I enjoyed being an invited speaker at one of the celebration services of the 200th anniversary of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Raleigh. This is the church my family was a part of while I was in high school. At that time I sensed God's desire for me to minister through preaching and teaching. Fortunately, Pastor Shannon Scott (far left) was willing to allow some of us young guys to preach and get some experience. I spoke last Wednesday night with Jarrod Scott (far right), who was my good friend in high school and roommates throughout college. Jarrod is now pastor of Green Pines Baptist in Knightdale, NC. Jeff Spry (middle-left), a good friend from Mt. Vernon and beyond also spoke. Jeff is an associate pastor at Western Avenue Baptist in Statesville, NC.