The Pilgrimage

I vividly remember the night in May of 2000 when the Hayes family walked
into the worship center at Bethel for the first time. The church had
arranged a time for me to speak to the congregation, with a “getting
acquainted” time in the fellowship hall afterwards.

I distinctly remember that as we walked into the old worship center (now the
Agape Center) I was carrying 4 year old Caleb with one arm, with my Bible in
the other. Melissa was carrying 5 month old Courtney in her arms. Little
did we know that the next year God would bless us with Cassidy.

Looking back, there was a LOT I didn’t know at that point, about life and
ministry. I knew I had a burning desire to preach Jesus Christ and him
crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). I knew I had a passion to expound the
Scriptures, letting God speak through his Word (Acts 20:27). By his grace,
I’ve stayed faithful to those things, and he has blessed his Word.

But there was so much I didn’t know 8 years ago about being a pastor and
providing good leadership for our flock. We’ve seen lots of victories
together, but I had so much to learn, and some of it would have to come the
hard way. Unfortunately some of you sometimes suffered as a result of your
pastor’s hard knocks learning. Please forgive me for the times I’ve
exasperated you. Believe me, I wish I knew 8 years ago what I know now.
But I didn’t. I had to learn. I had to grow…and you guys have been so
patient and forgiving with me in the process.

Thanks for being such a loving family to the Hayes’. We love and appreciate
you so much. Let’s keep loving one another, loving Christ, and advancing
his Kingdom together!

Dr. Thurman R. Hayes, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Bethel Baptist Church
1004 Yorktown Road
Yorktown, VA 23693
(757) 867-8082
www.bbcyorktown.org