Fourth pastoral stop pays dividends for Curtis
Name: Dr. Robert F. (Bob) Curtis Church: New Prospect Baptist Church, 310 Miss. 305 N. in Olive Branch Title: Senior pastor Age: 61 Hometown: St. Louis Family: wife, Debbie; daughter, Jen; son, Joel
What church did you grow up in: Tower Grove Baptist Church (St. Louis)
When did you decide to go into the ministry: I was called to full-time Christian service in the summer of 1968 during a church youth camp.
What was your first job in a church: Part-time minister of music after graduating from high school (1970)
When did you start at this church: December 2007
What makes Sundays special: Worshipping with God’s people and teaching God’s Word. It is also special in being able to fellowship with God’s people.
What has been your most defining moment in the ministry: Serving God and serving His people in the four churches I have pastored is what makes ministry worthwhile. Seeing God move in people’s lives is the joy of being in ministry.
Hobbies: I play softball. I like to golf when I can. I also enjoy walking, reading, and spending time with my family, especially my grandson.
Favorite Bible verses: Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31
Favorite hymns: “Amazing Grace” and “Victory in Jesus”
Most memorable mission trip: Ringgold (Ga.) on a WorldChangers trip. Favorite book: “Desiring God” Favorite movie: “A Christmas Carol”
Favorite TV shows: “Gunsmoke” and “The A-Team”
Compiled by Chris Van Tuyl
QWe’d always looked forward to our children leaving home and being on their own, but now that it’s actually happened, we’re both a bit depressed. Are we the only parents who feel this way?
— Mrs. M.C.S.
ANo, you aren’t the only parents to be surprised by feelings of loneliness after their children have left. Your lives have been focused on your children since before they were born, and suddenly those years are gone.
God gave our children to us — but we sometimes forget why. He entrusted them to us so we could train them and prepare them to be adults, to be out on their own someday. The Bible says, “My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight” (Proverbs 5:1).
Thank God for them, and for the privilege you had of raising them.
Also, ask God to help you find new ways to fill the empty space you now feel in your hearts. Send queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM; or visit billygraham.org.