No Greater Joy

“The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1-4 (emphasis mine.)

He came to sit with us when he saw us across the large church in Modesto, and we were disappointed to see that Aisha and the children weren’t with him. “Thane just can’t miss any more school,” the teacher had said. He could not stay with us throughout the service, though, for at the opening word, all the candidates for ordination were called to be seated in the first row of pews.

–

After the songs, the presentations, the business and the sermon, Joel and the others were called to the platform. An usher came and escorted Jerry to the platform. “We want you to give him the special Bible, and to pray over him.”

–

It was beautiful. When it was his turn, Jerry spoke briefly to Joel, reminding him of his rich heritage and of his excellent opportunity. He charged him to preach truth. Then Jerry laid hands on his grandson Joel, a called minister of the Gospel. He blessed him.

Ordination of Joel Buxton

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.