“Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures…” (Psalm 90:10 NIV).
Today, June 17, I turned 80. I was just thinking about how blessed I have been and how undeserving I am of such blessings.
Growing Up in a Small Town
I was born in a bedroom in my paternal grandparents’ home on a Monday afternoon in the southwest Arkansas town of Ashdown. I did not realize it as a teen, but looking back, small-town life was very much a blessing. There, we knew so many of the citizens. Schools were not large, so it was easy to be friends with most of the students. I graduated from high school with 58 others, all of whom were my longtime friends.
A Good Spiritual Foundation
Central Baptist Church in Ashdown was my family’s home church. We were blessed to have wonderful Bible-preaching pastors during my formative years, including A.R. Reddin, C.O. Strong, Edwin Peters, J.P. Jones, and Paul Bearfield.
On Wednesday evening, June 25, 1952, after the midweek prayer meeting, I was born again at home. Bro. Peters was the pastor then. But I was not baptized until Sunday, June 12, 1955. Bro. Jones baptized me at the VBS closing program. I was blessed to have a strong spiritual foundation.
The Blessings of Family for 80 Years
As an only child, I never felt a lack of love. My parents were wonderful and, I believe, taught me the things I needed for life.
But in 1967 at CBC, I met a girl! She was Karen Joan Mitchell from Missouri. On Saturday, Dec. 7, 1968, at 10:30 a.m., Karen Mitchell became Karen Mitchell Mitchell when we married at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway, surrounded by two large families of Mitchells.
Karen is my treasured blessing. She means more to me than mere words could ever express. In December of this year, we will celebrate 58 years of marriage.
Our Children and Grands
God blessed us with two amazing children, Keri (now Keri Sullivan) and Cory. Both continue to serve the Lord, which greatly blesses this old man’s heart. Through them, the blessings are abundant, and we now have five grandchildren, all of whom are saved and love the Lord. We also love our four great-grandchildren, whom we pray will each be saved at an early age.
Sixty-two Years in the Ministry
Since answering the call to preach on Sunday, Sept. 27, 1964, I have known the many blessings of our Lord and Savior. Through His mercy and grace, in so many places and among so many people, I have had assurance that the calling was truly from God.
I was honored to serve as pastor to five churches, one of which (Chenal Valley Baptist Church) I was blessed to help plant in West Little Rock at age 51. I also had the honor of serving my country for 4½ years in the United States Army as a chaplain administrator. Blessings include 47 building and teaching trips to Central American countries, as well as teaching in churches in Korea while in the Army.
Thoughts on Turning 80
The Psalmist said that being 80 was due to enduring strength. I am honest when I say that my strength comes from the Lord and from my wife. She is my prayer warrior, and I am glad God hears her prayers.
I am the oldest male ever in either my paternal or maternal line. My paternal grandfather lived to be 73, as did an uncle. I may not live to be 81, but I thank God for 80 wonderful years of experiencing God’s blessings and grace.
