NEW MEMBER

Jacob Simpson TAKE TIME by Tracy LeGrand

Often the most important decisions we make in life require the most prayer and consideration before we make them. That was definitely the case for Travis Eden this past spring as he was taking steps to become a member of Asbury.

Travis is the husband of Kylee Eden, one of Asbury’s Modern Worship Leaders. The couple settled down in the Tulsa area after getting married in

September 2020. Travis is originally from Northwest Arkansas and was heavily involved in Reach Church, located in Centerton, AR before getting plugged in at Asbury.

In the beginning of their relationship, Travis traveled back and forth between Reach and Asbury. After praying, speaking with mentors and having conversations with his wife, Travis officially became an active Asbury member this past spring. “Getting plugged in and being in an environment where we could be most fruitful was the focus of the conversations we were having,” Travis said. “We started praying about it and what meant a lot to me was the hospitality and the love and the kindness Asbury members showed to me. That was very important and good to see. It showed the heart of Asbury.”

Travis grew up in church his entire life, but became serious about seeking the Lord during his college years. However, his main turning point came after college, when Lead Pastor Bryan See of Reach Church reached out to him. “He invited me to a discipleship class called ‘The Journey’ and was asking if I was interested in joining. I joined and went through that eight-or nine-month program and that really just changed my life forever,” Travis said. “It taught me that you don't just read the Bible for a story, but actually put yourself in the Bible and see how you would

react and respond, and how you can apply that to your life now.”

After being heavily impacted by the discipleship class, Travis then assisted Pastor See in leading it the next year and was able to help guide his brother through the program. The following year, Travis led the discipleship program on his own and helped guide his dad through the program as well. “Reach Church has meant so much to me in regards to what Bryan [Pastor See] did by reaching out to me and mentoring me.”

Because of his deep connection to the church, Travis took his transition of membership quite seriously and approached it with much consideration. Since becoming a member, Travis has already started taking steps to be more involved in Asbury. “I’m continuing to seek God and put myself out there,” he said. “My relationship with Asbury and the people now is a good one. They’re pouring Christ’s love into everybody and into me. It makes you want to pour Christ’s love out to others.” Travis said the most important thing he’s learned is that getting wrapped up in constant work for the kingdom is not the most important aspect of Christianity. The most important thing you can do is simply be with Jesus. “We can get really busy doing all of these tasks and we miss out on the true focus, which is being in the presence of Jesus,” he said.

For anyone considering moving their membership to Asbury, Travis said it’s good to question the decision and take time to pray. “I think that’s wise, not to just jump into a decision. Take time to truly seek God and pray and see where the Holy Spirit guides you,” he said. “Ask God

to open doors and reveal things to you if that’s needed.” Travis is grateful to the congregation and leadership within Asbury and is looking forward to his future involvement in the church.

Connected at Asbury

by Kyle Salomon

For Kerry and Gail Randolph, life looks a little different than it did a year ago.

After living in Springfield, Missouri for 37 years, the couple decided it was time to uproot and move to the Tulsa area to be closer to their son’s family and their grandkids.

They made the move in November 2020 and then began to consider where they wanted to attend church once they were vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

A former pastor of theirs in Springfield, who had interned at Asbury, recommended the Randolphs try out the Tulsa-based church.

Ironically, their second vaccine shot took place at Asbury, where they met Senior Pastor Tom Harrison while waiting in line.

When they were fully vaccinated, the couple decided to go back to church attend Asbury and become official members.

“’Helping Others Follow Jesus' struck us as a brilliant phrase,” Gail said. “Following Jesus is the most significant choice one can make, giving us the foundation for decisions and perspective. Helping others learn about Jesus through teaching and study and seeing Jesus in acts of kindness and outreach share the life that has been impacted by the gift of love and forgiveness from God. Worship included prayer, teaching and beautiful music.” Church has always been a big part of the Randolph’s lives, even before they were married. “We were both fortunate to grow up in homes that found church to be important,” Kerry said. “We have always been active in church. It is the centerpiece for us, so it is important to find the right place. Asbury is much bigger than our previous church, but it has a similar kind of outreach.”

