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Grateful

There’s an old song that begins something like this:

“How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me?”

Although, the composer, Andre Crouch, was referencing God in this chorus, if you would please extend the liberty to me, I would like to use this same text to reference God through the voices, hands and feet of First Baptist Church-Enid.

When I came here 9 years ago, I was still using a boot cast as I recovered from an ankle repair.  I was excited to come to Oklahoma, as I have family here.  I was also excited to come to Enid, because of the pastor, Keith Miller and the former minister of music, Brian Dickinson.  Ronda and I were at seminary with Brian and Marquita and became good friends.  We were also at Seminary with Keith, but our paths didn’t cross until we came to FBC-Enid.  Keith and Sherry were a blessing to serve with and we felt like we fit in almost immediately. 

We were blessed to serve with Jake Adams and Andy Teague as well.  My first week in Enid I went to Falls Creek and got my first experience with FBC Youth.  We had a large group for High School week.  It was extremely hot!  I got an Icee and Ice cream.  I was blessed by the preaching in the tabernacle and the teaching by Jake at the cabin.  Sue cooked amazing meals and we felt like we were right at home.  Karl, Tim, Syd, Julie, Jennifer, Aaron and Mark showed me what I could anticipate from the rest of the FBC folk.

When we got started in the choir we blew out the walls.  The choir experienced some tremendous growth in those years.  Nancy and Francie were great accompanists and I will always remember Nancy Taylor as our music associate.  We made friends that first few weeks that remain strong today.  When work called Nancy and Francie to the city, we were so blessed to have Ronda and Diane to step in.  I was honored and privileged to serve with these ladies.  I am also grateful for being able to serve with Nancy Taylor, Angela Taylor, Diane Schenk, Jeanie Simpson, and Sue Norrie as music associates.  These ladies did so much in keeping our day to day activities going and growing.

I will always remember our youth dinner theater musicals:  For Unto Y’all, Yo’ Christmas Tree, Code Red, Finding the Christmas Star and our one combined effort with the Worship Choir, “Four Tickets to Christmas”.  Mission trips to Denver, Dallas, New Orleans and San Antonio were always a highlight of our year and we saw so much spiritual growth as well as growth in musical talent and leadership. 

Our Singing saints had dropped to about 5 or 6 faithful members.  We began to pray and trust for God to send us some more folks.  He answered in a big way.  This great group of singers grew in 3 years from 5 or 6 to 25- 30.  They love to sing and travel.  We had a great time in Branson with the BGCO and loved to sing for Singing and Praising. 

We have had nine years of Christmas musicals, bonus rehearsals, Easter Celebrations, nine years of Lord Suppers, Thanksgiving Community Meals, nine years of children’s music, nine years of mission trips.  Nine years of weddings, funerals, baby dedications, Sunday morning worship, Prime Timers, Sunday School classes and fellowships, Christmas parties, Wednesday rehearsals, handbells, orchestra, Sunday nights at First and in homes, bible studies and prayer times.  Nine years of being leaned on and leaning on others.  Nine years of growing together as the body of Christ.  We have said goodbye to more people than I would like, including staff members Keith, Andy and Jake, and said hello to some amazing and wonderful new folk, also some new staff additions, Marsha, Kelly and Renee,  Nic and Rachel, and Jerred and Kerrie.

To simply say thanks seems woefully inadequate.  However, Ronda and I are indeed grateful for each and every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every time you all had the faith to participate and trust that God was indeed at work in our efforts.  I will always cherish these times and I know that God has many more planned for His people in this place.  Ronda and I are saying good-bye, but we both want you to know that you will remain forever in our thoughts and prayers.  We love you and we are grateful that you have loved us these nine years. 

Many blessings,

 

Marty and Ronda Spena

July 28, 2020