Visiting with Dear Friends & Ministry Partners
Gail, Anthony, Betty & Wilma
It was Saturday night, November 18, 2000...just over 5 years ago, in response to my challenge to 'guess my age' at an all church dinner on the eve of being voted in as the new senior pastor in Bethalto, Illinois, a voice rang out, "35". I was only 23 at the time, but I thought that maturity might not be an issue...if I looked 35! The voice was that of Miss Wilma Butler. She is the church treasurer, chief cook, organizer, Sunday School Superintendant, and volunteers throughout the community. Sister Wilma and Sister Betty, who have been house mates for many years, continue to be strong pillars at Cornerstone Assembly of God in Bethalto. Sister Betty is celebrating over 57 years of perfect attendence to Sunday School. She teaches and currently serves as a deacon on the church board. One of first few weeks I was there, we had a leak in the roof, and Betty was out on the roof pulling up shingles, rotten wood, down to the rafters and fixing the roof. She works with a contractor to this day. I'm not sure I would have survived pastoring without their love, support, wisdom, and.....good cookin'! Occasionally, Gail, Anthony and I still get to stop by and visit when we're in the area.
Both Wilma and Betty have been financial supporters of Whole In One as Ministry Partners. They support our ministry on a monthly basis, and help keep us on the road sharing the Gospel. I have said to many that I would love to clone those two and give a pair to each church on the planet--they are a blessing to me AND the Kingdom of God!!
It was Saturday night, November 18, 2000...just over 5 years ago, in response to my challenge to 'guess my age' at an all church dinner on the eve of being voted in as the new senior pastor in Bethalto, Illinois, a voice rang out, "35". I was only 23 at the time, but I thought that maturity might not be an issue...if I looked 35! The voice was that of Miss Wilma Butler. She is the church treasurer, chief cook, organizer, Sunday School Superintendant, and volunteers throughout the community. Sister Wilma and Sister Betty, who have been house mates for many years, continue to be strong pillars at Cornerstone Assembly of God in Bethalto. Sister Betty is celebrating over 57 years of perfect attendence to Sunday School. She teaches and currently serves as a deacon on the church board. One of first few weeks I was there, we had a leak in the roof, and Betty was out on the roof pulling up shingles, rotten wood, down to the rafters and fixing the roof. She works with a contractor to this day. I'm not sure I would have survived pastoring without their love, support, wisdom, and.....good cookin'! Occasionally, Gail, Anthony and I still get to stop by and visit when we're in the area.Both Wilma and Betty have been financial supporters of Whole In One as Ministry Partners. They support our ministry on a monthly basis, and help keep us on the road sharing the Gospel. I have said to many that I would love to clone those two and give a pair to each church on the planet--they are a blessing to me AND the Kingdom of God!!
Sister Betty & Anthony checking out the amazing Christmas Village
Sister Wilma introducing a singing Santa to an unsure Anthony.
Sister Wilma introducing a singing Santa to an unsure Anthony.
Annually, they empty their living room to make way for their infamous Christmas Village, often hosting large Christmas parties as repeat guests search for the new items of the year. 
posted by Community Gospel Church at
12:56 AM
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