Sacrificial SErVicE

I

N 1968, my parents left California. With all of our earthly possessions in a U-Haul truck, we moved to Torrington, Wyoming. My dad, Fred Lucas, felt a strong calling to start a Free Will Baptist church in the city. He had never pastored before, and because of his age, my dad chose to be a tentmaker.

God blessed, and we soon found a house and a building for the church. Both of my parents found jobs, and part of their salaries paid the rent and utilities on both places.

Every night, except Wednesdays and Sundays, they knocked on doors and invited people to church. Slowly, people began to come. One of my dad’s first converts was Tim Hackett, who later became my husband.

The church outgrew our small, rented building, so we began to pray God would open up another place. He did! Someone contacted my dad about a church in town that was closing its doors permanently, and were able to purchase it.

My parents were committed to teaching the congregation about Free Will Baptists. Mom started a Ladies Auxiliary (now WNAC), and they held bake sales and rummage sales to help with the church’s finances and to support missionaries. My parents continued to work full-time jobs to keep the church and our home running smoothly.

In 1974, my dad encouraged church members to sponsor a food drive for Free Will Baptist Bible College (now Welch College). He delivered 1,300 pounds of ground beef, potatoes, and beans to the school. President Dr. L.C. Johnson and Food Services Director E.W. Tippett were present to receive this gift of food. Dr. Johnson said the contributions of food were “reminiscent of the early days of the college.”

As I look back on this phase of our lives, I do not remember our family having any regrets. My parents' sacrificial efforts were never a burden but a Thankfully, they passed this trait onto the next generation, and hopefully, Tim and I will faithfully do the same.

About the Writer:

Pam is the wife of Tim Hackett, pastor of Fairview FWB Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where they have served for 30 years. She serves as co-teacher of the ladies Sunday School class and as the mission prayer and mission study chairperson of Fairview’s Women’s Ministry. She is the mother of three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Pam currently serves on the WNAC Board and was the South Carolina coordinator for 14 years.

Equipping Fathers to Lead Family Worship

Ken Coley • Blair Robinson

Equipping Fathers to Lead Family Worship

Ken Coley and Blair Robinson

• Unique perspective on family worship

• Practical tools to equip fathers to lead

• Helps pastors train and parents to lead in discipling their children

Equipping Fathers to Lead Family Worship offers a historical, theological, biblical, and pedagogical text that focuses on the responsibility that Christian fathers have to lead their families in the worship of God. The book is for use in local churches and Christian households and is meant to serve as a resource to assist pastors and leaders to equip fathers and family household leaders with personal and family worship practices.