“Don’t focus on who people are, but focus rather on who they can become!”
– Pastor Tony Howeth
Over the course of fifteen years, Pastor Tony Howeth has been an influence in my life. From the time I first heard him preach in the youth department at Whitfield Baptist Church, (on Ehud in Judges) to the one on one training and discipleship under his watchful care here at Newton Baptist Church, Tony Howeth has always displayed an unusual ability to love people in spite of their short comings.
In my case personally, the time Bro. Tony has invested in me has not always returned a great deal of worth. Certainly, most leaders would have written off, or moved on to the next person to take an interest in, one that would not be so “difficult” and hard-headed, but Bro. Tony is not a typical leader. The truth of the matter is that many leaders have come and gone in my life; but I could always count on the fact that there was one that remained steadfast.
I want to take this time, and say with all of my heart, that I love my pastor and thank God each and every day that He has placed him in my life. From the most minute decision, to the seemingly life altering ones, I can always count on sound biblical, Spirit-led, and sometimes a little "pastorally" selfish advice from someone that means a great deal to me.
Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Bro. Tony, you are my iron, and I love you!
P.S. "Happy birthday and God bless you!" – Austin Gardner
Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24
www.stephenunderwood.net
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