Honoring Pastor Gary & Nancy Thompson

 

“Those to whom God is faithful become faithful.”  Sinclair Ferguson 

In the 1983 Sunday morning terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, hundreds of Americans were killed or wounded as they slept. The scenes were heartrending as dazed survivors worked to dig out their trapped brothers from beneath the rubble. 

  A few days after the tragedy, Marine Corps Commandant Paul X. Kelly, visited some of the wounded survivors in a Frankfurt, Germany hospital. Among them was Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton, severely wounded in the incident. Nashton had so many tubes running in and out of his body that one witness said he looked more like a machine than a man; yet he survived. As Kelly neared him, Nashton, struggling to move and racked with pain, motioned for a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote a brief note and passed it back to the Commandant. On the slip of paper were two words – Semper Fi the Latin motto of the Marines which means, “forever faithful.” With those two simple words Corporal Nashton spoke for the millions of Americans who have sacrificed body and limb and their lives for their country – those who have remained faithful. 

  Semper Fi  could be written over the lives of Pastor Gary and Nancy Thompson. Today we have the wonderful privilege of honoring two faithful soldiers of the cross of Christ. God has blessed us with a new garage that will be used as a ministry tool for many decades into our church’s future. We want those who join us in the future to know that the blessings that they are enjoying were made possible by the commitment and sacrifice of godly individuals like the Thompsons. That’s why we are dedicating it to them to honor them. And what we are doing today is just a small whisper of the words that they will hear when they arrive Home and hear from the Captain of our Souls, “Well, done good and faithful servants.”  This dear godly couple are an example for us all. 

  Since they’ve been part of the Grace Church Family, the Lord has used them to touch our lives in so many ways. Though others can share blessings about the Thompsons, let me share how God has used them to be a blessing in my own life. 

  They are encouragers. Gary and Nancy came to Grace shortly after we completed this new building. It was an exciting time! God was bringing so many new folk through our doors. To be honest, after a capital campaign and the construction of the building, I was tired. If you have been around this dear couple very long then you know that they both have the gift of encouragement. Having served in the ministry themselves and walked through the construction of various projects, they knew the toll it takes on the pastor…and they were there for me! They were like a breath of fresh air to my soul at just the right time. They have been so supportive! 

  They are visionaries and workers. This building is truly a miracle. There were many needed items though that we didn’t have the funds to finish. One of those was our church kitchen. The Thompsons from their years of ministry experience knew what an asset a full kitchen can be for a church. Today we have a full kitchen with beautiful cabinets and countertops because they saw a need. Not only did they see a need they also did much of the work. Throughout this facility, you will find their fingerprints. Little details that they knew needed attention and they took care of them. 

  They know how to speak the truth in love. Scripture teaches that we are responsible for each other. Some times that means speaking into each other’s lives and sharing spiritual truth to encourage someone to walk a more Christlike path. Though every Christian has this biblical responsibility to their brothers and sisters, few have the spiritual backbone to do it. Gary and Nancy love folk too much to not speak up. They graciously know how to lovingly correct without being critical or petty. 

  They know how to disagree without being disagreeable. For decades, the Thompsons served the Lord in Assembly of God churches. My background is independent Baptist. We don’t always cross our theological t’s or dot our i’s in the same places. Yet, we are on the same exact page when it comes to the gospel. This dear couple has an all too rare gift of keeping the main thing the main thing. They truly live out those wonderful words by Augustine, the early Church Father, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” With Gary’s biblical education, no doubt there are times he’s disagreed with what I’ve taught from the pulpit, yet never once has he told me. One time because I wanted him to minister to someone from his school of theology, I had to fish it out of him that he and I differed. This ability shows graciousness and spiritual maturity. 

  They don’t take themselves too seriously. One of the missing gifts for many Christians is a sense of humor. Look carefully and you’ll see a twinkle in their eyes. Gary’s frog statues are a crack up. These dear folk love to laugh. They’re truly a delight to spend time with. 

  They persevere without complaining. I’m not sure if I could handle listening to myself preach twice on one Sunday, yet Gary and Nancy sit through two worship services each week. Why? There are many reasons. First, they have a flock of “Just Older Youth” that they love and minister to. They want to be there for them. Then, we’ve asked them to be available to pray with folk. They take commitment seriously. They love the Lord, they love people and they love this church. 

  Yet, like the rest of us who fit somewhere in that “Just Older Youth” designation, they’re earth suits are aging faster than their souls. While they are both young at heart, they don’t always feel the best. I doubt you’ve ever heard either of one of them though ever complain. They care about others and don’t want to be a bother. 

  God has richly blessed our church with Pastor Gary and Nancy! They are Christlike models for us all! They have been a special blessing to Jane and me! Our lives are much more richer because of them. Please join us in letting them know how much you love and appreciate them today! Gary and Nancy – Thank You!

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.