The Randolphs said it was a tough decision to move away from Springfield, but the right one.

“It was tough to uproot,” Gail said. “We look at it as a new chapter. We really liked Springfield but needed to be closer to our grandkids.”

The Randolph’s, who recently celebrated 47 years of marriage, look forward to getting more connected at Asbury.

“We visited several Sunday Community groups and saw and heard classes helping and caring for each other, and the church announcements previewed many opportunities to serve, follow and help,” Gail said. “We are grateful to be new members of Asbury.”

SIMPLY STATED

by Lisa Witcher

Alexander Smith, a member of Miss Maddie’s Sunday class, was recently baptized on an April morning at Asbury.

These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom.

“When my dad got baptized, I wanted to know [about Baptism]. I told my mom and my teacher, Miss Maddie. She was so excited!” His little voice rose with intention at each syllable of his story. “Oh! and I talked to Pastor John, too.”

Alexander’s mom, Mary, worried he was too young to really understand what he was asking. Like many wise mothers, she let his initial request rest a while. When her son persisted, Mary and Parker Smith contacted Pastor John Vick. Alexander reacted comfortably to Pastor John questioning his youthfulness.

“Pastor John asked me what it means to be baptized; I told him ‘that you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and that you become a follower of Jesus.’”

"And what does being a follower of Jesus mean, Alexander?" Wisely, he paused. “It means that you tell others about Jesus. And follow Him.”

…accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child…

Alexander showed great joy in sharing his baptism story and what he might tell a friend about baptism. “Talk to your mom or your teacher. Your teacher would know more about it. You can have a meeting.” His parents, Mary and Parker are thankful for Miss Maddie’s role in the spiritual development of their child, and how the example of Parker’s own baptism in 2018 when the Smith’s joined Asbury must have connected some of the stories Alexander’s parents and teachers have shared with him.

How does Alexander feel in his heart knowing he is a forever friend with Jesus? His sweet, clear, innocent voice responded quietly with, “Jesus saving me.”

And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

WALKING THE WALK

by Kyle Salomon

Syri Kennah Ramkaran is only 8-years-old, but in many ways she is setting examples of how to walk the Christian walk.

Young Syri has had to endure the pain of losing a parent early in life with the passing of her father, but she has not let anything stop her from devoting her life constantly chasing after her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Syri was baptized in May at Asbury by Pastor John Vick. Syri made the decision it was time to get baptized after a year of talking with her family about it.

“She came to me and said she was ready,” Syri’s mother, Britney Langston Ramkaran, said. “She fully understood what it symbolizes and said she wanted to do it because she had learned a lot about it, and she wants to be like Jesus. She was so excited she was going to be baptized, she told as many people as she could beforehand.”

Syri, who loves going to church, attending Vacation Bible School and telling people about Jesus, said being baptized was amazing.

“I was so excited and happy because I know how special it is,” Syri said.

Syri was so thrilled going into her Baptism and afterwards when her schoolteacher allowed her to show the video of her being baptized to her classmates.

Britney said she was happy Pastor John was the one who baptized her daughter.

“We knew Pastor Vick because he had preached at my grandma’s funeral,” Britney said. “He was awesome with Syri. He made sure she understood what it meant to be baptized and he let her ask as many questions as she wanted. He answered every question and was just so patient and kind.”

“I loved every second of it,” Pastor John said. “After she got to tell her story, she asked questions about everything. It was precious. My favorite question was when she asked if you had to be smart to get baptized. It was such a sweet question, meeting and of course, the morning of the baptism was great.”

Britney added that Syri has taught her so much and made her a better person and a better Christian. “I am excited about being baptized and being a Christian because that means one day I will get to go to Heaven and see my daddy and my nanna,” Syri said.