On the evening of May 27, 2013, the Lord called home one of His Servants, Rev. James Chunn Turner, Sr. As I write this commentary, the Spirit of the Lord moved me to see the powerful witness of this man of God. Lamentations 3:22-23 says: “It is the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because His compassion fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Rev. Turner was well known locally and nationally. The words in the National Baptist Hymnal written by Thomas O. Chisholm, say: “Great is thy faithfulness; Great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed, thy hand hath provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

Rev. Turner was one with God before the foundation of the world was laid. As one of God’s Elect, Rev. Turner was instilled with all the potentials he would need in his life, along with all the desires of his heart. The greatest of his desire was being the pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He was a servant who walked morning by morning in the spirit and love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, experiencing new mercies from his everlasting Father whom he trusted to take care of him and sustain him. Rev. Turner leaves behind a great legacy of his life, and a great message. Many things occur in a lifetime.

We are not prepared for some of our experiences, and may not have an opportunity to prepare for them again. But death is an experience, which never reoccurs. It is a journey, which we shall only travel once. Therefore, we must be ready like Pastor Turner was. No one should go on a trip without first preparing. Let’s all be intercessors for God’s love, joy, peace and comfort for this bereaved family. Contact the EOF Ministry at: P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or  e-mail <310watson@aol.com>. God bless!