Page 24 - Western Recorder October Issue

24
Western Recorder ǀ October 2020
This Is
By LARRY GRITTON
I typically like to give our staff a theme each year. This year’s theme is “Together.” I have told our staff it is more critical than ever that we support one another and are united in our efforts.
A past theme I have given our staff is “Unit- ed for Him and Them.” The possibilities are limitless for a united body of believers and also for a united OBI staff.
I am blessed to have a front row seat
to witness how Kentucky Baptists unite together and do so much as the body of Christ. The Oneida ministry is so blessed by the love, prayers and generosity of our Kentucky Baptist friends. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: Without Kentucky Baptists, there would be no Oneida Baptist. We simply could not do what we do with- out you, and our state’s convention could not do what it does without you and all of our Kentucky Baptist churches.
If only our nation and world understood the idea of Better Together, what a different world we would have. As the Oneida staff strives to come together in new ways to serve new families through new means, we eagerly anticipate what the Lord will do through this unique time. God is good and still sits upon His throne, and how pleased He must be to see the united, cooperative efforts of Kentucky Baptists.
Thank you for all you do for us and thank you for all you do for people all around the world. We really are Better Together, and may the Lord be glorified through our continued united efforts.
Larry Gritton is president of Oneida Baptist Institute in Oneida, Ky.
Oneida
GRITTON
May the Lord
be glorified
through our
united efforts
Our staff really is like one big family, and we truly are a marvel to behold when we work together toward the same goal of bringing young people to Christ.
Sometimes families fight and the OBI staff family is no different. Sometimes we disagree, but we always make up, move forward and continue the Lord’s work.
I have always contended that the OBI staff is at its absolute best when things are most difficult. While we may sometimes squab- ble over things that ultimately don’t matter, we are there for each other when times are tough. I would compare this to a church disagreeing over the color of new carpet for the sanctuary, but eventually coming together on the carpet color and also on more important things.
Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleas- ant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” The Lord delights in His people dwelling together in unity, and unity is a powerful tool the church often fails to uti- lize against the attacks of the enemy.
Oneida Baptist High School’s soccer team epitomizes the Better Together theme as it joined hands before a game last year.
– Submitted photo