A Time of Crisis
After the expansion and accompanying blessings of 1963, the year 1964 was a time of crisis in the life of this church. On September 7 of 1964, Joe Temple was laid aside for a time of testing. On that date, he left the pulpit of the church suffering from what was later diagnosed as heart failure. He did not speak from the pulpit again until December 13, 1964. During the time he was laid aside, he underwent open-heart surgery and spent a long time in recovery, during which time he was strengthened and taught many things by the Lord from His Word.
Providentially, during this time, Clarence and Sara Edna Ely came home from the mission field for a time of furlough. Clarence was able to preach in Joe's place for many weeks, for which the congregation was grateful, recognizing God's provision of a teacher and spiritual leader for this time of trial.
When Joe returned to the pulpit, he gave a testimony in the form of the poem which follows:
The Savior found me long ago,
Nourished and blessed me, until I came to know
Through seed planted and in time full grown,
The meaning of life as I had never known.
Then came a day when the Saviour said,
"I want this life I have nourished and fed."
Ready and willing, I yielded my all
In glad response to my Master's call.
I lived my life, surrendered to Him,
Save for the days when the flesh would win
In that struggle which began in my heart
When of the body of Christ I became a part.
So it became a life, his and mine,
A partnership, both human and divine,
Busy and full, with not enough hours
To do the things needed in this life of ours.
But recently my pace was stayed
By the Saviour's hand on my shoulder laid,
And through an experience known to few,
I was granted life, life anew.
And in a message only I could see,
His eyes spoke, "All of Me and none of thee.
This life," he said, "is not yours and Mine,
As was that one that once was thine;
This is new life, Mine alone,
Entrusted to you, but not your own.
Walk softly and hold this trust dear,
Remembering always death is near."
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Abilene Bible Church
3125 Oldham Lane
Abilene, Texas 79602
325-677-8653
(at Loop 322 & Potosi Road Exit)
Sunday School 9:30 AM*
Worship Service 10:35 AM*
Children's Church 11:15 AM
Evening Study 6:00 p.m.
Church Office Hours 9 AM
to 5 PM
*Nursery is provided for
these times.
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