The last Sunday of this month, January 31st, Landmark Baptist Church will celebrate the beginning of my parents’ 40th year of ministry in Haines City.  My father and mother came to this town in December of 1970.  My father’s first Sunday as pastor, there were 37 people in attendance.  Last year on Anniversary Sunday, there were 4,142 in attendance.

Someone recently asked me how a pastor could stay in one place for so long.  I answered by saying that I did not know, but that, by the grace of God, my parents have helped people and dealt with them honestly.  The Bible says that you reap what you sow, and the harvest that God has given my parents is a testimony to this truth.  My dad is not perfect, yet after almost 40 years, he has nothing to run from or skip town over.

In I Thessalonians 2:1, Paul says to the Christians in that church, “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:”  By the Grace of God, my parents have a testimony of ministry that brings glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.  I would like to ask all of our members and friends to join us as we celebrate my parents’ 39th anniversary this Sunday at Landmark Baptist Church in Haines City.

Sincerely,

Pastor Steven Carter