In the morning mail, there was a different shaped envelope, not like your standard letter but with the name and address properly written. Inside was a brightly colored card which said something like, “Happy Birthday, may this and all of your future days be blessed with the mercies and love of our God.” But, to me, that little greeting care said MUCH MORE! Its message went far beyond its printed words and entitled that card to be received and handled with special attention.
- That card says someone THINKS OF YOU even when you are not with them.
- That card says someone LOVES YOU AND CARES ENOUGH ABOUT YOU to give you a part of his day; enough to go to the store, look through cards, and find one that will convey his thoughts and best wishes to you; enough to sit down, address it, and carry it to the mailbox.
- That card says that you HAVE A FRIEND. You are not alone. You are appreciated for who you are and what you have done.
- That card carries with it a wish, a desire, or a PRAYER FOR YOUR WELL-BEING and prosperity in soul and body.
My conclusion: never treat a card, a note, or a letter with anything but the tenederest of care and respond as soon as you can; for it brings to you a part of the sender.
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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