By the Laying on of Hands, originally uploaded by Shirley Buxton.
Nothing in my life is so precious as the distinct realization of God’s having honored us to such degree that several of our family have been divinely called into the ministry. It is with profound humility that I even consider such reality, and it is with the absolute knowledge that none of us, in any way, deserves such holy honor and opportunity to be consecrated for such mission. I am awed by our extraordinary circumstances and hallowed benefits.
My grandson Joel is the latest to be so privileged, and on Sunday night at Hilltop Tabernacle, my eldest child, Steve, preached the ordination sermon to his son, Joel. He’s my son, and you know how mothers are, so take it with a grain of salt, but I doubt you will ever hear better preaching than that coming from my son, Steve. He is singularly gifted by God…and with all meekness do I say this, for such gift is only from God, and without Him, we are but stammering, vacuous beings.
Jerry had the rare and blessed opportunity to pray the ordination prayer. Such a moving moment this was, and I was especially touched, as Jerry laid his hand on Joel to pray a beautiful prayer, to see Joel reach out and grasp the arm of his beloved Pappy. Joel is a fourth generation preacher and he has been quick to seek counsel from his elders. God blessed Joel with the most beautiful, elegant, humble, talented, sweet wife. Aisha is her name.
Pictured here are my four favorite preachers: Andrew, my youngest who is planting a church in LaMesa, Ca., Joel, Jerry and Steve.__
Joel has been elected pastor of a church in Carson City, Nevada. Today, from San Diego, with their three beautiful boys, they will drive to their place of ministry. Please pray for this couple–indeed for all God’s ministers around the world.
_
More comments and pictures of the ordination service are here.
Shirley Buxton 
9 replies on “Ordination of Joel Buxton”
Sis Buxton, This made me cry with joy. It brings back so many memories for me. I went to Bro. Ernest Merell’s church in Orange while growing up. I remember all the fellowship meetings in Garden Grove and section two youth camps. I moved to Fresno in 1980 and lost track of everyone. It is so wonderful to see God’s anointing being passed from one generation to the next.
Your son Joel was here in Fresno a while back and preached for us, He did a great job!
Lord bless you, Caroline
http://carolinessoundingboard.blogspot.com/
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Thank you for your encouraging words. We love you.
Love all of you so much. Hope we can bounce up your way and see your new church sometime. Thanks for being here and for commenting.
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What a good report! Our congratulations on Bro. Joel & Sis. Aisha. It’d be great to hear Steve sometime. You are surrounded (in your own family) by quite the cloud of witnesses. GOD BLESS YOU!
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Yes…I wish we could have talked longer as well. I have been sick on and off. Please pray that I get rid of whatever has been going around soon. I was fine this morning, then at around 12pm or so I started to feel really sick, but I had to stay at school cause I missed all of last week. I’m feeling much better as I write to you but lets hope I do ok at school tomorrow.
Are you eating properly and getting enough rest? I’m saying a little prayer for you. Love……..
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Hey Sis. Buxton,
Sorry I haven’t written you in while. It was good to see you Sunday.
I am so very excited for Bro. Joel and Sis. Aisha. 🙂 There are great things in store for them.
Good morning, dear girl. I loved talking with you just for a minute Sunday night…wish it could have been longer. Miss you when you’re not here.
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This is such a great report. You a blessed Sis Buxton. I rejoice with you .
Catherine, I am unspeakably blessed…and so grateful…and so humbled. Thank you for your words.
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I am so happy to hear about this. Jeremy and I had the distinct honor and privalege to minister to this body of believers in Carson City two Summers ago. There is such sweet congregation there and the city has such a need of God. I am confident Joel and Aisha will do awesome things there. They are such a beautiful couple. I am so excited for them and will be praying that God gives them favor there.
Von de Leigh, thank you for these encouraging words. I believe Joel and Aisha will do well, as they truly love God and His people.
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[…] Laying on of Hands Hands, originally uploaded by Shirley Buxton. _______ On Sunday in Chula Vista, CA., the ministry laid hands on my grandson Joel Buxton, and he was sent forth as an ordained minister […]
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3Jn 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
That is my greatest desire. You Sister are now one of my heroes because I know that that is not easily done.
I pray God grant your request, Lynda. There is no greater joy.
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