any believer, from the day-to-day circumstances of life.  Believers, including pastors and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble, and failure at times.  That said, His presence has always provided a sense of security.  (That’s why this pastor can say “Thank you Holy Ghost.”)

David said in Psalm 16:8 “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” (There is a lesson there for all of us.) “I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.” (Psalm 40:10) Therein is the testimony of this pastor.  God called and he answered His call.  For fifty years this pastor has adhered to the leadership principle of “Lead and feed.” (1Peter 5:2) and God has been faithful.  During these fifty years, we have had many faithful members, and praise God for therm.  God’s faithfulness is like human faithfulness, only perfect.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

For fifty years, evangelism has been at the forefront of the ministry at this church. Our Lord’s mission statement can be found in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” It was obvious where our focus should be. The “Great Commandment” given by Jesus to His disciples of all ages solidifies our mission. We are to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthews 28: 19, 20) In these fifty years, God has been faithful. It is easy to confess “Fifty years of God’s grace.” Whatever we have been able to accomplish during this period, it is all because of the Grace of God, and to God be the glory. 

In the Great Commandment, there are four directives commanded by the Lord: 

 (1) Go         

(2) Make discipleS

(3) Disciple the disciples

(4) Know that you have the perpetual presence of the Lord

It has always been the desire of this pastor to adhere to these directives. Again, God has been faithful.

For three nights last week, during Vacation Bible School, we had the opportunity to “disciple the disciples.” We thank God for the many avenues He has given us to carry out His mandate.  A big “God bless you” goes out to Sister Lynne Bryant, and to the many volunteers who made this VBS session the blessing that it was.  Let us continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Who or what is a pastor? Scripture tells us that a pastor is a gift from God to His people. “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15) God’s gift is a leader who will follow Him, filled with wisdom and understanding. The pastor, God’s gift, has been charged to “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”  (1 Peter 5:2-3) For fifty years, it has been the desire of this pastor to adhere to God’s instructions in leading His people. From the day I was called to be the pastor at Friendship until this very day, I have been acutely aware that you are God’s people. For fifty years, the charge has been “lead and feed.” As Paul says in Romans 1:15-16: “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome (Friendship) also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation.” These fifty years have been a joyous journey, and you dear people, have contributed greatly to that joy in the journey. With God’s help we have come a long way, and it has been a joy to enlist others to join us in this journey to heaven. The blessing in the journey has been the people, the people of God. I thank God for fifty years of relationships. Not only has this been a joyful experience, it has also been a learning experience. I have seen the faithfulness of God, the mercies of God, and the love of God. Simply put, if it had not been for the Lord who was on my side, I would not have made it. To God be the glory for all He has done these fifty years. Thank you Friendship for your love, your caring, and your followship. We have come this far together!

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Join us Sunday at 3:30 as we celebrate our Pastor and First Lady on their 50th Anniversary at Friendship!

Morning Service at 11:00 a.m.

At that time with this writing, Wednesday, 7-12-2023, we are hours away from the beginning of Revival and Soul Saving Campaign 2023. It is with eager anticipation this Pastor is looking forward to a mighty move of God. We have done the necessary preparatory work and the results are in God’s hand. We thank God for his faithfulness in everything and we are a people of faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We know that it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance. (Romans 2:4) We all can attest to the fact that God is good and that His mercies are everlasting. Hear the Apostle Peter: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to Him. Hear this Pastor: Friendship will not sit idly and wait for Him. We recognize that there is important work to do. We are ambassadors for Christ here in the earth’s realm, God’s work is truly our own. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

Why is it important to lead people to God? Because it keeps us in touch with God while it offers others eternal life. Thank you, Friendship family, for all you have done in support of this evangelical effort.

To God be the glory!

Pastor J. Amos Jones